MP Nasheed expresses hope period of state of emergency is shortened

South Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed expressed hope the 30-day State of Emergency declared in the country, starting 12 pm on Wednesday, is shortened.

Speaking at People’s Majlis on Thursday during debate on decree on State of Emergency, MP Nasheed noted that no one would want any of the rights bestowed upon the people by Constitution to be constrained. And that no president would want to declare a State of Emergency during their term in office.

“There will be some things that are legal, but still not acceptable to some. We know that no president would want a State of Emergency. That’s what I believe. I, myself don’t want any constraints on my rights. I don’t want any constraints on where I go, or leaving and entering the country. Or for raids on my home. Neither do I want anyone to go through my transactions,” he said.

MP Nasheed said that there needs to come a time when the rights of all take precedence over individual rights.

He said that he did not make the decision to vote in favor of the decree based on reports by media. And that President Abdulla Yameen had personally briefed Majlis members on the state of the country. And that President Yameen had divulged more information than what the Majlis members had needed to know.

“I found what President Yameen said about the state of the country believable. I believe it,” he said. Adding that the president had given detailed information of the developing situation in the country.

MP Nasheed said that declaring a State of Emergency was no way for a president to get famous or receive the love of the people. And that President Yameen himself knew it only too well.

“I believe it is the president himself who would best know why he had to do something that would ignite wrath of the people instead of something that would give him fame and acceptance,” he said.