Still committed to reform – Dr. Hassan

16 December 2007
Report: Soodh

Former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed who resigned from cabinet last August has said that the reason why he joined the government in 2003 was to work towards bringing reform to the country and that he is still committed to that work. He made the statement speaking at the meeting held in Addu Atoll organized by the united opposition front working to establish a transitional government in order to make the transition to the new constitution.

At the meeting Dr. Hassan Saeed spoke on the reasons why he left the government. He also noted that he was able to bring some reform while working with the government.

“Actually I would like to believe that I am still working to achieve the main objective in joining the government, I am of the opinion the best way to introduce reform is bring it from within peacefully and smoothly, I accepted the Attorney General’s post to work for reform, I told him then that he would not have to dismiss me if I am found incapable of discharging my duties, I told him that I would resign before that happens, so that day I acted just as I told him” said Dr. Hassan Saeed who has said that he would compete in the forthcoming presidential elections.

Dr. Hassan Saeed revealed that the international community applied considerable pressure on the government to implement reform and as a result those government officers who were keen to work towards implementing reform were given ample opportunity.

He noted that current freedom of expression, freedom of assembly were the result of government officers working for reform as well as due to the pressure applied on the government by those outside the government.

He further said reform process faced obstacles when the question arose whether President Maumoon should continue with the reform process or to continue remain in power. President chose to remain in power and sacrifice the reform process said Dr. Hassan Saeed.
Dr. Hassan Saeed further revealed that President Maumoon in order to continue staying in power do not want to establish an independent High Court or an independent judiciary.