Leader of Jumhoory Party, Qasim Ibrahim has stated that the party has share in the current government and hence they will remain supporting the government of President Solih and also will work to strengthen JP. 

He made this statement while speaking at a ceremony held by JP to welcome various new politicians who joined JP last night. Those who joined last night includes former VP Abdullah Jihad, former Home Minister Azleen Ahmed and many others. Qasim said that a lot of work needs to be done to increase the membership of JP and that he will do it. He said that the party members will visit various islands during the parliament recess and a branch of the party will be formed in each island. He said that the branches will begin operating in accordance with the rules of the party. 

“Now the party has around 8000 members. We will get the state budget by reaching 10,000 members. So we need to start a membership drive. That’s what we have started” said Qasim. 

In addition he said that many people say unjust things about him on political podiums but he never takes it personally. He said that he always forgives people who say such things. 

“We will remain serving the government until we are kicked out. However if anything that is submitted to the parliament contradicts with the constitution or Islam, then we will not vote. We have taken an oath in the name of Allah. So we will not do anything that might compromise our afterlife” said Qasim Ibrahim.

In addition Qasim said that there are things that needs to be corrected in the judiciary and even in the government. “Recently we heard that 100 million dollars was lost from the government. That happens because there are problems in the government. We need to solve these problems said Qasim. 

Qasim also requested the newly joined members of JP not to say anything at the government as JP is part of the ruling coalition. “ If there is any problem we have to bring it to the attention of President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih and our criticism should be constructive” said Qasim.

Qasim said that when he assumed the post of Finance Minister during former President Maumoon’s administration the state budget was just MVR 4 billion and he increased it to 9 billion after a year and then later it was increased to 12.3 billion. He said that many projects were started as a result. 

“A lot of work was done to increase revenue. We stopped the money that we lost through customs and increased our annual revenue to 1.5 billion” said Qasim

He said that he has always contributed to national building and serving the people.