DRP says no to interim govt. – President

18 November 2007
Report: Jaxu

Speaking at a general meeting of the Dhivehi Rahyithuge Party, DRP, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Leader of the party as well as the country’s President has said that DRP will not support the notion of establishing an interim government to govern the country during the transitional period.

In his address to party members at the meeting, Leader of DRP, Maumoon said that there is no political and constitutional need to establish such an interim government. He said an interim government is normally established when the peace and security of the country is lost due to civil unrest or by any other means. He further said the country does not need such an arrangement and the he will not support the notion.

President further said even though many claim that Reform Agenda belongs to them, it is quite simply not true.

“It is not true; Reform Agenda has been going on for 4 years and was well received by the people; many would like to claim credit for it, truth can be verified from the chronicles, who proposed it, when and where did he propose, all that can be verified” said the Leader of DRP.

Leader of DRP, President Gayoom further said DRP are the ones who propose best amendments reflective of democratic principles in the Special Majlis and thanked them for their work. He noted that DRP Members of the Special Majlis had proposed a chapter on Islamic Sharia and that the chapter is under the consideration of the Majlis.

“The revised constitution should protect the peace and security of the country and must be beneficial to the people, the constitution must first and foremost protect country’s Islamic identity, the people want to maintain our 100% Muslim status, as such in the formation of the new constitution priority should be given to protect the country’s Islamic identity, the new constitution should protect our way of life, our freedom, it should afford protection to human rights, it must provide a free and fair judiciary, freedom of speech, freedom of expression must be afforded under the new constitution, if the constitution does not afford all these then it is no use presenting it to the people” said Leader Maumoon.

Leader of DRP, President Maumoon said it is not true to say that country has made no progress in the last 29 years.

Speaking at the meeting the newly appointed Attorney General, Azima Shukoor said that all what opposition members have did was to fail Bills proposed by DRP members in the name of the democracy.