PPM describes MDP

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has described the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) sports and entertainment policy, “Majaa Kurun, Birakaa Nulaa Foohifiluvun” (fun, entrainment without fear) as a cheap tactic to win votes from drug addicts.

Speaking to the media at a press conference in PPM's main office today, the party's parliamentary group member Ahmed Mahloof said the MDP’s strategy to win votes from drug addicts is disconcerting.

“We all believe that there are a large number of drug addicts in our community today. When you give out message like this, it is encouraging the young people and these addicts, just for the election. Surveys by different organizations show that a lot of people use drugs. I think we’re talking about 10,000, if not 15,000 people. It is possible that this pledge was to win their vote,” Mahloof said.

He said that playing sports and seeking entertainment has never been associated with fear in the Maldivian society and that when MDP starts talking about entertainment without fear, it is something worth thought and consideration.

“Through all this time in the Maldives, I don’t think there has been anything to fear about playing sports. So we have to consider the kind of sport they are talking about,” Mahloof said.

At the announcement ceremony of their sports and entertainment mini manifesto at Raalhugandu yesterday, former president and MDP’s presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed said that, in a MDP government, “SO Police (Special Operations Police) will not be able to go and ruin the young people’s fun.”