Indian influence alone reason to fail Solih's re-election: Ali Hussein
"When we get to this point, are we just free? Can we continue as an independent nation? We also need to ask this question," he asked.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain has criticised the foreign policies of the government, saying President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should not be given a second term on the basis of India's influence in the Maldives alone.
Jumhooree Party (JP) MP Ali Hussain, who is part of the current government's coalition and is in talks to form a coalition for a second term, criticised the government while speaking on a talkshow produced by Atoll Times' sister publication Dhauru this week.
Ali Hussain says the people have elected this government with a lot of false hopes. However, after being elected, they do not have the support for another role considering the way things were going. One of the main reasons, he said, was India's influence in the country.
"The issue of external influence, even if it was made for that reason alone [should not be given a second term]... This is the period when foreign influence in the country is at its peak since the ‘Vora’ traders were sent away. [So] there are different reasons why this government should be replaced," Ali Hussain said.
He also flagged some of the concerns raised in the government's agreements with India.
"Where to start? It would be good to start, with the agreement [with India] to build a port in north Thilafalhu. Slides were shown in the 241 parliamentary committees. We didn't see [the agreement] clearly. People should know what such an agreement concerning the people entails," said Ali Hussain, who is part of the committee.
"As per our information, if the Indian people [or] the Indian Navy comes here after the construction of the port, they only have to inform, don't have to take permission in any way."
Ali Hussain, who is seeking a second term in parliament from Kendhoo constituency, believes that India controls the north, south and central parts of the country. Thus:
-
Indian troops are doing a lot to operate helicopters provided by Indian Army; their spy agents are deployed in sufficient numbers
-
An Indian company was awarded the development of Hanimaadhoo airport in the north of the country
-
An Indian company has been awarded the development of Addu Gan Airport in the south of the Maldives; efforts are underway to set up an Indian consulate office in the south
The composition of the JSC could not be changed. While it could not be changed, the President could not even prove that he had the intention to change the composition of the JSC. For this reason alone, I think [this government] needs to be changed.
Ali Hussain also criticised the hydrography agreement with India to make the country's charts. He described it as an agreement "directly linked to the country's sovereignty and security".
"In fact, our freedom has been preserved since the time of our ancestors, not because we are better than anyone. Because only Maldivians know the layout of our reefs and those who came to attack us get shipwrecked before they can reach us because this knowledge is exclusive to us," said Ali Hussain.
"However, today, we are giving that hydrography chart to India. The chart isn't the only one. The copyright rights of the chart are also for India."
Ali Hussain said that if this government takes a loan, it takes a loan from an Indian bank and if a major project is carried out, it is given to a company in that country. He said that Exim bank of India gave the loan for the construction of the Thilamale bridge on the condition that the project would be awarded to a company in that country.
"It's not over yet. The only proof is that even if there is a problem with this bridge [agreement], we have to go [to India's] Mumbai arbitration. How much will happen then?" he asked.
"We have reached a level of concern when it comes to the extent of India's influence [in the country]."
Another allegation made by Ali Hussain was that India was trying to influence the independent institutions and ministries of the country without mediating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the same time, he pointed out the issue of India "taunting" the Maldives even in previous governments if anybody took a decision that would deteriorate relations with India in the slightest.
"When we get to this point, are we just free? Can we continue as an independent nation? We also need to ask this question," he asked.
"At the same time, we see a huge queue near the Indian High Commission when the government does something that will worsen India's relations. Isn't that what you're doing? What is it doing?"
The issue of external influence, even if it was made for that reason alone [should not be given a second term]... This is the period when foreign influence in the country is at its peak since the ‘Vora’ traders were sent away. [So] there are different reasons why this government should be replaced.
Ali Hussain added:
-
Referring to the recent arrest and deportation of Abdul Samad, who has been at the forefront of opposition movements in India, Ali Hussain said, "Instead of speaking in favour of a local who has been insulted and deported from the country, the Government of Maldives has spoken in defence of India; that is shameful
-
If we want to be in an independent state, we need to increase our productivity, especially food production
-
Otherwise, it will be difficult to hold on to freedom; even if you don't repay a debt once or twice, the chances of losing freedom are very high
"In fact, the issue is not always that of India or any other foreign entity. Our own problem. The way we do it. That's when we decide how much foreign influence we should have. If we take a loan, which country can we borrow from? We will decide all these things on our own. Shall we take all the loans from one country?" asked Ali Hussain.
"What we see today is that everything, for example, even a dinghy to drive between two islands was given by the Indian government. Street lights in our islands were put up with Indian aid. At this point, you have to ask what the taxes are being taken for."
