Not seeking presidency to serve my own interests: Yameen

Former president Abdulla Yameen has said that while some may think his criticism of state institutions stems from a desire for power, wanting the presidency is not unusual.

Speaking at the Thilauthuru Award 2025 ceremony — the atoll council awards held in Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo last night, Yameen said he would continue to speak out when institutions fail to act responsibly or deliver on their promises.

“Some people may think I am saying these things because I want power,” he said. “But there is no one who does not want power.”

Yameen argued that those who wish to serve the country should be the ones to lead it.

“If you want to do something for the nation, then you can rule the country,” he said.

“Everyone has a philosophy, an idea, something to offer the people. Wanting power in itself is not a flaw, not an oddity, and not uncivilized. That’s the way to serve the people. No one lives without expectations. Everyone wants something.”

Yameen said that people can raise questions if he is driven by personal needs, financial gain or lack of housing.

“I don’t want any of that. I want to change the situation in the Maldives. I want to fix everything that has become stagnant.”

He said “the figures in the books and the depth of people’s pockets” would show that the years 2013 to 2018, when he was in office, were “five years of prosperity”.

Yameen added that organisations such as the World Bank and IMF had recognised the country’s development during his presidency.

“These are documented,” he said.

“But now, on the contrary, we are seeing a very sorry state of affairs. The people should be embarrassed,” he said