UPFA will record a landslide victory - Faizer Mustapha

By Naalir Jamaldeen

"I have no objection in appointing Hirunika Premachandra as Co-organiser to Colombo Central Electorate. During a discussion with President Mahinda Rajapaksa I also suggested him to appoint her as Co-organiser to this electorate", Investment Promotion Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha said in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

He said that her appointment to this post will increase the youth vote base of UPFA in the Colombo Central electorate.

Q: Can you outline your political career?

A: I was a practicing lawyer. I wanted to do something to the society using my youth skills. I selected politics as a means to do public service. For the first time I was elected to Parliament from Kandy district representing Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) led by Arumugan Thondaman.

Q: You who represented Kandy district now have moved in to Colombo district, can you explain your future plans?

A: Currently I am a member of SLFP Central Committee. During the concluded Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) election President Mahinda Rajapaksa gave me the political leadership in the Colombo Municipality area to lead the UPFA towards victory.

The President who felt the necessity for a co-organiser for Central Colombo appointed me to that post. In addition to me now Hirunika Premachandra has been appointed.

Q: Are you confident that UNP can be defeated in Colombo Central electorate?

A: UNP ruled the Colombo Municipal Council for 50 years. But still the lives of people in the CMC area remain unchanged. Most of the people live below the poverty line. Poverty, and unemployment ratio among the youth are high. Most of the houses have no sanitation facilities. There is no sufficient space in the houses. They spend the days and nights amidst immense difficulties. UNP during its tenure did nothing for the sake of the people who reside in the Colombo Municipality area other than pulling them down the precipice.

Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has initiated a program to construct 80,000 houses for the underprivileged people in the Colombo Municipality area. I believe that a huge political, economic and social development will take place in the CMC area.

In the next general election are you contesting in Colombo or Kandy district?

Definitely, I will be contesting in the Colombo district representing UPFA. I came to Colombo not with a view to return to Kandy. I am confident that I can go to Parliament from Colombo district. I have due recognition among Sinhala, Tamils and Muslim communities. My political career depends on public support and not on extremism or racism.

Q: Can yo outline the importance of appointing Hirunika Premachandra as Co-organiser for Central Colombo and its impact on coming Western Provincial Council election in the Colombo Central Electorate?

A: Hirunika's appointment as co-organiser for Colombo Central electorate will have a positive impact among youth towards UPFA. Minister A.H.M. Fowzie was the only Co-organiser for Colombo Central until I was appointed. Now Hirunika has been appointed as the third co-organiser because the Colombo Central is a multiethnic electorate. Realising this necessity President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken a timely decision.

I believe UPFA which is to contest under the betel leaf will record a landslide victory in the coming Western Provincial Council election.

Q: Why don't you go for a joint press conference with Hirunika?

A: There is no need for such a press conference so far. But to Hirunika as the Co-organiser I will extend all my support and blessing. A large number of CMC members have rallied round with me. All these members are ready to extend their support with me.

Unlike other politicians I came from the grass root level of politics. I am keen to do politics along with the CMC members and the general public. So, I have the ability to understand the heart beat of the people. So I can easily approach them and fulfill their needs.

Q: As you were not interested to appoint Hirunika Premachandra to this post, President Mahinda Rajapaksa summoned and convinced you in regard to this matter?

A: No, this is a fiction. President Mahinda Rajapaksa discussed with me before Hirunika was appointed as co-organiser for Colombo Central Electorate. I told the President that by appointing Hirunika, the youth vote base of UPFA can be strengthened. Such statements are made to separate me from the President.

Q: What is your policy in politics?

A: I never point my finger at others. I do my duty according to my conscience. I will do my job well without hoping for anything in return. In the concluded CMC election President who trusted me gave me the political leadership in the Colombo Municipality area. I took the responsibility because there was nobody to take the challenge.

Q: Will the UNP offer a challenge for the victory of UPFA in the coming Western Provincial Council election?

A: UNP may make a huge effort to win. But the people have rallied round with the President and the Government. The victory of UPFA or betel leaf is crystal clear. I am confident that there is no obstacle to UPFA's victory.

Q: Are you against racism and extremism?

A: Of course, that is the first thing which should be eliminated. No religion preaches of extremism or racism. Specially Buddhism preaches of compassion and kindness. Those who live according to Buddha Dhamma will never insult other religions or castes.

It is the responsibility of all to protect Buddhism and it is the duty of Buddhists to protect other religions.