Have never had any issues with the President, is a close friend: MP Manik

Former member of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and parliament deputy speaker, Moosa Manik has said that he is a “big” supporter of incumbent President Abdulla Yameen.

Manik made the statement at a press conference held at the parliament office on Thursday, following a no-confidence motion submitted against him. 15 opposition lawmakers filed the motion against him on Wednesday.

He said that he is a “big” supporter of the President as he has “carried out major development projects” in the country.

He further noted that he had worked alongside the President “for many years in parliament”, adding that the President “is a close friend.”

Manik said that there have not been any issues between him and the President, highlighting that neither parties have ever done anything that cause any issues.

However, he emphasized that despite the closeness, that he has never hesitated from saying anything to President Yameen “if there is a difference of opinion regarding political issues.”

“Even if they succeed in removing as deputy speaker, they will not be able to kick me out of the parliament. I will remain in the parliament till the five-year term is complete,” said Manik.

He said that the parliament has not passed anything that is against the law, or that could deprive the rights of the people, adding that “there is no reason to submit no-confidence motions against the speaker and deputy speaker.”

MDP made the decision to remove Manik after he violated three-line whips issued by the party numerous times. His name was removed from the party registry in November 2016.

In addition to Manik, a no-confidence motion against speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed was submitted to parliament on March 7, with 26 signatures, and has been tabled for March 27.