Yameen says MDP no longer poses a political challenge to govt
Although the PNF is currently working with the MDP under an agreement to oppose the government, Yameen said he agreed with the President's assessment.
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Former President Abdulla Yameen has criticised the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and its Chairperson, former President Mohamed Nasheed, saying the party no longer functions as an effective opposition.
Speaking at a People's National Front (PNF) rally on Sunday night, Yameen referred to recent comments by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu that the country lacks a strong opposition.
Although the PNF is currently working with the MDP under an agreement to oppose the government, Yameen said he agreed with the President's assessment.
"I have analysed this to some extent. What Muizzu is saying is inherently true. Muizzu is essentially saying that no opposition political figure has done anything significant enough to rattle or stress him out yet," Yameen said.
He argued that President Muizzu's comments about the weakness of the opposition were directed at the MDP rather than the PNF.
According to Yameen, the President's remarks reflected the MDP's inability to organise large demonstrations or exert pressure on institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission.
"I have been thinking about this for a few days now. We just aren't seeing the true form of the MDP anymore, are we?" he said.
Yameen also referred to comments Nasheed made during his campaign for the MDP chairperson election, when Nasheed said President Muizzu would end up "at home wearing a mundu" after he became party chairperson.
"When former President Nasheed was running for MDP Chairperson, he asked whether Muizzu would be forced to stay at home wearing a mundu once he won. Well, today I want to ask: who is the one wearing a mundu and staying at home right now? That is exactly why Muizzu is talking like this," Yameen said.
He added that the PNF has not relied on street protests as its main political strategy, saying the party has instead focused on public discussion and political debate at its headquarters over the past three years.
During his campaign for the MDP chairmanship, Nasheed said his election would revitalise the party and strengthen its role in opposing the government.
