News
|
||||
Maldivian
party wants SL support
The MDP members hope to meet with President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar before the end of the month to inform them of the plight of the Maldivian people. "So far, we have been disappointed by the lack of interest and support extended to us by the Lankan Government" said Mohamed Latheef, founder of the MDP and chief spokesperson. As both historical precedent and the present constitutional form of the Maldives are based on the principles of political pluralism, several times during the last decade individuals and groups of persons have attempted collective political association. Nevertheless all such attempts have been brutally suppressed by the present regime holding power in the country, said Mr. Latheef. In 2001 a group of 42 people including members of Parliament, a former Cabinet minister, leading businessmen, academics, feminists and popular sports stars came together to form a political party under the name of the MDP. However, as the present regime holding power in the country refused to grant this fundamental right of political association and refused registration, the party decided that the only viable option for such association was by declaring the party as an entity in exile. On November 10, 2003 the MDP was officially formed. The Maldivian Democratic Party enthusiastically embraces the underlying principles behind Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's calls for political reform in the country. This is illustrated in the unprecedented event that took place recently, he said. More than 70 members of the party attended an informal gathering at a restaurant in Male, to once again meet each other and exchange ideas on what steps to take, given the new political environment. In an exchange of views and more importantly in an exchange of experiences one fundamental call arose, said Mr. Latheef. "Step down Mr. President. Let the Parliament practice its mandatory obligations, and pass the new constitution. Let the people enjoy their fundamental rights. Back your talk with action and give us true political pluralism. Reform those institutions which have been manipulated far too long at the hands of one man and give us the free and transparent political culture you talk of, but make it genuine," was the MDP's plea, he said. |
||||
Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
