Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom says though 45 Parliamentarians had supported the no confidence motion on Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh, that they need to increase the number to 60.

Speaking in the joint opposition rally held in Maafannu Kunooz, the former President said the work carried out by the opposition should not halt at 45 Parliamentarians. Rather, he said this has to reach 60 Parliamentarians.

‘Even though we have 45 Parliamentarians, this has to reach 50,60. We have to increase the number of MPs with us, to further our cause,’ he said.

He called on other MPs to ally with cause, stating that the opportunity to serve the nation was open to all. Maumoon said this should be a point of pride for all MPs.

The former President admitted that it will be quite easy for disagreements to surface in a joint operation conducted by four opposition parties. He said he had experienced this previously.

‘We’ve experienced this. Happens across the world. We have to be wary of that. We cannot let internal disagreements to divide us. We have to remain united, make decisions after discussions, based on majority views and not of one single person. Have to focus on what’s best for the nation,’ Maumoon said.

The former President also assured that the work of the opposition will be 'a resounding success'.