MDP taking to the streets to defend public rights, not for political gain: Mauroof
Legal counsel Mauroof has accused the current administration of infringing upon citizens' rights by halting development projects and unfairly dismissing employees. Alleging that the government is utilizing its parliamentary majority to act oppressively, he stated that the protest scheduled for Thursday is a movement to demonstrate public power and demand the restoration of stalled essential services. Mauroof emphasized that the gathering is not driven by political motives but serves as the only remaining avenue for citizens to voice their grievances.
Legal counsel Ahmed Mauroof speaking during RaajjeTV's "Fala Surukhee" program. | RaajjeMV
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is organizing nationwide protests this coming Thursday, not for political gain, but to advocate for the fundamental rights of the people, stated legal counsel Ahmed Mauroof.
Speaking on Wednesday night’s "Fala Surukhee" program, attorney Mauroof highlighted the efforts made during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration to empower citizens and safeguard their rights. He pointed to the various development projects launched across all inhabited islands aimed at establishing essential services. Furthermore, he noted that under the previous administration, ministers were regularly summoned to the People’s Majlis to be held accountable and questioned regarding the progress and implementation of these projects.
However, he stated that under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, citizens' rights are being undermined and development projects have come to a standstill. He further noted that the unfair dismissal of employees and the use of intimidation have escalated beyond all limits.
Referring to the nationwide protests organized by the MDP for Thursday, Mauroof stated that the demonstrations are not politically motivated, but rather a movement to advocate for the rights of the people. He further emphasized that there is no other way to secure public rights and ensure the resumption of stalled development projects.
As we gather for tomorrow's demonstration, we are putting forward three primary demands, the first of which is the resumption of stalled development projects. We do not view this as a political issue; rather, we are advocating for the fundamental rights of our citizens. We are speaking about essential services like water and sanitation. In several islands, daily life has become a struggle due to the absence of these facilities. Therefore, we are taking a stand to demand the rights of the people. This gathering is a response to the fact that the current situation has become untenable. We remain firm in our conviction that the ultimate power in this state resides with the people.Attorney Ahmed Mauroof
Referring to the 20th People's Majlis, Mauroof stated that President Muizzu is increasingly resorting to tyranny, fueled by the government's significant supermajority in parliament.
Mauroof stated that summoning a minister to Parliament to address public concerns has become an arduous task. He further noted that even when ministers do appear, they fail to provide adequate or satisfactory answers.
He stated that Thursday night's rally is intended to demonstrate the power of the people and the extent of public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
