MDP turns 18: Fayyaz says won't allow injustice to 'crawl back'

Ruling MDP will not allow even a “thin nerve’s space” to revive the cruel and inhuman past that is almost disappearing from the country, chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said Monday, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of Maldives's oldest and largest party.

Fayyaz made the remarks in a video message sent on the occasion of the party's anniversary, indirectly referring to the government of former President Abdulla Yameen before the ruling MDP took over in 2018.

Fayyaz, who is also the economic minister, stressed the importance of winning the upcoming presidential election.

"What MDP members have to do today is to come out together and win a second term. That is the only way to sustain the success of the past five years, that is the only way to ensure the continuity of the ongoing projects," he said.

Mohamed Nasheed, one of the founders of MDP and its president, resigned from the party last week. 

After losing the MDP presidential primary in January to his longtime ally turned foe President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih, Nasheed has been working against the president as part of a separate faction called Fikuregge Dhirun. The faction is now trying to register a political party called The Democrats.

Referring to the rifts within the party, Fayyaz described it as "the most difficult stage a political party can endure".

“It was also a profound experience for the MDP to patiently uphold the interests of the party, put democracy, which is the foundation of the MDP, first, with bitter truths and while enduring grief in one side of the heart,” he said.

Fayyaz said the lesson learned from the experience opened a new door for future success.

“MDP and the nation are more important than anything else for its members,” he said.

Inviting the youth to join the MDP, Fayyaz said the path has been opened for the youth to advance through the MDP by taking advantage of the opportunities available for higher education and training. MDP is not a party based on any one island, caste or lineage, he said, adding that it is open to all youths.

“MDP is the one that lights the path for the growing young generation to find a happy life,” he said.

"The most valuable and golden opportunity for today’s youth is to join the MDP now. And tomorrow's MDP will be led by the youth to serve Maldives."