Maldives government's arrogance towards foreign reps. led to loss at UNSC: MP Ali Hussain

Kendhoo constituency MP Ali Hussain has described Maldives' loss at the United Nations Security Council as a result of the government's 'arrogance' towards foreign representatives.

Speaking on RaajjeTV's Fala Surukhee programme via phone on Friday, Hussain noted that incumbent President Abdulla Yameen's government had refused to meet with the United States Ambassador to the Maldives, Atul Keshap, during his visit here earlier this week. Earlier in February, the government had refused to meet with representatives from the European Union.

Noting that the Maldives has always had good-governance policies, MP Hussain blamed President Yameeen and his administration of destroying these policies.

He noted that when casting such a vote at the UN, countries will look into the actions of the government, including 'how they are treating the people and whether they are being granted the basic rights and freedoms, as well as whether all are being treated fairly'.

MP Hussain said that Friday's loss shows President Yameen's "failure", adding that it is a failure that has shamed the nation and the people.

"Maldivian people do no deserve this," he added.

Maldives lost the United Nations Security Council seat to Indonesia on Friday, with 144 of the 193-member countries voting in support of Indonesia. Maldives secured just 46 votes.