Politicians not sincere about freedom of assembly: Saleem

Member of Parliament for Eydhafushi constituency Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) has said today that Maldivian political parties value freedom of assembly only while in opposition, adding that none are truly sincere about it. 

Saleem made these remarks during today's debate in parliament on the amendment to the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act submitted by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. The amendment seeks to lift the restrictions the Act places on the right to protest and strike. 

Saleem said that as soon as any party gains power, the Constitution is overturned, and several other changes follow, while in opposition all parties stress the importance of broadening freedom of assembly. 

If MDP itself were sincere, they would have amended the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act earlier, when they were in power and held parliament majority, Saleem said. 

"So it is not with any sincerity that this matter is being brought up. Everyone talks about this only in their own self-interest. So let's not talk about this. We will just not talk about this and everyone can just do as they please, can't they?" 

"Is that not how this is done? What is the point of talking about this? Everyone keeps bringing this up as long as they are not in power," Saleem said. 

Saleem alleged that if today's opposition comes to power tomorrow, it is a given that they will then revert their stance and work instead to narrow freedom of assembly. 

"So instead of us talking about this, let's just do what we feel is right when our party is in power. If it is not the right way, then the public will change it," Saleem said. 

The Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act was passed during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen, at which time the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) held parliament majority. Later, when MDP held office, as well as parliament majority, then Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir proposed to revoke the Act. However, the matter remained parked at committee stage even as the 19th People's Majlis' term came to an end. 

In submitting the amendment, Meekail, too, pointed out that political parties only appreciate the importance of freedom of assembly once they lose power. He said that he is submitting to revoke the Act as he has voted in favour of this whenever it was previously proposed.