Riyaz: MNP will not work for the benefit of another political party

Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz at a press conference by MNP on December 19, 2021. (Sun Photo/Naail Hussain)

MNP deputy leader, Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz states the party will not work for the benefit another political party, but for the rights of the people.

He made the statement in response to a remark by MDP deputy leader and Minister at the President’s Office Mohamed Shifaz that the MNP was contesting in the Komandoo by-elections to secure votes for PPM.

Riyaz told Sun on Sunday that MNP will not align itself with another political party. He said that MNP was founded with the noble intention of advocating for the rights of the people.

He said that MNP’s stand was clear, and that it would remain dedicated to its purpose of advocating for the rights of the people.

“MNP is a party which will say no to join efforts by MDP and PPM to make changes to allow foreign ownership of Maldivian land,” he said. “And, MNP was founded to advocate against activities in Maldives that go against Islamic faith.”

As three parties compete for the Komandoo parliamentary seat, Riyaz has previously stated that MNP was leading the race.

The Komandoo parliamentary seat was left vacant following the death of MP Hussain Waheed on December 14. He died at the age of 53 years in a hospital in Male’ City after a year-long battle with cancer.

The by-election is scheduled to be held on February 5.