Abdul Raheem Overstepped, Falah Should Know His Place: Yameen

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, and Majority Leader Ahmed Falah, asserting that Abdul Raheem has long been operating "outside the bounds of decency" and describing Falah as a mere "husk of a coconut" drifting aimlessly in a turbulent sea.

Speaking at a gathering hosted by the People’s National Front (PNF) on Sunday night, former President Yameen stated that Abdul Raheem Abdulla had remained "outside the inner circle" all this time. He remarked that while Abdul Raheem was deployed to criticize him based on advice from consultants and scholars, it would be a mistake to assume that the relationship between President Muizzu and Abdul Raheem is genuinely strong. Yameen further noted that even Abdul Raheem’s "prince" has now been sidelined and removed from his position.

"Everyone would be better off recognizing their own limitations and acting accordingly. There is no one among you who possesses the caliber to engage with us on national affairs. Furthermore, there is no one there with the political acumen required to govern."

President Yameen

Former President Yameen has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has failed to undertake any initiatives that command public support. He remarked that no matter how much the President vents his frustrations on the podium due to his inability to deliver results, the reality of the situation remains unchanged. Furthermore, Yameen noted that it is increasingly evident that the 2028 presidential election cannot be won with President Muizzu at the helm. He emphasized that this trend is becoming clearly visible through the outcomes of recent votes.

Furthermore, Yameen alleged that the current administration has facilitated loans worth hundreds of millions of rufiyaa through the Bank of Maldives for projects managed by Abdul Raheem’s wife. He asserted that during his own presidency, he never secured loans for either his wife or his children. Addressing the remarks about being "under his wife's thumb," Yameen suggested that before making such comments, individuals should "peel back their own skin" to see what truly lies beneath.

Furthermore, President Yameen criticized the Majority Leader of the People’s Majlis, Ibrahim Falah, describing him as a "husk of a coconut tossed into a turbulent sea." Yameen stated that Falah is someone who simply drifts with the winds, currents, and waves, noting his history of switching between various political parties, including the PPM, Jumhooree Party, and PNC. President Yameen further asserted that Falah had never been truly loyal to him at any point during their time working together.

Having wealth may allow someone to win an election and secure a seat in Parliament. However, once in office, the extent of Falah’s intellectual capacity becomes clear. In his attempt to flatter President Muizzu from the floor of the House, he is instead inadvertently subjecting him to ridicule.

President Yameen

Speaking at a PNC rally, Falah stated that whenever President Muizzu's name is mentioned, his supporters applaud with deep affection, likening their enthusiasm to the way citizens of North Korea cheer. He further remarked that the manner in which President Muizzu’s supporters applaud differs significantly from that of former President Yameen’s supporters. Criticizing President Yameen’s administration, Falah added that during that tenure, members of Parliament were preoccupied with trivial tasks, such as packaging Panadol, Eid sweets, and dried fish, or organizing circumcision ceremonies.

Furthermore, Abdul Raheem also criticized President Yameen, asserting that his administration ended due to arrogance, pride, and malice. He further claimed that Yameen’s downfall was a result of his refusal to heed the advice of the public and well-meaning individuals, as well as his failure to act independently of his wife's influence.