Qasim: There will be no MDP without Nasheed

Jumhoory Party’s leader (JP) Qasim Ibrahim has praised Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed once again – this time stating MDP would not exist without Nasheed.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of JP’s fourth congress on Sunday night – Qasim emphasized his services to the Maldivian education sector. While speaking in this trajectory, he strongly, but indirectly, criticized the incumbent government; a coalition that includes JP.

Noting that thousands of students study at Villa College annually – Qasim said that the work was carried out with immense assistance from Nasheed.

Villa Group, during Nasheed’s administration, won a bid for a tender announced regarding investment in education by private parties in collaboration with the government. Speaking at last night’s ceremony – Qasim alleged lack of cooperation for efforts undertaken in the provision of education services. Villa College, back then, had been permitted to be in operation for 35 years.

“The time period has not been extended. No way to do anything. We have no way of moving forward. Sincerely thanking you (Nasheed} for the foundation you have laid,” he said.

Qasim accused the government of non-cooperation with respect to investments made by private parties in the education sector.

JP concluded its congress Sunday night after voting in favor of advising the party’s council to contest the upcoming presidential election independently, and not as part of a coalition. Meanwhile, Nasheed, following his loss in MDP’s primary, has been lobbying for Qasim to contest the election.

In this regard, Nasheed remarked that this year’s election is a golden opportunity for Qasim.