Male’, Maldives – Former President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was the person who did the most to stop foreign influence on the Maldives.
While speaking at a gathering by the opposition last night, Dr. Waheed stated that ever since democracy was introduced in the country, foreign influence had been an issue for the island nation as such influences come in through various activities carried out in the name of democracy. He also added that he had to face such influences during his short term as the president and that day by day, such activities are increasing.
“The person who stopped those influences, those dangerous activities was President Yameen” Dr Waheed said.
Dr. Waheed also said that some countries have heavy hearts against the former president Yameen due to this reason and that while Maldivians respect all neighboring countries, Maldives would never let any country hinder the sovereignty of the nation at any chance. He also said that due to the location of Maldives, that a lot of people want this country and the sovereignty has been maintained till now by the hard work of the previous generations even with all the pressure from other countries.
He added that maintaining the nations sovereignty is a responsibility of all the citizens and the easiest way to loose independence is due to division and instability within the country.
“Portuguese were successful to capture Maldives because of the civil unrest in the country. Because of the differences within the rulers. Whenever there is civil unrest due to politics and creates rifts among the citizens, it threatens the independence and sovereignty of the nation” Dr Waheed told.
He also said that it’s important to prevent falling apart of close bonds among the people due to the activities carried out under the name of democracy and to stop the harm caused to political rivals because of the political differences. Dr Waheed stated that it’s a sad thing to see the Former President Yameen in jail which the country was celebrating National Day.
The opposition have been questioning the sovereignty of Maldives after the issue of Indian military personnel staying in Maldives to operate the two helicopters came under public debate recently and an online campaign has started calling to remove all such personnel has been going on under the hashtag “IndiaOut”.
The opposition has been accusing the current government of allowing India to build their military bases around the country as well. The main controversy began as the number of Indian pilots and crew who are stationed in Maldives to operate the two helicopters which the Indian government had donated to MNDF grew larger.
Former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik made a comeback into Maldivian politics by joining PPM in June of this year, as the Special Advisory of the opposition Progressive Congress Coalition. Dr. Waheed has been seen as one of the most active opposition leaders since he joined PPM and has been actively criticizing the current administration.
