President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said today that he will govern within legal bounds no matter how angry anyone becomes, hitting back strongly at Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim.
Qasim heavily criticized the president and the government at a JP council meeting yesterday. Despite the JP remaining in the governing coalition, Qasim has decided to contest in the next presidential election.
One of the reasons for Qasim's criticism was the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stopping the sale of the Kaafu Vaavehdhi lagoon leased to the Villa group.
Speaking on the issue today, president Solih said he has worked within the bounds of the constitution and laws during the four years and nearly seven months that he has been in office and would continue to do so.
"Regardless of how close that person is, even if he is from the party, or a family member, I cannot step outside the constitution. No matter how angrily anyone speaks, that's up to them," the president said in response to Qasim.
Qasim alleged that the sale of Vaavehdhi lagoon was stopped under direct government influence. He accused the Chief of Staff of the President's Office Ali Zahir of influencing independent institutions.
"It doesn't matter if it's the Chief of Staff or any other staff. There are things that can be done and things that must not be done. [He] calls the heads of institutions once a day and tells them not to do this,” he accused Ali Zahir.
Speaking to reporters at Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir's signing ceremony to the MDP, president Solih said the work of independent institutions would continue as before and that he has never exerted any influence.
Qasim also criticized the government yesterday on matters other than the lagoon leased to Villa. President Solih has been “making mistakes upon mistakes” and should “head home now,” Qasim said.
"...There is no point in you contesting further and saying that you will come to power. The people understand today," he said.
Despite Qasim's heavy criticism of President Solih, the JP remains part of the current government with ministers serving in the party's slots. Transport minister Aishath Nahula and fisheries minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan are members of the JP council.
Earlier this year, President Solih invited Qasim to form a coalition with the MDP to contest in 2023. But the JP congress decided to contest the election separately. Qasim, who was awarded the JP's presidential ticket, has also started his campaign.
