President Muizzu changed the political history of Laamu Atoll: Abdul Raheem

Special Advisor to the President and People's National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has changed the political history of Laamu Atoll.

Abdul Raheem also stated that it is President Muizzu who had found space on the top tiers of the Maldives' State apparatus for people hailing from Laamu Atoll.

Abdul Raheem won the seat for the Fonadhoo constituency in the recent parliamentary elections. He made these comments in a special gathering held in Fonadhoo to celebrate his victory.

"I have always said that while this Maldivian State has been in operation for 4000 years, to date, not a single person from Hahdhunmathi (Laamu) has held a seat in the top tiers of State, in the cabinet," Abdul Raheem said.

Abdul Raheem said that in a groundbreaking move, President Muizzu, when he compiled his cabinet after being sworn in November 17, placed two persons from Hahdhunmathi in the 'most powerful cabinet positions'. These are Dr Mohamed Shafeeq as Finance Minister and Abdul Raheem's son, Ibrahim Faisal, as Tourism Minister.

"In addition to that, I am also included at some point," Abdul Raheem said, while he holds the post of Special Advisor to the President.

"So I don't believe there is any island besides Fonadhoo that must work diligently to maintain and uphold the administration of President Muizzu," Abdul Raheem said.

He called on the residents of Fonadhoo to set aside party ideology and instead prioritize national ideology, or what he referred to as 'Fonadhoo ideology'. He said that while there are many dreams that the people of Fonadhoo have long wanted to be realized, an opportunity such as this is rarely presented to a people.

"The wise are those that make the best and right use of the opportunities they are presented with. Today, God willing, Hahdhunmathi, and especially Fonadhoo, has received a golden opportunity. I call on the entire populace of Fonadhoo to make sure we make use of this opportunity," Abdul Raheem said.

Abdul Raheem pledged that he will set an example by adopting an island-centric ideology. He declared that regardless of what political party he may be affiliated with, his first priority will always remain the development of Fonadhoo.

"The guarantee that I give you is if President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's government decides to work on the development of Hahdhunmathi, especially, Fonadhoo, then I am ready to work with them even if throughout the 24 hours each day. This is something I have always maintained, I will always remain steadfast with you. I will remain sharing your ideology," Abdul Raheem affirmed.

Abdul Raheem has previously filled the Fonadhoo seat in parliament for two terms. He said that he witnessed and recalls the tears shed by the people when he came to lose the parliamentary election in 2019. He consoled them saying that even if he had won the seat at that time, he would have been unable to accomplish much as the government at the time was led by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

"I believe that day's loss paved the path for today's win. Allah knows best. So the restraint and courage we showed that day despite our loss, that we got back on our feet, that act has been rewarded today with this win. If I recall right, this is the second largest margin in the country, so with this major win you have elected me to this seat today," Abdul Raheem said.

Abdul Raheem received a warm welcome from the people of Fonadhoo as he arrived for the celebrations. The celebratory event also included a display of fireworks.

Abdul Raheem won the Fonadhoo constituency seat with a total of 1649 votes as per the interim results. His closest contender was MDP's Hussain Abu Bakr who received 491 votes.