Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed should be “commended” for his work in former President Abdulla Yameen’s legal team, says Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim.

The leader of the ruling coalition partner said this at an event held by the party on Tuesday night.

Praising his political advisor, Qasim said that the party does not oppose him practicing his profession.

Instead, the JP leader said that the former VP should be “commended” for his work in the former president’s case.

While JP joined hands with the coalition to overthrow Yameen ahead of the 2018 presidential elections, amid the various allegations against the former president including theft and money laundering, some of its recent decision has led to criticism.

This includes JP’s political advisor counseling Yameen in the money laundering trial, as well as a number of senior officials from the former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) joining the party including those accused of gross misconduct during the Yameen regime.

Also at Tuesday’s gathering, the JP leader noted the importance of keeping “balance” within the various political parties. He also made a dig at main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), as per usual, saying that its logo has “a balanced scale” but that he “will not comment on their actions.”

While Qasim had previously accused President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of discriminating within the coalition, he thanked his government at Tuesday night’s event, adding that he would not do so if the president were unjust or oppressive.