We never had freedom even before Gayoom – Ibraa

23 September 2007
Report: Soodh

Parliament member for Male’ constituency Ibrahim Ismail (Ibraa) currently working to form Social Liberal Party, who was also former MDP leader has said that we never had most of the rights and freedom even before President Gayoom’s time.

Speaking at the meeting held to establish the Social Liberal Party at Dharubaaruge Dhoshimeynaa Maalan, Ibraa said that the history speaks it all. He said that during the time of former President Ibrahim Nasir as well as during the time of former President Mohamed Amin and the subsequent time of monarchy under Mohamed Fareed, the Maldivians never had much of the freedom they wanted.

He said that the first Constitution of the country was drafted and formulated with assistance of the British under Mohamed Shamsudhdheen and the present reforms and the revision of the Constitution was due to the external pressure on government to do so.

He also said that it could have started even before and when 30 years has passed. He criticized the government for the delays in bringing about the reforms and said that the main two pillars that would drive his party would be peace and justice.

Ibraa noted that there is no need to use vulgar words and anger the cabinet members and the President, but called upon the members of the party to unite and work together for the benefit of the country, no matter which party is in power.

He said that the party would work to alleviate the problems that many Maldivians are facing and that it would strive to provide better and conducive environment for the people to live.

Ibraa also said that 30-years under President Gayoom would be the history of Maldives no matter what and therefore, we should look forward.

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