We want tourism, not terrorism: Dr Jameel

Vice presidential candidate of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said that the Maldives needs peaceful tourism, rather than the danger and fear of terrorism.

Dr Jameel made this remark while speaking at a press conference of PPM at Nasandhura Palace Hotel today.

He said that the fact that tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian industry itself shows that Maldivians appreciate peace and order.

“Because we won’t tolerate terrorism in the Maldives, tourism will work here. Tourism will work here. We are a peaceful country. We are known around the world for being peaceful,” he said.

He referred to the violent activities being conducted by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in Male’, and said that no Maldivian who loves his nation would support such activities.

“After the first round of the election, we saw some businessmen hurriedly joining MDP. These people, meanwhile, are involved in the provision of general services. Such services, in other countries, are not provided by politically-aligned people, because it requires public confidence,” he said.

Dr Jameel condemned the calls by MDP whenever they disagree with the government to boycott the tourism industry. He said that prominent businessmen involved in the tourism industry are seen at MDP protests, and questioned if those people agree to the calls to boycott tourism.

He said that anyone who supports justice, peace, and the rule of law would accept such calls by MDP.

“I think MDP gains the strength to carry out such activities because some of those activities are accepted by some responsible people among us. Accepting those things means they join that group, support that group, assist that group,” he said.

He urged those people to stay away from such inhuman, brutal activities carried out by MDP.