I’m back after a six-day scholarship: Qasim

Maamigili Constituency Member of Parliament Qasim Ibrahim says that he was back after a “six-day scholarship”, reiterating his commitment to the reform movement.

Speaking in Jumhooree Party headquarters of M. Kunooz, Qasim said repeated that he had not talked of anything illegal, but rather part and parcel of his mandate as Leader of Jumhooree Party and a member of opposition of movement.

Qasim said that his talk of encouraging defected Members back to his Party and supporting them in the next elections, were not with the intention of influencing any person. He added that he hoped that both the Courts and Prosecutor General will seek justice over the matter.

Comparing his stay in jail to a scholarship, Qasim noted that the procedures in the jail had increased. He especially noted that Police officers with the jail were more humane. In spite of the arrest, Qasim said that he remained committed to the reform movement.

Adding that the number of people with the reform movement had increased; a sign that most of the public had accepted the reform movement.

“The reform movement is a never ending process. Development hinges on this. Transparency is the key in public accountability. The President himself spoke of corruption. But we see that this remains without being resolved,” Qasim said.

Referring to the vote on Parliament Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Qasim said they had no intention of using force, as it would only aggravate the situation. He added that if the Government had the majority they claimed to enjoy, then they would not panic that much. This, he said was a sign that the President cannot count on his ranks and called on President Yameen to reflect on this.

“First they called for a roll call. This had not been done since the electronic system was placed in the Parliament. If they do this, while they claim a majority, then they do not have a majority. Those who helped Yameen come to power are now on the other side. Yameen himself should reflect on this, whether if he was doing things the right way. We have to hasten reform. Stop corruption. Reflect on this,” he said.

While the opposition had said they will submit the no confidence motion on Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh, Qasim on Saturday night said they currently have the required Members.

The motion on Speaker Maseeh was submitted with 31 Members. Soon afterward, the Parliament amended the procedures so that 42 signatures were required for the motion. The opposition Members had asserted that this move was an illegal one.