The government has been successful in doing much of what has been promised to the people, however, there are shortcomings and a lot more needs to be done, says Speaker of Parliament and Former President Mohamed Nasheed.
The Majlis Speaker made these remarks during an interview with Daily Mirror during his visit to neighboring Sri Lanka, when questioned on his take on the term of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in office so far.
Highlighting that the president is fulfilling the pledges that have been made to the people, Nasheed stated that much of the pledges that were promised to the people when the administration took over, have been delivered.
First, it is a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Government. The President is fulfilling the pledges that we made to the people. I believe that the Government is successful in doing much of what we have promised. But of course, there are shortcomings and we have a lot of work to do. But I do believe that we have delivered on much of the pledges that we promised to the people when we came to Government this time.”Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of Parliament and Former President.
Shedding light on his fortunate recovery from the 6 May 2021 terrorist attack that targeted his life in the heart of the capital city, the speaker stressed on the need to join hands and fight against extremism and terrorism.
He said this when questioned about concerns regarding Maldives becoming a hotbed of islamist extremist activities. As such, noting that there are extremist views throughout the globe, Nasheed stressed that the young people are being brainwashed by these extremist ideologies.
it is happening in many places. We have to be very careful about it. We have to have programmes that would educate our people, that would enlighten our people on how things should work. And I think this is a very serious issue for all our governments, including the Maldives Government and other regions, the Sri Lankan Government and everyone. We must join our hands and fight against extremism and terrorism.”Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of Parliament and Former President.
When questioned whether he believed the incumbent administration is doing enough to combat extremism, the former president of Maldives said that President Solih has formulated a counter terrorism unit at the President’s Office which has since been coordinated.
Nasheed revealed that both the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) are engaged in the work and expressed his confidence that the government is addressing the issue and will be able to “root out” the violent elements within.
The speaker visited Sri Lanka on the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Youth Minister Namal Rajapaksa, for the Youth Parliament opening session in Maharagama.
He highlighted that the relations between Maldives and Sri Lanka go back a long way and that for many centuries both countries have shared the same ethnic stock.
We are the same people. So we have very good relations. I am sure any Government, whoever is in Government will continue that relationship.”Mohamed Nasheed, Speaker of Parliament and Former President.
