Reeko Moosa warns Riyaz not to speak about him on Majlis floor

Moosa “Reeko” Manik, Interim Chairperson of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former Parliamentary Group Leader of MDP has warned opposition MP Riyaz Rasheed not to “speak ill of him” on Majlis floor, impliedly stating that he would retaliate with physical attack on Riyaz.

During his speech in the Majlis today, at debate time on the Bill to amend Tourism Act, Riyaz noted that MDP government headed by President Nasheed had done a lot of personal favors to Reeko Moosa in ways that would lead to corruption.

Riyaz said that while the government claimed that they were maintaining transparency, they did much favors to their activists and supporters. Riyaz noted that Mariyam Zulfa, Minister of Tourism, had obtained two islands for resort development not long after her appointment to the Cabinet. He also noted that Reeko Moosa had been provided with a 16.7 million US Dollar bank guarantee, Kadhdhoo Guest House which was nothing less than a mini-resort, and 5 million Rufiyya among other things. “All these things had been done in ways that would lead to corruption”, said Riyaz.

As Riyaz spoke, Reeko Moosa raised points of order and interrupted Riyaz, shouting at him violently. Reeko said that “Riyaz had been attacking me and my family with words for a whole month without any cause for such behavior.” Reeko said that he would not allow Riyaz to stand up and speak about him anymore.

“Article 33 of the Constitution clearly states that every citizen has the right to protect his reputation and personal dignity. One whole month has passed since MP for Vilufushi Constituency (Riyaz) began habitually abusing me and my family in this Majlis. That is not the manner in which we should talk in this Majlis. If he continues to do that, I won’t allow him to stand up and talk again. If I have to commit violence against him, then so be it”, said Reeko.

Speaker Abdullah Shahid tried in vain to control the bickering between Riyaz and Reeko.

Reeko Moosa has been identified as one of the most vehement opponents of former President Maumoon, tirelessly working to bring down Maumoon from Presidency when MDP was still an opposition, before Presidential election 2008. Reeko has repeatedly attacked Maumoon during MDP gatherings with various accusations of criminal behavior and corruption. He also issued warnings against the former President, including threats to his person.