New president to focus on bringing stability to islands

Dubai: "As a country, we need to take a deep breath, regroup and ensure that the shop is in order," said Mohammad Hussain Sharif, spokesman for the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) which has joined the National Unity Government at the invitation of Dr Mohammad Wahid who took office as President of the Maldives on Tuesday.

Dr Wahid, who was Vice-President to deposed President Mohammad Nasheed, assumed office after the latter was forced to resign from his post in what is being cited as a bloodless coup.

Speaking to Gulf News on behalf of the President's office, in a telephone interview from the capital Male, Sharif stated, "Stabilising the current volatile situation in the country is Dr Wahid's main priority. He is aware of the prevailing situation and keen to act on the restoration of the constitutional government and rule of law.

Guardian of the nation

"Secondly, Dr Wahid sees himself as the guardian of the nation for the next 21 months and he must overcome all challenges posed to the country till the elections next year.

"The economy also has to be addressed as Nasheed had faltered on this front. At the moment, all sectors in the country are suffering from a lack of proper numbers, including the tourism sector. Therefore, it is the President's task to address all this in the short term."

Citing alarm at the high level of violence that has taken place in the country since Nasheed resigned on Tuesday, Sharif said, "The supporters of the former regime have been asked to ensure that chaos reigns. Policemen have been admitted to hospitals in some of the other islands [or atolls]. We have just a handful of law enforcement officers there which is sufficient for law and order, but when party supporters come out and lynch the civilian police force, who are unarmed, it can lead to disaster.

"We have approached the US government to intercede on our behalf and urge Mr Nasheed not to orchestrate such acts but he wants revenge. He feels that he was betrayed by the police and armed forces and is now plunging the country into chaos. It is scary and dramatic."

Inflation at 20%

Dwelling on the current state of the economy in the Maldives which, according to the current authorities, has been completely mismanaged by Nasheed's cabinet, Sharif insisted that inflation stood at 20 per cent since Nasheed took office, unemployment was also in excess of 20 per cent and since the Maldives has a relatively young population, graduates were finding it difficult to find employment.

"Prices have also gone up," he stressed, "and the currency has been devalued. There is an acute shortage of US dollars and Nasheed has compounded the problem by introducing steep taxes. These decisions have come at the wrong time as far as the economy is concerned. We also believe that his policies with regard to tourism, the country's mainstay sector, have not been effective. We have markets of strength which have not been tapped into, for instance India and the far eastern countries. The previous government's position has been short-sighted."

Admitting that short-term plans were the only way forward, given the deteriorating situation, Sharif said, "In the 2013 elections, we expect this government to ensure that the polls will be free and fair. It is also in Nasheed's best interest to join this government, put aside all conflict, address the economy and ensure stability."