Video: We did what is best for us - Hakeem

20 July 2012 05:52 am - 35 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem said that the SLMC is still a part of the ruling coalition and that the decision to contest the Eastern province separately is no threat to the government.

Addressing a news conference at the party headquarters ‘Dar- es- salaam’ Hakeem said that the decision to contest the polls separately was based on “what was best for the party and its members”

Mr. Hakeem said they were left with two options - when running for the upcoming elections. One was to join the government and contest, and the other was to contest by protecting the individuality of the party.

“I am glad we chose to contest as an individual party. It was unfortunate that we could not contest along with the government. But party members and the people have expressed their pleasure over SLMC contesting as a unique party,” he said.

Mr. Hakeem said that there was no dispute between the government and the SLMC, and the government had a clear understanding as to why the party has to contest individually. (Kelum Bandara & Nishan Casseem)

Pix By Pradeep Dilrukshana

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Comments - 35

baluwssq Friday, 20 July 2012 04:41 PM

best for u?

Thomas Friday, 20 July 2012 09:37 AM

The present Government of H E Rajapakse holds a majority in the Parliament, and your leaving the ruling coalition does not pose any threat. You are FREE TO GO. Bye

abdulla Friday, 20 July 2012 09:39 AM

Sir , Are you a High jumper or long Jumper.

Dodu Pakeer Friday, 20 July 2012 09:42 AM

Well said Yohan

KINGASANGA Friday, 20 July 2012 10:11 AM

all the Muslim's, Tamil's live here in Sri Lanka demanding and enjoin best for them. if they haven't so many nannies for care about them. what about poor sinhalese. are they enjoin any thing special other than minorities?

Mahinda Leelaratne Friday, 20 July 2012 11:11 AM

Muslims are not treated as juniors in Sri Lanka. It was done by LTTE by doing ethnic cleansing. Today, the responsible ones for those acts are TNA guys, who are still coughing for defunct LTTE.
Muslims are enjoying doing successful business in the country because of the sacrifices made by security forces .

Aney Machang Friday, 20 July 2012 12:08 PM

Hakeem and Cassim go to EPC and fill your badde with eastern Vadde, come and tell Mahinda without any thadey.

allah Friday, 20 July 2012 12:42 PM

Dambulla mosque affairs. Forgot or acting to have forgotten?

Jagath Leanage Friday, 20 July 2012 01:22 PM

Exactly correct.You did what is best for you.You are so selfish and you are least bothered about our country.What a shame.

Fazli Friday, 20 July 2012 09:09 AM

Mr. RH, remember one thing, either one can have the cake or eat the cake. Its impossible do both.

Nodrog Saturday, 21 July 2012 03:20 AM

He should have thought of doing what was best for the Muslims he represents. Shameless opportunist!

nicky karunarathna Saturday, 21 July 2012 03:41 AM

Us means who? country, Muslims or you? Don't be selfish idiot mate. First country, then people, and last your religon or ethnicity. But your ethnicity or religon doesn't matter as long as you are a good human being. Grow up even at this your old ripe age and become a Man before anything else!

vaidy Saturday, 21 July 2012 04:33 AM

It looks advantageous for all minorities to unitedly join the ruling party and canvas equal rights for minorities in all respects and ensure Provincial councils with adequate powers are vested without any delay.All minorities should support the party in power JVP or SLFP or UNP

Yehiya Saturday, 21 July 2012 09:18 AM

SLMC too late & no link with present knowledge.

Nodrog Saturday, 21 July 2012 11:00 AM

he's so slimy no party can hold on to him for long.

Thineth Sunday, 22 July 2012 03:07 AM

Do not best for you.Do what best for country man..

Lak Sunday, 22 July 2012 03:34 AM

Best comment so far. Too much racial politics going on in Sri Lanka by the minorities.

Lak Sunday, 22 July 2012 03:42 AM

Poor sinhalese are the most discriminated community in the whole island. They have absolutely nothing.

janak Friday, 20 July 2012 06:31 AM

peraluna pattha hondai kiyanawa spinless politicians

rif Friday, 20 July 2012 05:59 AM

Knowing that ruling coalition is going wrong path sporting them is like cheating Muslim voters and himself

Sri Minnal Friday, 20 July 2012 06:11 AM

Yes, We understand you very well. You want your job as well. Power is very important than you people.

Daya Friday, 20 July 2012 06:12 AM

Pls do things what is best for the community that you are representing not for the party or for your personal agenda.

abdulla Friday, 20 July 2012 06:13 AM

This time UPF is the number one in Eastern province. You will be No 3 Mr Hakeem Second is TNA. Ranil is 4th. Good punishment for boot liker.

tarzan Friday, 20 July 2012 06:15 AM

specially for me

Aney Machang Friday, 20 July 2012 06:09 AM

SLMC did this to enhance their bargaining power in any future coalition governments.

Yohan Perera Friday, 20 July 2012 06:17 AM

We knew it long before you made this statement. As a politician you have to be sure that you and your henchmen can survive regardless of what may befall the public...

DMirrorFan Friday, 20 July 2012 06:26 AM

Will you ask Gov to give those tsunami relief houses for only Tsunami affected people? Ask it in Public not secretly!

sue Friday, 20 July 2012 05:59 AM

You mean you did what was best for you and you're now waiting to see how the cookie crumbles so that you can make the next jump?

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 20 July 2012 06:19 AM

Of course, Sir. You always did what is best for you jumping from one party to another. That is called selfishness and not service to your community.

Dinesh Friday, 20 July 2012 06:28 AM

As usual he is cleaver....Sitting on the fence ready to jump whatever side that is suitable.

Concerned Friday, 20 July 2012 06:32 AM

He said right.

“what was best for the party and its members”

Not for the people.

kirihami Friday, 20 July 2012 08:13 AM

i did'nt get any thing from them at this time, you belive me.

Mahinda Leelaratne Friday, 20 July 2012 08:27 AM

Your salary is paid by all Sri Lankans, not only Muslims. So, you must work for the good of the country

Fathima Friday, 20 July 2012 08:16 AM

Dear Abdulla: No: 3 is very important for No: 1 or 2 to make their way to make majority for the EPC. At this point you will see the importance of SLMC.

Shaik Ahamath Friday, 20 July 2012 08:31 AM

Mr. Hakeem wants to keep the cake and eat it. Compared to other countries, Muslims here as a junior ethnic partner, have got a great deal. I know as I am one. This is not a good decision as you would only split the votes and nobody wins except the opposition.

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Video: We did what is best for us - Hakeem

Comments - 35

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