Gasim says doesn't expect sacking of JP officials in govt

Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim said on Monday that he did not believe that JP members holding positions in government would be sacked after the party decided to contest the upcoming presidential elections separately.

With JP deciding to contest the September 9 elections separately, a section of the ruling coalition's MPs have been demanding that those in jp slots should resign and be sacked if they dont resign.

While some pro-government lawmakers have made similar remarks in parliament recently, Gasim, who represents Maamigili constituency in parliament, urged those occupying positions in his party slots not to resign on their own.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with MRM's founder, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and party president and Maumoon's son Faris Maumoon at the Maumoon Foundation's office in H.Fulidhoo-ge, Gasim responded to media questions.

Replying to a question JP’s action if their members in government positions, especially the ministers are sacked, he said that even if it is the power of parliament under the constitution, he does not believe that "we will go to that point".

"I can't believe it. But I don't mean to say no either," he said.

He also appealed to those holding JP posts not to resign unless it is for personal reasons.

 Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), which previously served as an opposition party, has decided to form an alliance with the president for the upcoming presidential election.

Even if JP contests the elections on its own without forming an alliance, the government does not believe that it will be difficult for MDP to win the elections.