DRP having to face one of its biggest defeats (2008 Presidential Election) and MDP coming to power and causing despair for most citizens was the fact that the whole presidential campaign was run by Gayoom’s eldest son Farish Maumoon as a family matter", said DRP statement. However, the gains DRP made in the parliamentary election did not last long. With the internal conflict it took a toll on party in terms on numbers in the parliament and Gayoom formed a new political party. With the formation of PPM, DRP accused PPM of poaching members and later in the parliament it paved way for President Nasheed's MDP to gain majority on the floor. GMR Issue With the internal strife going on in DRP the Deputy Leader of DRP Mr. Umar Naseer alleged that Thasmeen and Speaker of the Parliament met GMR, new operator of Maldives International Airport, and the company had bribed them. Speaking to Miadhu daily Thasmeen said there is no reasonable motive for GMR to hold secret talks with him and the leasing of the airport came in a time when Peoples Majlis is tirelessly working on securing state assets. Replying to a question on what can be done Thasmeen said "The matter is in judicial phase. Then what else can be done? It is impossible to hold demonstrations in the airport and cause strife there. Should we destroy the tourism industry of this country?” The Anti-Corruption Commission investigated the matter and questioned Mr. Umar Naseer and Mr. Gayoom and issued a report saying the commission was not provided with any solid evidence to make these allegations. In his testimonies to ACC, the Honorary Leader of DRP, Gayyoom said that he was informed about the trip of Thasmeen and Shahid from the media and he got a SMS message stating the same. However, he said that he does not remember the sender. Political positions Supported to streamline the civil service and supported civil service bill in the parliament. Advocated to pass the media bill by the parliament and criticized the government of suppressing media. A month before President Nasheed's resignation Thasmeen described Nasheed saying 'who claims to be the vanguard of democracy is becoming more and more despotic'. Thasmeen scolded President Nasheed's government's violent demonstrations and corrupt practices describing than ruling party as "drenched in corruption" Criticized the government of exerting political influence upon Maldives Police service and asked