The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) will not allow any government to abolish the Executive Presidency, said Higher Education, Water Supply and City Planning and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem.
He was speaking at a rally held in Sammanthurai on Saturday in support of New Democratic Party Presidential candidate Sajitha Premedasa.
“The 19th Amendment disallowed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa from contesting at this Presidential election. The Executive Presidency is the one and only protection for minorities enshrined in the Constitution. The minorities will have an opportunity to decide on the selection of the President if the Executive Presidency exists in this country,” Hakeem said.
“If the Executive Presidency exists in this country, the majority candidates will have to seek the support of the minorities. We do not have enemies and friends in politics. This Presidential election is a significant one for Muslims to ensure their security,” Hakeem added.
“After this Presidential election, if the Opposition comes to power, they will take immediate action to hold a referendum to abolish the Executive Presidency and change the electoral system where they do not have to depend on the minorities to form the government,” Hakeem said.
“We request your mandate to keep this government for another five years through this Presidential election.
“Sajith Premedasa is one of the UNP leaders whose vision of the Muslims is more positive than the opposition candidate. Therefore, we extend our support to the NDF Presidential candidate Sajith Premedasa at this election,” Hakeem said.
from daily news