News Desk
When Abdul Raheem, the Speaker of the Majlis, speaks, there is an unspoken expectation that all ears should be attentive. His remarks, often a blend of philosophical musings and biting political insight, carry profound observations. His politically poetic musings reflect his knack for romanticizing the intricacies of Maldivian politics. Known by the nickname ‘Banafsa,’ he is seen as a political romantic who not only understands the past’s secret maneuverings and deal-making but also the strategic psyche of his former mentor, Yameen.
President Abdulla Yameen ruled the Maldives from November 17, 2013, to November 17, 2018. During his tenure, there were frequent changes in the Vice President, Defence, Prosecutor General, Attorney General, and Finance portfolios. His administration was often marked by chaos, with daily demonstrations on the streets and the frequent arrest of political leaders.
These excerpts are from an interview Abdul Raheem gave to Sangu TV.
Questions Yameen’s Role in 2015 Bombing
Responding to former President Abdulla Yameen’s recent accusations against the government at PNF rallies, Speaker Abdul Raheem criticized Yameen for his inability to accept others in power, describing him as arrogant and proud. He even suggested that the 2015 Finifenma launch explosion might have been a staged drama by Yameen.
“It sometimes feels like the Finifenma explosion was merely a drama staged by Yameen,” Abdul Raheem said, recalling how Yameen claimed to have identified the culprit when he exited the launch cabin, pointing to the man (Papa) who now sits beside him.
Abdul Raheem also mentioned Yameen’s complaint at the time, in 2015, about not receiving intelligence reports for six months, directed at then-Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed, who remains close to Yameen. When asked if he had suspicions during the initial investigation, Abdul Raheem said he didn’t, as the situation then was different. “But when you connect the dots—the way Yameen acted that day and the way he speaks now—the picture becomes clear,” Abdul Raheem concluded.
Alleges Yameen Attempted to Oust Muizzu Multiple Times
Abdul Raheem alleged that Yameen attempted to sack then-Housing Minister Mohamed Muizzu three times during his tenure. In his exclusive interview with Sangu TV, Abdul Raheem revealed that Yameen was displeased with Dr. Muizzu from the start and made several attempts to remove him but was ultimately unsuccessful.
“While Yameen, as president, had the power to dismiss anyone, other forces stopped him,” Abdul Raheem said. He recounted an incident where Yameen harshly criticized Muizzu during a meeting with cabinet members and party leaders as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge was nearing completion, to the point where Muizzu was brought to tears. Yameen allegedly criticized Muizzu for a missing lane on the bridge, claiming he had only just learned about it, despite personally overseeing the project as chair of the Economic and Youth Council.
“How can anyone believe what Yameen said?” Abdul Raheem questioned, noting Yameen’s close supervision of the bridge’s construction. He concluded by stating that Muizzu’s rise to power was by the grace of Allah, and hinted at public awareness of Yameen’s controversial rule and lifestyle.
Criticizes Yameen’s Administration, Defends Current Government’s Approach
Abdul Raheem claimed that under Yameen’s administration, MPs were made to pack Panadol at the presidential palace for public distribution, a task imposed by Yameen’s wife. Speaking in the interview with Sangu TV, Abdul Raheem contrasted this with the current administration, asserting that President Muizzu’s government does not engage in such practices.
He also pointed to Yameen’s wife, Fathimath Ibrahim, as a significant factor in Yameen’s loss in the 2018 presidential election, claiming she was deeply involved in odd tasks at the presidential palace, including sealing chocolates and Panadol, which influenced the administration’s operations.
He emphasized that present First Lady Sajidha has not engaged in such activities. “Nine months have passed, and you haven’t seen First Lady Sajidha in the presidential palace with MPs packing Panadols. You won’t see it,” Abdul Raheem remarked. He concluded by stating that the leaders of the current government are committed to not repeating the same mistakes as their predecessors.
Criticizes Yameen’s Leadership and Calls Him Selfish
Abdul Raheem stated that his relationship with former President Abdulla Yameen was purely political, and the primary reason for its deterioration was Yameen’s call to boycott the 2023 presidential election. Abdul Raheem expressed disappointment, saying that Yameen is not the patriot he once believed him to be, labeling him as selfish and unworthy of respect.
“Yameen always claimed that the country comes first, but it became evident that this was not the case,” Abdul Raheem said. The moment he lost his admiration for Yameen was when he was instructed to boycott the presidential election. “Until that day, Yameen was the most supported leader,” Abdul Raheem added.
Questions Yameen’s Decision-Making Abilities
During the interview, Abdul Raheem reflected on his earlier belief that former President Abdulla Yameen was a smart leader, but now doubts Yameen’s ability to make sound decisions. Abdul Raheem criticized Yameen’s frequent changes in government positions, noting that Yameen often replaced executive leaders based on his mood—a practice Abdul Raheem believes is not how a state should be run. He contrasted this with President Muizzu’s leadership, suggesting that Muizzu operates differently, and that the government should not be managed in such a volatile manner.
