Musthafa says he is not into Politics

Former Health Minister Mohamed Musthafa Hussain has said that he has not reentered politics. He made the statement yesterday evening to Miadhu when asked about his involvement in some of the political activities currently being held in the country.

Former Minister recently participated in a rally organized by the National Unity Alliance formed by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Social Liberal Party (SLP), Adhaalath Party, Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) and New Maldives Movement. National Unity Alliance was formed with the intent to bring President Gayoom’s presidency to an end.

Explaining the reasons for addressing the recently held rally, Musthafa said that freedom of political expression we enjoy today are because of sacrifices made by many people and that because of that freedom, many undesirable evils has victimized our society. In this regard he noted undesirable effects on our society caused by the political divisions. He further noted that these bickering and divisions have not helped to maintain the peaceful and harmonious nature that always existed in our societies. Musthafa said he accepted the invitation to address the rally as many of these political parties has left their differences aside and has joined together. He said if were given such opportunities in the past, he would have accepted it but his acceptance would be based on the prevailing circumstances. In this regard Musthafa said he supports friendships and unity among people.

When asked whether a free and fair elections can be held with President Gayoom in power, Musthafa replied, if President Gayoom sincerely wanted reform then he would work towards holding such free and fair elections. Musthafa said as many people now believes that elections in the country have many irregularities, the best way to hold such fair, free and all inclusive election in a more transparent and open environment should be ascertained. He stressed that we should ascertain what is best for the country during the transitional period.

Mohamed Musthafa Hussain served as the Minister of Health in the Cabinet of the Maldives Government from November 1978 - November 1983 until his nomination as the Maldives Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in the rank of a Cabinet Minister.

Prior to his appointment as Minister of Health, he served in the Maldives Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York from September 1976 until early 1978 as Councellor, Minister Councellor, Deputy Permanent Representative and Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and finally as the Permanent Representative. When he served as the Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations he was concurrently accredited to India and Pakistan as Non-Resident Ambassador.