Minister criticized for attacking ex-boss in speech

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has been criticized for verbally attacking his former boss and Jumhoree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim.

Minister Saeed has recently blamed the prominent businessman and philanthropist for stalling development in Ari Atoll, to maintain his business interests.

Qasim on Twitter retorted that “even animals know who feed them.”

Saeed’s former colleagues also took to social media to express their disappointment.

JP deputy leader Abdulla Riyaz asked whether Minister Saeed can convince President Abdulla Yameen that he’s trustworthy and honest by attacking his former boss, adding that “goats that jump over one fence will jump over another.”

JP deputy leader Ameen Ibrahim reminded Minister Saeed that Qasim’s television channel VTV will have archives of him during the 2013 presidential campaign, affirming Qasim’s “brilliance” in business and development, and holding him as the leader of development in Ari Atoll.

Minister Saeed’s former cabinet member Mohamed Maleeh Jamal noted Qasim’s achievements in Ari Atoll, including the development of its largest harbor, resort, and reclamation project, as well as the development of its airport.

Minister Saeed’s education had been paid for by Qasim, and he had been the GM of Sun Island Resort, owned by Qasim, during the 2013 presidential election.

He was also a senior member of Qasim’s campaign staff during the election, and was later appointed to President Yameen’s cabinet in the slot reserved for Qasim’s party.

But Minister Saeed sided with ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) after Qasim and JP turned to the opposition.

He has since been criticizing Qasim and JP, and is now working for President Abdulla Yameen’s 2018 presidential campaign.