MDP Parliamentary Group Leader Mohamed Aslam who represents Hithadhoo North Constituency in the Majlis has said that if President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom - who was given a prison-ticket of eleven years after being convicted a second time in the notorious MMPR Scandal months back, were to be set free from jail, all other remaining inmates in the prison system of the country must be released.

Aslam made the statement today in a press conference held at the administrative spaces in the Majlis. He revealed that there have been consultations with opposition PPM with regards to solving misunderstandings related to the no-confidence motion tabled in the House against Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath.

Aslam clarified that the demand of the opposition to cooperate with MPD in putting the crisis-hit House in order was setting President Yameen free. He said that the demand cannot be entertained as if President Yameen were to walk free, all other remaining inmates in the prison system of the country must be released.

“The no-confidence motion against the AG was introduced (into the Majlis) by opposition PPM. They want to talk first on securing President Yameen’s freedom. I think if President Yameen were to be set free, many in the prison must also be released. The government must not be put into such a position to secure a ‘certain’ person’s release from detention. There are relevant laws governing such matters. I think they want to get his release through the legal setup”, Aslam told reporters today.

Aslam also said that they will hold talks with the Speaker about the way in which the House conducts business now. He believes that these talks must be attended by both the majority and minority leaders. Aslam finally said that it is not clear for him , whose advice the Speaker is presently expecting in his effort to put the House back into order.