'Defectors must learn from exemplary Muslim leaders'

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Muslim leaders had been with Sinhala leaders and had worked for the sake of the country since the independent struggle of this country, former UPFA National List Parliamentarian and President's Advisor A.H.M. Azwer told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

"When the Founder of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) M.H.M. Ashraff was alive he was against the then President R. Premadasa. But when an impeachment motion was moved against the President late Leader Ashraff extended his support to President Premadasa. He and his lieutenant M.M. Zuhair gave legal advice to the President. I would like to remind the SLMC members about this", Azwer said.

Azwer said that the President faced a tricky situation and he has been told by Rishad Badiudeen that three members of the Eastern Provincial Council have defected and a seat is needed from the National List.

"I told the President that even though my being in the Parliament is important I am ready to sacrifice my seat to Ameer Ali for the sake of minority community. As promised I resigned giving an opportunity to him", Azwer said.

"I told the President that you must be elected for the third time for the security and wellbeing of minority communities"' he said.

I never expected he would do so. Muslim Leaders were always with the Sinhala leaders during the independent struggle.

They told the Britishers you can leave the country we can solve our the problems with the majority community", Azwer said.

Sir Razik Fareed had good relations with the Sinhalese. Late Badiudeen Mahmud is the bext example for Sinhala Muslim unity, Azwer said.