Qaasim says that opposition needs to

Qaasim Ibrahim, the country’s foremost business tycoon, and major opposition politician, said last night in a special gathering of all opposition parties and Civil NGOs Union, that the opposition “needs to sing the same tune” in order to hold the Maldivian Government accountable.

Last night’s gathering was organized by the Alliance of seven major opposition parties in unison with the Union of the Civil NGOs, to mark the National Day. Speaking at the ceremony, Qaasim said that he did not believe that the Constitution of the country was being enforced, and that whatever actions that needed to be taken could not be delayed any longer. He also said that “individual liberty is now fleeing the country through the Gaadhoo Kolu”, referring to the major sea route through which ships enter and exit Malé, the Capital of the Maldives from outside the country.

Qaasim also said that the nation could only be saved by combined and brotherly efforts of all those who love the nation and were prepared to take political responsibility, without bickering amongst themselves.

Qaasim heavily criticized the President Nasheed for saying that he would “walk the path shown by the Chief Justice, will obey the judgments of the Chief Justice, and will provide all cooperation to the Chief Justice”, in a meeting where the Chief Justice himself was present, after Nasheed’s administration had blatantly refused to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court and High Court to release an illegally arrested Chief Judge of the Criminal Court.

“Isn’t this shocking? What is this man saying? Are we all idiots? I am sure that we are all intelligent men in our right minds. With God’s mercy, we are not out of our minds”, said Qaasim, concluding his criticism of President Nasheed.

Qaasim also said that arresting a judge, in thorough and clear violation of the Constitution and laws has created doubts in the hearts of the people as to what will happen in the future. He also said that the government’s continued threatening and intimidation of judges is aimed at designing and re-fashioning the judiciary in accordance with the wishes of Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party, and to ensure that courts are functioning as a platform that would protect MDP’s interests.