Maumoon: Integrity and courage ‘crucial’ for political success

Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – who is currently facing dissent from within his own party - has noted that integrity and courage was crucial for political success.

Maumoon – who is currently out of the country on a personal visit – tweeted on Wednesday night that giving weight to fear meant that no politician would ever be able to deliver on their promise.

Integrity and courage are crucial for success in all political endeavours. If we allow fear to restrict our actions we will never deliver.

— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) August 10, 2016

Dissent within the ruling party came to public attention after PPM lawmakers blatantly defied Maumoon’s request that they vote against a controversial amendment to Tourism Act, which authorized the government to lease islands, land and lagoons for tourism without an open-bidding process.

Maumoon had called the amendment “detrimental to the future development of the country.”

PPM is currently divided into two factions – President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom loyalists and Maumoon loyalists.

Maumoon had also requested PPM lawmakers not to vote for the controversial bill on defamation and freedom of speech – passed by People’s Majlis on Tuesday.

The bill criminalizes defamation and gives authorities sweeping powers to penalize media or any other Maldivian citizen found guilty of an act of defamation written in the bill.

Penalties include fines between MVR 50,000 – MVR 2 million, cutting off live feeds, and shutting down media stations.

Three PPM lawmakers voted against the bill, all three of whom have been promised disciplinary action by PPM Parliamentary Group.

PPM lawmakers who voted against the bill are:

• South Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed

• Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa

• Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Faaris Maumoon