Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom says that it was in the best interest of the nation that his successor Mohamed Nasheed and he worked together.

Speaking in the joint opposition rally held in M. Kunooz on Monday night, Maumoon said that many had questioned over why he and Nasheed were working together. Maumoon added that even though they had been rivals in the past, the work they had undertaken together was an endeavor for the betterment of the nation.

‘We’re working on principles, not on personal agendas,’ he said.

President Maumoon said it was likely that both he and Nasheed had over the years enacted grievances against each other.

‘I may have treated Mohamed Nasheed unfairly. He may have done the same to me. But that’s all in the past. We have to focus not on personal gain, we have to focus on the nation,’ he said.

He added that Monday’s win was in no way a win for either him or Nasheed, but a win for the entire nation.

In his speech, Maumoon had noted the work carried out by Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim and Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdullah for the reform movement.

Maumoon further said that Qasim had been a steadfast figure in the reform movement, noting his sincerity and dedication to the work.

He further commended on Sheikh Imran’s dedication, even in the face of a lengthy jail term. Maumoon said Imran was a close associate, adding that he was a committed and courageous individual.