Only a government headed by the opposition coalition’s candidate can eliminate corruption and bring peace to the country, says former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel.

During his speech at Jumhoree Party (JP)’s 10-year anniversary celebration on Friday night, Dr. Jameel said that the citizens have the power to bring about a better Maldives.

In his speech, Dr. Jameel said that Maldives is in a unique situation but that it should not be used to allow the sale of sovereign land to foreigners and the deterioration of the justice system.

He said that being politically active, commenting on politics, and holding assemblies, should not be a crime.

Dr. Jameel also said that God has forbidden the act of giving and accepting bribes.

“We should not believe that corruption is halal (permitted in religion). Maldivian citizens should not believe that financial safety, education, health, and housing are owed to only some people.”

He said that the opposition should aim to make the justice system treat every citizen equally, and expressed concern that some people are being imprisoned for their political differences.

He also said that the parliament is where the rights of citizens are protected and upheld and that it should not be a place where a person’s work is obstructed due to political differences.