MRM: Nasheed representing another nation shows lack of respect of Maldives

Government coalition party, Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), on Sunday, has stated that Parliament Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed’s representation of Sri Lanka at 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27) held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, is an indicator of lack of respect to the Maldives in his heart.

Nasheed departed on a visit to Egypt, set to conclude this Wednesday, on last Friday to attend COP27 as a member of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka’s national delegation.

In a statement released on Sunday, MRM condemned Nasheed’s representation of Sri Lanka at COP27 citing his stature as an individual who has served as a Maldivian president, and his current stature as the head of one of the three powers of the state – deeming it unacceptable.

“As this party views, this an act of misconduct that contradicts the interests of the Maldivian government, is a violation of Article 75 of the Maldivian constitution and the regulations – obscuring the responsibilities of the parliament speaker,“ former President Abdulla Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s MRM had said in their statement.

Although many have aimed criticism at Nasheed for his decision, he has yet to make a statement regarding the issue.

In his visit, Nasheed is scheduled to take part in Climate Prosperity Plans Flagship Event: Paving the Way From Vulnerability to Propesperity, which will showcase progress made by countries in developing national climate resilience plans – an event organized by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and Climate Vulnerable 20 Countries (V20).

He will also meet with senior officials for CVF, V20 countries, alongside other countries on the sidelines of COP27.

CVF is an international forum held especially for countries that are at severe risk due to climate change – which Maldives is a party to.

Vice President Faisal Naseem also departed to Egypt on Friday to attend COP27, on behalf of the Maldives. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation from the government.