I will not support Jabir: Waddey

Lawyer Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim (Waddey), who removed his name after announcing that he will contest for Kaashidhoo seat on PPM ticket, has said that he will not support Jumhooree Party candidate Abdulla Jabir.

Speaking at a PPM function held last night, Waddey said that he put the interest of the country before his own and removed his name from the election following advice of PPM. He will however, not support Jumhooree Party candidate Abdulla Jabir.

He said that no wealthy businessman can ‘buy’ him, and that when he gave up the Kaashidhoo seat, the sacrifices he had made in this regard were presented as a gift to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

“I have given up something very valuable, and presented it as a gift to my educator, our leader for 30 golden years and founder of development in our country, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. No matter how valuable my sacrifice is, I assure you, it cannot be bought by a businessman’s money,” Waddey said.

He also said that because the names of the candidates had already been arranged, according to the law, his name can no longer be removed from the Kaashidhoo by-election. The people of Kaashidhoo therefore do have the choice of ticking his name when they vote.

“The people of Kaashidhoo will show this time, that they cannot be bought by money. They will show whether they want a competent person, an educated person, or a person who is most suitable to represent them at the Parliament,” Waddey said.

Later when Gayoom spoke at the function, he thanked Waddey for according him his sacrifice, and accepted the gift.

PPM struggled with differences in opinion when JP’s Jabir decided to contest in Kaashidhoo by-election, when Waddey had already submitted his name on PPM ticket. PPM decided to take a step back and support Jabir in the election, which also resulted in Dr Mohamed Saud leaving the party.