Amr: Govt. has failed, lost public trust

State Trading Organization (STO)’s former managing director Hussain Amr Mohamed Rashad has accused the government of failing to implement its manifesto, leading to loss of public faith in the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Amr was dismissed from STO’s board on March 26, for involvement in political talks held by MDP’s leader Mohamed Nasheed against President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih – who is MDP’s presidential candidate.

He has been more vocal of his criticism against the government since his dismissal.

In a statement Tuesday, Amr accused the government of failure to implement MDP’s manifesto. He said that he had always worked to implement the manifesto, while the government does not.

Amr said the people have therefore lost the trust and confidence they had in MDP.

“As a consequence of failure to make any changes to the style of running the government, the belief of lack of victory in the election without a coalition, emptying the state budget in spending on by-elections, a sudden increase in projects in select constituencies, and having to employ entire populations in state-owned enterprises, despite being in power and having a clear majority at the Parliament, is clear proof of lack of public support for the government,” he said.

Amr believes MDP will lose the presidential election slated for September 9 due to the actions of the government.

“So many people loyal to MDP are walking away from the party not because they are confused about the party’s policies. Or because they don’t accept them. I myself worked with sincerity and good intentions to implement those policies,” he said.

Nasheed and his supporters refuse to back President Solih, who won the party’s presidential primary to pave the path for his re-election in January. The faction has pledged support for Jumhoory Party (JP)’s presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim, and are engaged in talks with the party for a potential coalition.