Nasheed responsible if government was not able to provide services during the first 100 days: Didi

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s recently removed president Dr Ibrahim Didi has said that if the government has not been able to provide services to the public during the first 100 days of President Waheed’s government, the responsibility must taken by Nasheed.

Dr Didi criticised Nasheed while speaking on VTV last night, and said that Nasheed should take full responsibility for the challenges faced by the government as a result of MDP impeding the opening of the Parliament on two occasions, as well as the protests on 8 February held to obstruct the government.

“Protests are being held continuously since 7 February to upset the government. Government projects and public services are also being obstructed. Nasheed should take full responsibility for all this,” Didi said.

He said that the biggest accomplishment by the government during its first 100 days is its success in providing public services undisrupted, in spite of Nasheed’s efforts to boycott the tourism industry, and protests held in various parts of the country where serious crimes such as setting fire to buildings were committed.

Dr Didi said that the current government did not challenge any of the projects started by Nasheed’s administration; instead those projects are being continued at a fast speed. In this regard, he noted that Nasheed paid no attention to the issue of fishermen requiring subsidies, however the fact that this project has been commenced, is proof that the current government implements the former government’s decisions.

“It was discussed in the cabinet meetings to provide subsidies to fishermen as included in the budget. I advised Nasheed to do this, but he did not agree. So I believe that the current government is prompt in providing the necessary services to the public,” Dr Didi said.

Dr Didi also criticised the fact that Nasheed plans to contest in the presidential election on MDP ticket. He said that majority of Maldivian people are not happy with and doubtful about Nasheed’s policies, and that Nasheed will not get the 51 percent votes necessary to win the first round.

“That means we would have to go for a second round, and then none of the big political parties in the Maldives has any confidence in Nasheed. So the reality is that there is not much chance of Nasheed becoming President,” Dr Didi said.