Abdul Raheem Abdulla, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's most senior minister and chairperson of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), has always done political work for a salary or pay, former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has said.
Speaking in Adhadhu's "Echeh Kalheh" program featuring prominent politicians, Jameel shared some information about how Adhurey allegedly worked for former President Abdulla Yameen in the past.
Yameen was the leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) until President Muizzu assumed office. However, after the new government came to power, relations between the pair severely deteriorated and Yameen left the ruling coalition.
Jameel is Yameen's top aide in his efforts to form a new party called People's National Front (PNF). According to Jameel, after the former President left office, Adhurey was paid a monthly salary to run the coalition led by Yameen.
"When President Yameen's government ended, yes, it is good, we have to give credit to Adhurey as well. That is because he stayed even if it was for a monthly salary. The other people with him left President Yameen and went away," Jameel said.
After Yameen was jailed, Adhurey was in charge of managing the PPM's finances, including state funding and political contributions, Jameel said. During that period, Adhurey personally profited from party expenses, Jameel alleged.
"Adhurey is not someone who ever did political work as a volunteer. He did political work for President Yameen as well for pay, for a salary."
Abdul Raheem, the chief minister, is the most influential person in President Muizzu's administration. His family members were appointed to political posts and several government jobs were created in his native Fonadhoo. His son Faisal sits in the cabinet.
"The whole thing was seized through a plot planned by President Muizzu and Adhurey, the two of them. Look now, you can see that now, can't you? Adhurey is everything now. The whole government is this Adhurey," Jameel said.
Jameel now also links Adhurey to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) embezzlement scheme carried out by former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb during Yameen's administration, alleging the involvement of some MPs including Adhurey out of greed for money.
