I will always be at peoples service, even if the government deprives all my wealth – Qasim

 Qasim Ibrahim, leader of Jumhooree Party and MP for Maamigili has said that he will be at people’s service even if the government takes his entire fortune and wealth.

Speaking at a joint rally by the opposition coalition, Qasim said “if President Nasheed wishes, he can take my wealth and I urge him to do it urgently. However, I will still be at the service of Maldives people”.

“He can take my entire wealth. He can even take my outfits. But I will still be at the service of the people” Qasim said.

Refering to a local proverb, Qasim also said that once you are lost at sea, naturally there would not be any further fear. “I have been there and done that. And I have no more fear” added the businessman turned politician. He also recalled that he had literally begged Maldivians to vote for Mohamed Nasheed in the presidential elections and had worked very hard to bring him into presidency. He also said that Dr. Hassan Saeed also has worked very hard to bring the current government and noted that without both men’s support, this government would have been impossible.

“I believed that Nasheed was a sincere man but turned out to be a bitter experience. When I assisted him in becoming the President of Maldives, he threw me into jail in return” Qasim said.

Qasim also said that he do not wish to spend for himself but have always backed reform movement and that Maldives people would testify for that.

Qasim also said that he does not seek presidency anymore. But he cannot wait when public assets are being “auctioned” by the government and vowed to protect those assets. 

Qasim also noted that he was arrested because of his position on the airport privatization.

He also noted that current constitution would have been impossible if former President Maumoon has not thrown his support to it.

Qasim thanked the security forces for their restraint despite the pressure by President Nasheed. He also thanked the Supreme Court judges “for protecting the justice in the country”.

He also called the parliament and judiciary to forge an alliance to move ahead with the country.