Former President and MDP leader، Mohamed Nasheed has stressed Chinese Silk Route plan will in no way benefit Maldives and therefore must be thoroughly considered before participating in it.
While speaking at the MDP majilis last night at City Council Hall، Nasheed emphasized China’s development and their continued diligence of expanding economy and militia. In regards to this، he stressed Maldives would not benefit from the Silk Route which had been non-existent after the 1400s.
“During the 1500s Portugease started their occupation in the Indian Ocean، by mid of that century Maldives was occupied by them، same way Brits started their occupation furing the 1800s، and by 1887 Maldives was again under a foreign power، the Brits. And we see the significant difference in wealth compared to the Empire Museum during 1900 and that of Maldives when we became independent by 1965” Nasheed urged.
Nasheed had also criticized President Yameen’s decision to collaborate with China on development projects، while highlighting that next year’s budget has been implemented under SEZ and revenue for SEZ to be collected from Silk Route investments. He also stressed on the advantages or the adverse effects this may lead to.
In addition to this he noted that with SEZ and Silk Route project in place، Maldives will become co-dependent on China thus، soon Maldives would depend in terms of economical، financial and military reasons which may result in Maldives going under occupation all over again.
“If Maldives is dependent on another nation regarding financial or social matters or in regards to defense or security matters، then we are going under their power، so before Maldives takes part in Silk Route، the pros and cons of the project should be analysed” Nasheed added.
During last night’s meeting، many members of MDP had discussed about the planned budget of MVR 24.3 billion for next year، accentuating their concern with the proposed figure for budget and stating that this budget had not been implemented to fulfill President Yameen’s promises under his manifesto.
In such notion، members pointed out the absence of budget for training teachers for kids with special needs as well as training Quran teachers while further nothing many of necessary expenditures have been omitted from the budget.
Moreover، eventhough government had promised of improving social livelihood، many of tasks related to this had been largely omitted and housing projects are not under the budget plans.
During lastnight’s MDP council meeting، members had implemented resolution which dictates of distributing 40 percent of the allocated portion from budget to the party، to funding to each member’s constituency.