MDP Parliamentary Group leader addresses South Asian Parliamentary ForumCall for regional solidarity

MDP Parliamentary Group leader Mohamed Shihab delivered a speech at yesterday’s South Asia Parliamentary Forum, calling for South Asian countries to play a larger role in bringing democracy in the Maldives.
Shihab outlined the challenges in realizing democracy and the difficulties faced by opposition MPs before calling for “South Asian countries to play a fundamental role in helping to bring democracy to the Maldives”.
“Your experiences developing into democracies are ones that we can learn from … It is also in your interest. More democracy will bring more accountability – and this will help to stamp out the corruption in the country which prevents business from your countries from investing in the Maldives,” Shihab said.
“Without South Asian pressure, and real reform taking place, we also risk instability. The people of the Maldives must see change … It is up to all of us here to ensure that democracy is brought to the Maldives in peaceful manner,” he added.
The forum, an initiative by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), was attended by over 100 delegates from all SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
Hosted in Shimla, India, the forum also saw speeches from senior Indian government officials, including Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Minister for External Affairs. Shihab was joined by Adnan Haleem MP.
Delegates will discuss means of strengthening regional cooperation, holding talks on economics and trade, poverty alleviation and conflict resolution. The creation of a South Asian Parliament is also on the agenda.
Speaking after the speech, Mohamed Shihab said:
“I believe my remarks were well received. Not everyone is aware of how much the MDP has had to struggle to initiate democratic reform in the Maldives. Many delegates were surprised about how repressive the government is.
“We are taking full advantage of this opportunity for the MDP to build links with parliamentarians in the region. I am confident that their support will increase the pressure on the government to bring about real reform.”