Latheef clarifies MDP’s position vis à vis Abbas Ibrahim

Minivan News: It has recently been reported that Abbas Ibrahim is a supporter of the Maldivian Democratic Party. As MDP spokesperson, could you verify this please?

Latheef: The MDP stands for rational, transparent, accountable governance. It stands for freedom and liberal democracy, for the rule of law with a respect for human rights. I am not convinced that Mr Abbas Ibrahim adheres to these concepts.

If he has taken a u-turn and now espouses such values, then I for one am not aware of this dramatic change in his character. I cannot understand how a person can support an organization or a cause without believing in the fundamental principles underlying such as cause.

No, to date, Abbas is not a supporter of the MDP and vice versa.

Minivan News: There has also been speculation that you are somehow close to Abbas. For the record, could you state your relationship to Abbas and tell readers your political opinion of him?

I have read the report that a friend of mine (who is allegedly ‘Abbas’s spokesman’) uses this friendship as ‘proof’ of Abbas’ link to the MDP. Saleem (Sto) is indeed a friend, a relative and an important player in my 1989 Majlis campaign. Saleem is aware that I would not support anyone who props up Gayoom’s illegitimate rule. As Gayoom’s brother-in-law, as a media man and as senior government official Abbas has been a pillar of support for Gayoom’s despotism.

I recall during my brief stint as one of the few non-ministers in the committee that helped draft the present constitution, Abbas was the one who was most virulently opposed any notion of reform. I recall in the very last meeting I attended as a member of the drafting committee (before I was thrown into solitary confinement) other reformists and I persuaded the committee that a separation of powers and independence of the judiciary is an essential prerequisite for a free and democratic society. Abbas stood out as the lone voice of dissent, demanding that such a concept was antithetical to the principals of Islam.

Ironically, in a rare show of political expediency Gayoom, his in-laws, family and cronies have united to elect Abbas, in blatant violation of our constitution, as the speaker of the constituent assembly mandated to reform the present constitution. I believe, given his known reactionary views on social and political reform, Abbas is the least suitable person in the entire country for this important post.

A Majlis convened purportedly to effect substantial constitutional reform cannot have a quintessential reactionary as its head. I believe it is this very lack of competence and this ‘endearing quality’ of virulent opposition to reform of any kind that makes Abbas so imminently suitable in the eyes of brother in law Gayoom.

So let me categorically state, for the record, that neither the MDP nor I as an individual support Abbas Ibrahim.