The collapse of longstanding dictatorships in Tunisia and Egypt, leaders of which were classmates of former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, carried moral lessons for the Maldives, claimed Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group leader ‘Reeko’ Moosa Manik.
”Today the citizens of Arab countries have stood up against their leaders – classmates of [former President] Maumoon, in fact – who were practicing dictatorship like Maumoon,” said Reeko Moosa. ”Take a look at the situation in Tunisia, take a look at the situation in Egypt, where Maumoon received his education.”
Moosa said the citizens of the Maldives should “see the moral” in the situation in these countries.
”The citizens of the Maldives should see the moral in the situation in these countries, ahead of the local council elections, and should not let Maumoon’s regime reinstate their power,” Reeko Moosa said. ”I call citizens of the Maldives to take a look at the situation in these Arab countries as an example.”
Minivan News attempted to contact DRP MP Ahmed Nihan for a response, but he had not replied at time of press.
If the opposition won the local council elections, Moosa claimed that the situation of the Maldives was likely to become that of Tunisia and and Egypt. If the citizens wished to uphold democracy and not let a dictatorship return in the Maldives, people should vote for MDP in the local council elections, he contended.
President Mohamed Nasheed has meanwhile spoken to opposition leader in Egypt, Mohamed El Baradei.
”Egyptians would have taken note of the lessons learnt from the Maldives, in their own struggle for democracy,” Nasheed said.
The President’s Office said that during the conversation Nasheed spoke about the struggles Maldivians endured to hold the country’s first  democratic elections in 2008.
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It's time for Gayyoom to head to Jeddah on a one way ticket. There's a growing "club" of ex-dictators like him.
Of course, he needs a few $100 million to take with him. Even Saudi Arabia doesn't allow ex-dictators in for free. Gayyoom should have no trouble with that kind of money. After all, he had 30 years to siphon quite a few million into his overseas accounts!
I am shocked to learn that Maldivian President had spoken with El Baradei in such a language. He is basically giving support to the uprising in Egypt which I presume is against the constitution of Egypt. He should have spoken in a more diplomatic way as not to been seen as supporting a revolution. Instead of El Baradai it would have been more approprate he had spoken with Egyptian President Mubarak and raised his concerns regarding political freedoms and request him show more restraint against those calling for political freedom. I wonder who is adivsing this mad Nasheed.
i'm very happy that President Nasheed phoned El Baradei instead of that oaf and tyrant, Husni Mubarak. Other world leaders should do the same instead of being wimps. Nasheed our lobuvethi Zaeem Zindhaabaad!!!
President Nasheed we should ask Mr El Baradei to come see for himself the kind of democracy you brought to us. Threatening opp members, arresting ppl whom you fear. Armoured carriers stationed in fron of private homes...what a joke.
desperate times call for desperate phone calls. what has this got to do with our ex-dictator? what if mubarak survives this uprising?
Yes! our president has spoken to the right person.
Constitution or not, Mubarak is a dictator who is ruling Egypt against the wishes of his people.
Even Obama seems to be in a fix, unable to say the exact words needed.
Atleast our president doesn't face that same dilemma. Its always better to come out on the right side of history instead of patting the backs of dictators.
And i can imagine how excited President Nasheed must be, after all this is almost the same game he played.
The similaries between Mubarak and Gayoom is amazing, and lets hope we see the backs of both these people soon.
Saudi Arabia is waiting to receive them.
Its time to ship out this reeko and anni to some isolated island in the oceania or atlantic ocean. We are getting fed up of this mafia style gundas.
Maumoon and his entire gang of wannabe tyrants can leave on a plane to Jeddah. I promise I won't shoot the plane down.
Huh? Wha... what? This?. Ohnononono, it's not a FIM-92 Stinger missile... Uh... its... uh.... yeah, a lava lamp! That's it.
While it is a excellent idea for President Nasheed to call El Baradei and give Egyptians the Maldives' support for the popular revolution, I just wonder what the Maldives is doing in meddling in other country's internal affairs.
As someone has said earlier, what if Mubarak survives? And we called it wrong?
I don't think Mubarak will survive.
Egyptians aren't lily-livered cowards when it comes to fighting for their rights. Unlike a CERTAIN SOMEONE WHO SHOOK HANDS WITH TYRANTS.
For those of you who think that Democracy can come to Egypt with the replacement of just one leader - I have just one word for you - Saddaam!
While I in no way support the despotic Hosni Mubarek - the way forward must be more well-thought of than just toppling Mubarek. The last thing we need is another Iraq!!
The long rules definitely creates problem as the ruler (like Maumoon) start thinking that he is irreplceable and start behaving like a dictator. Fortunately, we got "new govt" at an appropriate time. Delay by another 4-5 years could have created havoc here.
Lets hope and pray that peace soon prevail in Egypt & Tunisia and people are able to get leaders of their choice there.
Maumoon bin Ali bin Mubarik is the soup made from same ingredients and the final product always results CREAM OF DICTATORSHIP. Those who tasted this soup experiences bitterness and sometimes death from unidentified causes. Those who don't want to taste it must work hard to bring democracy and good governance. It is people who can change not one man alone. All Maldivians must go along till our democracy is well established.
"Maumoon bin Ali bin Mubarik soupe" - loverly!
I hope no one would allow to dish this soup in the Maldives no more!
I don't know how smart an idea it is for the president to call the opposition leader, when the issue has not been resolved yet and also the fact that the government of the Maldives has not expressed any concerns about the many Maldivian students and citizens in Egypt clearly demonstrates that this government and our president has got his priorities wrong. Supporting a democratic movement is great, but really ousting Mubarak is not going to be that easy- especially because he is an ally with the US. So while the protesters are still continuing with their protests, within a weeks time this will die out and Mubarak will still be in power. Not a smart move on Nasheed's part.
u ppl shud really start concentrating y a normal cup of nescafe is priced 15mrf in badly designed non ac normal cafes...!
should beat down the president of Egypt like we threw away maumoonizm power