Nasheed takes 'years-long break' from politics
He said his whole life had been "ruined" by being in prison and away from his family.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Former President Mohamed Nasheed announced his temporary retirement from politics, on Tuesday evening.
Nasheed, who was the speaker of parliament until his resignation last month but still serves as a member of parliament, has issued a statement saying that he is stepping away from politics for years and will not contest the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Nasheed’s reasons for temporarily withdrawing from politics:
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Taking on Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum
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He will take up the job from next January
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Nasheed said he believes that he will be able to better serve Maldives in the service of this organization
Nasheed's statement added that he had experienced extreme injustice, sadness and loneliness in his political career. He said his whole life had been "ruined" by being in prison and away from his family. He also mentioned that he had been on the verge of death in a bomb attack.
"However, I have found great joy and satisfaction in this work. Every noose dropped onto my head had turned into a garland. I thank God for this, humbly," the statement said.
Nasheed said he worked hard in politics to facilitate a multi-party system of government. He has also worked to make Maldives a place where Islamic principles are upheld, human rights are respected and freedom of speech and pen is guaranteed.
Nasheed’s statement added:
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He has served as the President of the country and the Speaker of the Parliament
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During his presidency, he worked hard to establish a social security system and a tax system; These two things have been accomplished to some extent
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It is a pleasure to see the laws passed by Parliament to protect the environment
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However, it is a pity that lagoons and the environment are being damaged; Hopefully these things will improve as well
"It is a great pity that my hopes for accountability for state expenditure and preventing the corruption of the leaders has not come true. My hope is that the people of future generations will hold the government and the leaders accountable," he said.
