Former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik articulated that his decision to assume the presidency stemmed not from personal ambition but from an unwavering commitment to the nation's welfare during a period of profound upheaval. He made this statement in a reflective appearance on PSM News' Ramadan special talk show 'Everin.'
Accompanied by his wife, Ilham Hussain, for the second episode of the series, President Waheed shared candid insights into the pivotal moments that shaped his political journey. Together, they reflected on their shared dedication to serving the Maldivian people— President Waheed served as the president from 7 February 2012 to 16 November 2013.
President Waheed traced the origins of his political career to a deep-seated desire to contribute to national progress. After spending several years abroad, according to him, he returned to the Maldives, answering calls from the youth to contest for parliament in 1988. This period, he observed, marked the early stirrings of a democratic movement—a time when aspirations for reform began to take shape, laying the groundwork for the democracy the Maldives enjoys today.
Years later, on 7 February 2012, President Waheed found himself at the helm of the nation during a politically charged climate. Reflecting on this critical juncture, he described the Maldives as being in the nascent stages of its democratic evolution. The boundaries of citizens' rights and responsibilities, he noted, were still largely undefined, leaving the nation vulnerable to instability.
Faced with this precarious situation, President Waheed underscored that his decision to lead was driven by a moral imperative. "I accepted the presidency not out of selfish desire. It was the greatest service I could render to the nation at such a critical moment," he remarked. While acknowledging the enduring personal and political repercussions of his decision, he maintained that it was a necessary step to stabilise the country.
The former president painted a vivid picture of the challenges of 2012, describing the situation as both precarious and perilous. He warned that failure to act decisively could have led to catastrophic consequences. Comparing the state of democracy to a derailed train, he underscored his foremost responsibility: to restore it to its tracks.
Throughout the discussion, President Waheed spoke warmly of his wife, Hussain, whose steadfast support he credited as integral to his leadership. He described her as a source of intelligence, kindness, and unwavering encouragement, noting her role in every major decision he has made.
As the conversation drew to a close, President Waheed reaffirmed his belief in the true essence of politics: selfless service to the nation. "Leadership should never be motivated by personal or selfish gains. Politicians are, first and foremost, servants of the people," he asserted.