Opposition Alliance calls on President to join them

29 December 2007
Report: Soodh

At the first protest staged by Opposition Alliance, invitation was extended to President Maumoon and Finance Minister Qasim to join the alliance and work for the benefit of the people.

The protest was participated by all parties and societies that form the Alliance. In this regard key leaders like Dr. Hassan, Dr. Shaheed, Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) and Mohamed Jameel. In addition to some MP of the Special Majlis, Mohamed Musthafa Hussain, Principal of the EPS School also participated.

Mohamed Nasheed (Anni ) speaking at the gathering attended by more than 500 members and well wishers called on the Finance Minister Qasim Ibrahim to resign his government position and join the alliance to serve the people. Anni claimed that President Maumoon‘s “situation room” would try their best to discredit Qasim of his services to the people. Anni warned Qasim to be wary of the President as he may finally blame Qasim for the consequences that may arise due to high expenditure of the government. Anni also warned Minister Qasim that he may have to face the same fate as that of the President Maumoon at the very last minute.

Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) speaking at the gathering called on Qasim to step aside if do not desire the good services he has rendered to the people to be “a river of blood”. Colonel said the Alliance is calling for an interim government as they do not wish Maldives to be in a situation similar to Pakistan.

President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Hussain Rasheed said interim government is step taken towards a free and fair election. He said Maldivians are a group of people with “fish blood” and Mohamed Amin, the President of the country was deposed with the same hot blooded spirit. He said it would be an easy task for the people to get rid of President Maumoon and called on the President to join the Alliance before “he faces a situation which he might not like”.

Mohamed Musthafa Hussain who joined the Alliance recently said the new constitution would be of no use unless people respect it and abide by it. He called on the people to be patient as the rewards of the new constitution would be experienced a while later.

MP of the Special Majlis for Baa Atoll said the objective of the Alliance was to make the road to the new constitution orderly and peaceful.

Anni speaking at the rally said historically constitutions in Maldives were formed as an “easy fitting shirt for the leaders”. However he said the Alliance wants to form a constitution that would be in the best interest of the people.

Colonel continuing his address at the rally said the main obstacle faced MP of the Special Majlis in providing a constitution that protects the rights and welfare of the people is Qasim. He cited Qasim’s “change of sides” as the main reason. Colonel further said the main reason why he did not vote to elect Qasim to the position of Speaker of the Special Majlis was his fear that it may come to this situation.

“People’s Majlis has decided to award a 100 million rufiyaa subsidy to fisherman, I call on Qasim and President Maumoon not make use the money as a campaign tool, or they might face bitter consequences” Colonel said.

The rally was brought to a close at around 6 pm.