Abdul Raheem's indirect jab at former President Yameen

Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey), Special Advisor to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has said that prioritizing self interest by obstructing welfare of the people is not a display of love towards the country.

The slogan adopted by former President Abdulla Yameen is “Enme Furathama Gaumu”, a phrase that indicates a priority for the nation and its need before oneself, loosely translated to “nation first”. Abdul Raheem made an indirect jab at Yameen and his party members’ criticism of the recent Presidential Address at a party ceremony they held last night.

Speaking at a ceremony held in Veymandoo during President Muizzu's ongoing visit to Thaa atoll, Abdul Raheem said that the first Presidential Address delivered by President Muizzu faced criticism by some.

He said that any person well versed in the nation's politics will acknowledge the recent presidential address as the best delivered in Maldives till date.

“That the address instilled hope in people. That the address emphasized measures that can be implemented to improve the current state of the country. That instead of disappointing and disillusioning the people, it provided them with expectations and hope,” said Abdul Raheem.

He said that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had highlighted many possibilities for development in order to raise the country from its current difficult state. As the president is accountable for informing the people of the current affairs of the country, Abdul Raheem said that the president fulfilled this responsibility to perfection.

“People whose conduct obstructs the benefits and advantages that serve the people are not equipped to carry the slogan of prioritizing the country,” Abdul Raheem claimed.

He said that criticizing and obstructing the benefits warranted by people does not indicate a love for the country. He pointed out that such individuals do not have the right to brandish the slogan “Country first”.

“If they conduct themselves in manners that obstruct the rights and advantages presented to the people, they are not equipped to carry the slogan of prioritizing the country first. If the slogan is to work, they will have to practice good intentions towards the country no matter who is in power,” said Abdul Raheem while refraining from stating any names.

He declared that in spite of who is in power, a display of love and good intentions towards the country is celebrating developments that benefit the people. He said that contrary to this, what is presently seen is conduct that fortifies their personal and political interests.

“Performing with their personal interests and political career in mind is not conduct befitting a person with good intentions towards the country,” said Abdul Raheem.

He said that the people chose this government in order to achieve many feats and that the expectations and promises are being delivered to the people. He added that despite the people speaking distrustfully from a distance, the people of country will stand together with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.