Yameen Affirms His Continued Role in Politics Amidst Criticism

Former President Abdulla Yameen has reiterated his active presence in the political sphere, rejecting claims that he has been sidelined. 

Speaking at a People’s National Front (PNF) rally, Yameen responded to remarks made by Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal, who had suggested that the former president was no longer a significant political figure.

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Faisal’s comments came in reaction to Yameen’s earlier criticisms of his family during various speeches. “Whether President Yameen laughs, or gets angry, or trembles, he remains sidelined from politics,” Faisal stated.

In his speech last night, Yameen firmly dismissed these assertions, stating, “So regardless of how loudly Faisal says so, I am not sidelined from politics. I cannot even be sidelined. I remain here in the political arena. And in such a way that they have to keep responding to what I say.”

Yameen also criticised senior government officials, claiming that if they were to form their own political parties, they would struggle to attract even 1,000 members. He alleged that the current government rose to power by exploiting his imprisonment but that neither President Dr Mohamed Muizzu nor Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla genuinely desired his release.

Despite Yameen’s claims, President Muizzu was observed appealing to then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for Yameen’s release in his first public address after winning the presidential election, as well as during his campaign. Yameen was eventually transferred to house arrest less than 24 hours after Muizzu’s appeal to Solih in his first address as President-Elect.

Yameen further addressed recent accusations that he had distanced himself from the government despite it acting correctly. He denied these claims, asserting that he chose to dissociate from the government to avoid being complicit in its wrongdoings.

Although Yameen now justifies his distancing from the government, it is noted that he had already begun to publicly criticise the government’s leadership before President Muizzu assumed office.

Yameen concluded his address by criticising the current administration, accusing it of failing to address the actions of the former administration led by President Solih. He alleged that the government is neglecting to investigate cases of corruption and other offences and is not adhering to the manifesto presented during President Muizzu’s campaign.