Gasim kicks off campaign

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

Promises of speedy change

Jumhoory Party, JP candidate Gasim Ibrahim has kicked off his campaign for the presidential election at the artificial beach tonight attended by a large crowd of his supporters. In his campaign address the billionaire former Finance Minister gave a brief description of the difficult life he had in Male’ before starting his business. He said during his long association with the common people, he has found and heard the many difficulties faced by the people and the dire need for improving these conditions. He mentioned he has been accused of trying to become president for his selfish gains. The presidential contender said that accusation is true, he has a self interest, and that is to serve the people and country to bring their long aspired change.

The 58 year old billionaire politician who resigned from the powerful post of finance minister last month said he was inspired to pursue a reform agenda and bring change after seeing the condition of the country and witnessing a political system dominated by one person and one family. Gasim said he has gained experience in the many areas which will help deliver these changes in a speedy manner. Gasim outlined major policies he will pursue if he is elected as president. He said his fairst job will be to create a Islamic Affairs Ministry to deal with religious affairs of the country. He said his government will provide 1000 flats in Hulhumale’ every year to alleviate housing problems faced by the people. A JP government will introduce a Mrf 1.5 billion Fund to provide low interest loans and will attach greater importance to youth and women and include more women in the cabinet and other public offices, Gasim said.

Speaking further about his economic priorities, Gasim said his government will introduce 15% corporate tax, and GST tax and establish 4 economic zones, and explore oil. He said he will provide maximum protection of the fishery zone and will give its ownership to the country’s fisherman.On the social side, Gasim said a health insurance scheme will be introduced to cover the whole population, he will also develop 2 world standard hospitals, improve the quality of education, train 500 graduate teachers every year, provide a salary increment to teachers and establish a university with international affiliation

JP leader covered other areas of policies including police and defence services and promised to make the services more service oriented by providing additional training and pledged his suppor to the entertainment sector. Although it was rainy day there was a big crowd and cheered Gasim’s policies. Gasim and his JP has come under harsh criticism from President Gayoom’s party DRP for using JP’s wealth to buy members and supporters to the party. DRP has said they will never pay money to win support of the people, and the great support party leader Gayoom is enjoying is as a result of his dedicated leadership and exemplary services. DRP has also lashed Adalath Party who have formed an alliance with JP for what DRP has described as selling religion for money. Adalath has in their turn rebuked DRP saying it s not Adalath Party which is selling and buying, but President Gayoom and his DRP who have lied the people and used religion as a political tool.

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