President Muizzu is a "cunning fox," and there is no one left who respects him: Rasheed
Former MP Ibrahim Rasheed has accused the current administration of gross negligence in maintaining the Maldives' historical sites and cultural heritage. Criticizing the government's claim that the restoration of the Malé Friday Mosque's minaret is stalled due to a lack of high-quality lime, Rasheed dismissed the explanation as an unacceptable excuse while highlighting the deteriorating state of other historical landmarks such as the Kalhuohfummi vessel. He further alleged that despite President Dr. Muizzu’s rhetoric on nationalism, the administration lacks a genuine commitment to the practical preservation of the nation's heritage.
Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, speaking during an appearance on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program. | Raajje MV
Former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed, has asserted that despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s public rhetoric regarding the national flag and nationalism, the President lacks even a trace of true national spirit.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Rasheed stated that there has been significant negligence in the preservation of the Maldives' historical heritage since the current administration took office. He noted that sites deeply connected to the nation's history and culture are falling into ruin, specifically highlighting the deterioration of the "Kalhuohfummi" vessel and the "Kalhuvakaru Mosque," while asserting that no efforts are being made to restore them.
Speaking on the condition of the Male’ Friday Mosque minaret, Rasheed stated that the government’s claim that maintenance is hindered by a lack of "quality lime" is not an acceptable excuse.
"In the past, we spoke of having high-quality paints and various specialized chemicals. We had anti-fouling paints and high-grade coatings. However, the reason the minaret is deteriorating now is simply because I cannot source quality lime."Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency.
Rasheed further stated that establishing a company and appointing a board to produce lime is illogical. Sharply criticizing President Muizzu, he described the President as a "cunning fox" and asserted that, due to his actions, there is no longer anyone who respects him.
Muizzu spoke extensively about nationalism, waving the flag and pledging to protect the Maldives' history, heritage, and culture. However, he is someone who possesses not even a trace of true nationalism. He is a complete fraud. The way the President conducts himself has reached a point where there is no longer anyone left who respects him.Ibrahim Rasheed, the former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency.
Rasheed made these remarks in response to statements by government spokesperson Heena Waleed regarding the failure to maintain the minaret of the Friday Mosque. Heena had stated that there were difficulties in sourcing the high-quality lime required for the minaret's restoration.
However, during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, several efforts were made to lime-wash and renovate the minaret. The Friday Mosque, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, was originally built in 1153 and stands as one of the Maldives' most significant historical landmarks, having undergone various renovations throughout different eras. While Sultan Ahmed Shihabuddini renovated the mosque in 1338, the structure seen today was built during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I.
