News Desk
In a violet tie and a black suit that screams “kingmaker,” Abdul Raheem, affectionately known as Adhurey, was sworn in as the Maldives Speaker of Parliament, etching a historic moment for Laamu Atoll.
Raheem is no stranger to political storms. In true Maldivian fashion, he navigates through turbulent waters with the finesse of a seasoned sailor. Close associates say his secret weapon is a simple one: the man doesn’t know how to say “no.” To his superiors, at least. “He’s a ‘yes man’ through and through,” laughs a long-time colleague. “The only time he says ‘no’ is when he’s reciting his Islamic creed.”
On Twitter, Raheem is known as Banafsaa, a name that’s as fitting as it is poetic. Derived from Arabic, Banafsaj means “wild violet.” And like the wild violets described by Shakespeare’s fairy king Oberon in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Raheem stands out in the often monotonous landscape of Maldivian politics.
In a metaphorical twist, China Global Television Network (CGTN) managed to sum up the news of China’s top legislator congratulating Speaker Abdul Raheem in just 28 words. Just 28! For a man whose rise to power is anything but brief, that’s almost a crime. Banafsaa’s victory demands more than a tweet-length acknowledgment.
Raheem is a seasoned parliamentarian. His previous tenure produced some “literature” that’s definitely rated 18+. His “violet prose” and pithy sound bites pepper Twitter, showcasing his flair for the dramatic, especially when the going gets tough.
He clinched the speaker position following President Muizzu’s recommendation, solidifying his role as a trusted lieutenant. Raheem garnered 71 votes, crushing his rival, MP Ibrahim Nazil of MDP from Hithadhoo Dhekunu, who managed just 14 votes. Notably, some party members and old-timers abstained, and there were seven invalid votes.
And in a move that surprised absolutely no one, Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim refrained from the customary congratulations on X (formerly known as Twitter). A conspicuous silence if ever there was one.
An IndiaOut movement warrior, Raheem has a hatful of tricks to bring matters to consensus. However, in a legislature packed with the President’s Yes-Men, his path might be smoother than expected.
As Banafsaa, the wild violet, Abdul Raheem’s journey is a testament to a man who thrives in the shadows and blooms in the spotlight. Whether he can transform his flowery rhetoric into tangible political achievements remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the Maldives Parliament just got a lot more colorful.
