“The political process affects us all and can make a real difference to people’s lives. Politics should be about real things that matter to people. But do politicians and the public talk about the same things, even when both are focused on the issues?,” asks Dr Hassan Saeed in his latest comment piece for local newspaper Haveeru.
Dr Hassan, leader of the Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) and Special Advisor to President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, gives his opinion on the need to put political processes into a wider perspective.
“I say that when we are heading into a period when matters other than politics are likely to be at the forefront of ordinary citizens minds. I’m talking about the Euro Football Championship and of course Ramazan.
This natural break presents an opportunity for politicians to review how they operate.
Let me give an example of the different priorities for the public and politicians. I posed myself the question “What was the most important event in the Maldives last week”?
• Was it progress on the Commission of Inquiry?
• Was it the All Party Talks?
• Was it the vote of confidence in the Majlis in the Speaker?
• Was it MPs swapping parties?
• Was it the drama on Usfasgandu?
• Was it the All Party Talks?
• Was it the vote of confidence in the Majlis in the Speaker?
• Was it MPs swapping parties?
• Was it the drama on Usfasgandu?
No, it was the fatal stabbing of 16 year-old Mohamed Arham.”
