'Disappointed' VP Faisal vows to continue public service

Vice President Faisal Naseem said on Saturday that he will always be in the service of the people even if he does not get a second term as Vice President as he had hoped.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power in 2018, with the ruling coalition’s Jumhoory Party (JP) nominating Faisal for the vice presidential slot.

President Solih is running for a second term and was expected to choose Faisal as his running mate in this year's election. Faisal also expressed interest in it.

However, at the last minute, President Solih appointed Hithadhoo North MP Mohamed Aslam, who is the leader of the MDP parliamentary group, as his running mate.

Vice President Faisal has not yet commented on the matter. However, Faisal, speaking to reporters after casting his vote at the polling station at Jamaaluddin School in the second round of the presidential election on Saturday, referred to it.

"I tried to do my best. I also believed that a person who is elected for one five-year term does not necessarily have to be elected for another five-year term. It is the decision of the people," he said.

Faisal said he had promised to serve the people faithfully even before he was elected as vice president for the past five years. Therefore, he did not work in the hope of getting another term, but looked to do the best he could during these five years.

"I hope I did some good things in my work. That's what I hope," Faisal said.

However, the vice president did say that no one can do everything in the most desirable way and that if he gets another five years, he will have the opportunity to correct things that have been done wrong.

“I was very hopeful that there would be interest [for another term]. I believe that there is a lot of work to be done in the country and there are things that I can do,” Faisal said.

"I had that passion in my heart and I really wanted that opportunity. However, that's not how it works”.

Faisal, the only vice president to complete a term under the new constitution, said he would always be with the people even if he was not in office.

"I always wish the country well, always to be great, good things to happen," he said.

"Whatever position I hold, whatever job I hold, I will do anything for the peace and progress of the country. I love the country very much”.

The vice president said he would continue to serve the country and the people in his own capacity in the future. He assured that if the next president or the public asks for his help, he will give it.

"It is not something I am doing for any particular person. So, I will remain that way till the last day. The country is most important to me. I will remain with the people of Maldives. I wish the country well. I will honor it," he said is the source.

"This mindset will never, ever change. It will not ever change in the slightest”.