Discussions must be held on whether to include MDP in government: Yameen

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group Leader, Abdullah Yameen has said that considering the current situation, discussions must be held first, on whether Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) should be included in the current government.

In an interview with Sun Online today, Yameen said that President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik made several attempts to include MDP in the current government, but his invitations were rejected by MDP.

“Because things have gone this far, we have decided to hold discussions before a decision is made on this issue. President Waheed gave about three chances in the Cabinet of the unity government. Back then they expressed interest also. But later they let it go. This was carried by the media as well. And now the situation is different,” Yameen said.

Yameen said that it is not unlikely that the President accommodates MDP’s request to join the government.

“I believe that he will base his decision on the decisions of political parties, after discussions with them,” Yameen said.

He also informed that PPM will hold a Council meeting tonight to discuss this issue.

Some Ministers have spoken against including MDP in the government, including Home Minister Dr Jameel who said that it cannot be justified to allow MDP to be part of the current government.

Government representative to the Leaders’ Dialogue, Political Advisor to the President, Ahmed Thaufeeg said that the government welcomes MDP’s proposition, and that a decision will be made after discussion with political parties.