Renowned local religious scholar Sheikh Ilyas Hussain has warned Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed not to make him open his mouth.

Speaking at a Joint Opposition campaign event in Addu City, Sheikh Ilyas warned that making him open his mouth would result in him exposing revealing statements the minister had made during private conversations.

At the event, Ilyas said that the government had made several proposals to him but he declined out of fear of putting his personal interest above speaking the truth.

Noting that everyone has the right to speak out, the religious scholar said that standing up to tyranny is also allowed in Islam and that it is required of every citizen to stop any elected leader once he begins abusing his position.

He also said that it is up to the judge to guarantee people’s rights but that the judges now are being used by the government to prosecute whoever they want.

He added that he has decided to support Joint Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and his running mate Faisal Naseem because they lack any arrogance or self-importance.