Niyaz: Not too late to take action on members at odds with MDP policies

Hulhumale’ MP, Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) former chairperson Ali Niyaz, underscoring being aware of some members of the main ruling party blatantly working against the policies of the party, has stated efforts were underway to take action against such members.

Commenting on the deep divide within MDP – Niyaz stressed seeing some MDP members working alongside those that have been the most opposed to the party’s policies for the implementation of them.

“We are seeing discussions taking place with many that were against it when we formulated our manifesto in 2018,” he said.

However, he explained his remarks were not targeted towards any partners of the incumbent government coalition.

Niyaz went on to state that supporters of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih are working to elect the rightful presidential candidate of the party in the election in line with MDP’s policies. He described the party’s leader, Mohamed Nasheed’s actions as a complete contradiction of these policies.

“Working to ensure the presidential candidate contesting the election on MDP’s ticket does not win is not a policy of MDP,” he added.

Niyaz, noting efforts were underway to take action on MDP members at odds with the party’s policies, said the process to dismiss such members will also be initiated.

“There have been no delays. The process is underway. The parliamentary group has been taking action over incidents that have taken place in the parliament. Dismissal from the party is the next step. This is not something the parliamentary group can do,” he said.