Thasmeen never asked the government for a loan guarantee: DRP

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has denied the statement by Interim Vice President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Umar Naseer that DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali had asked the government for a loan guarantee to repay his debts, and said that this is a complete lie.

Registrar of DRP and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Mohamed Saleem (Hoarafushi Saleem) said at a press conference that Thasmeen had not asked the government for such a loan:

“Neither Thasmeen nor any member of his family have asked the current government for a loan or done anything illegal to obtain such a loan,” Saleem said on behalf of Thasmeen.

He said that this statement by Umar Naseer is targeted at Thasmeen and the government; and called on the government to clarify the issue to the Maldivian people.

He noted that Umar Naseer is known to make such baseless statements, and pointed out that he accused Thasmeen of another issue regarding GMR. Investigation by Anti-corruption Commission (ACC) revealed that there was no truth behind those claims.

“We are sad that he makes up such lies while he holds such a high post in PPM. DRP believes that people in the leadership of political parties should not lie to the people,” he said.

Umar Naseer told media that Thasmeen’s hope is to obtain a sovereign guarantee to repay his debts, and that DRP will withdraw from the coalition if this demand is not met. He also said that DRP is a branch of MDP, and that he was removed from DRP because he protested against Nasheed’s government.