Planned ahead to win election for President Muizzu: Speaker Abdul Raheem

Speaker of Parliament and ruling People's National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla has revealed last night that he had planned ahead to work to secure the presidency for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in the last elections.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of PNC House - the hub for party activities - Abdul Raheem confirmed that claims by former President Abdulla Yameen and his supporters that he had had plans to win the presidential election for President Muizzu are, in fact, true.

Abdul Raheem claimed that his decision had been made with keeping the people's good in mind, and because he knew well President Yameen and his ways.

"I planned way ahead. Why did I plan so? I planned because I know who President Yameen is. I knew that if he could not run, he would not allow for our party to contest in the elections," Abdul Raheem said.

"I knew even when he formulated and sent in Plan A, Plan B and Plan C that we could not contest in the elections with his approval and agreement."

Abdul Raheem said that he had been inclined to make this decision based on the experience gained during the thirty years of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's presidency, with the intention of not allowing the party to be sidelined.

In last night's speech, Abdul Raheem heavily criticized Yameen, declaring that the former President does not know how to value sincere people or to accept efforts by such persons.

He alleges that Yameen and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)/ PNC coalition had lost the 2018 elections largely due to his refusal to listen to senior party officials, and proceeding to run campaigns 'under two different roofs'.

"We told him we could succeed through campaigning from the party office. He [Yameen] retorted that this was his own matter, and nothing to do with us. He said, just remain and do what you are asked. So that's what we did," he said.

Abdul Raheem said that in contrast to this, President Muizzu proceeds with the advice of the party, leaders, and cabinet in all that he endeavours to do.