If we start with 42, success is assured: Qasim

Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim says that history had shown that any endeavor that had begun with 42 backers will become a successful endeavor.

Speaking in the joint opposition rally in Maafannu Kunooz on Monday night, following the submission of the no confidence motion on Speaker Abdullah Maseeh, Qasim reflected on the current political situation. Qasim pointed out that when political parties were first formed, they had begun the work with the signatures of 42 members.

‘I don’t know what kind of sign this is. But any endeavor that starts with 42 has become a success,’ he said, referring to the amendment that was brought to the Parliament laws that mandate the signatures of 42 MPs for any no confidence motions.

Qasim thanked the 45 MPs who had signed and backed the motion. In spite of Parliament going on an indefinite hiatus, Qasim said they were prepared for anything that may happen.

Qasim added that Maseeh’s no confidence motion was submitted with 45 signatures, one more than the vote he got to become Speaker. He noted that while 45 MPs had signed the motion, there were more with the movement.

Qasim further said that there was nothing feared, adding that the Government will not be able to jail him.

He added that Isdhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Rasheed’s claims that his signature was forged, were untrue.

Qasim noted the reformist work carried out by former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed, as well as Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdullah. He defined Nasheed as a star and said that Maldivians will be proud of the work carried out by Maumoon.