Waheed advises leaders to prioritize national interest over individual ambition

Former Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has appealed to current President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and former presidents – Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed to prioritize national interest over their own political ambitions and aspirations.

Waheed made the appeal in a tweet he sent out on Thursday morning with Yameen, Maumoon and Nasheed tagged in it.

Isn't it true that what is at stake in #Maldives is bigger than @MohamedNasheed @maumoonagayoom @PresidentYAG or me.

— Mohamed Waheed (@DrWaheedH) July 28, 2016

He pointed out in the tweet that the country was riddled with problems, and that what was at stake was greater than Yameen, Maumoon, or Nasheed.

Sun file photo of (From L-R) Nasheed and Maumoon taking a selfie during a football match.

Waheed’s statement comes amid increasing political turmoil in the country.

Waheed (L) shaking hands with Yameen (R) during the ceremony held to hoist the flag during Independence Day 2016 celebrations. Sun photo: Fayaz Moosa

Nasheed – refusing to return to return back to the country after being allowed permission to travel to UK for medical treatment – has formed an opposition coalition - Maldives United Opposition; while factions have formed within the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) over differences that arose between Maumoon – Leader of PPM – and Yameen – who was elected President as PPM’s candidate.