Maldives seeks ally in Malaysia to avoid ‘unfair punishment’ from Commonwealth
The Malaysian government is also considering selling refined oil products to the Maldives from the state-owned Petronas company and extending on-arrival visas for Maldivians to 90 days. President Yameen and First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim concluded their maiden official visit to Malaysia today.
29 Mar 2016, 9:00 AM
President Abdulla Yameen has sought Malaysia’s help for the Maldives to avoid action by the Commonwealth over widely condemned human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of former President Mohamed Nasheed and other opposition leaders.
At a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak following official talks between the pair Tuesday morning, Yameen said the two countries have agreed to “work closely on the international front”.
The Maldives “as a small country” is facing “lots of challenges in the international community,” he said.
“Malaysia is a respected and esteemed country in the Commonwealth. I’ve requested Prime Minister to offer his good offices in making sure that small countries in the Commonwealth and other international organisations need not be unfairly punished,” he added.
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