A leaked audio recording of Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed, a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), has revealed that she campaigned against the government for the April 4 referendum and local council elections.
In the recording of a conversation between Asma and a PNC member, the MP is heard advising the individual not to be swayed by the government’s rhetoric and to refrain from participating in any PNC campaign activities until a supervisor position is secured.
"I am telling you, do not be fooled by them. Who are they? I know. Don't be swayed. Don't go out [to campaign]. Don't do a single thing. When they tell to you, ask them to give you the supervisor position first. That’s it. Only then will I stay. They won't win. No matter what they show, they won't win. I don't even want this anymore," she was heard saying.
Asma claimed that she has a large following of loyal supporters and noted that many had contacted her stating they would not vote for the PNC due to the way she has been treated by the administration.
She further asserted that if she does not participate in the upcoming presidential campaign, President Mohamed Muizzu will fail to secure a second term.
"If I don't come out, the President cannot win the presidential election. I am saying this very clearly. Many people love me. They do as I say. Even now, people are asking what they should do, saying they don't want to vote for PNC because of how I was treated," she said.
Emphasizing that the she will not lose her parliament seat, Asma said that she reached her current position through her own hard work and that only she knows the extent of the harassment she has faced from the government.
"They can't do anything. They can't do anything to me. I am someone who got here on my own merit. So, it won't work. You know the harassment I faced... They say they will 'onboard' me. How? That won't happen," she added.
Asma also suggested that if she were to lose her seat, she would defend it with the support of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Her comments follow a decision by the MDP to support any MP who loses their seat due to being expelled from their party.
"They can't do anything to me. I won't lose my seat... For example, if they take my seat—meaning if they find a way to expel me from the party—then when it comes to re-election, I will be there with all the MDP votes as well," she said.
Adhadhu attempted to contact Asma for a comment regarding the leaked audio, but she did not respond to phone calls.
Asma faced internal disciplinary measures last November after she encouraged residents who wish to express their views during a meeting with Muizzu to give their names to her. She was removed from her positions as Chairperson of the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee and Chair of the UK-Maldives Friendship Group.
Muizzu reportedly sent several messages expressing his displeasure to Asma personally and within the PNC Parliamentary Group’s WhatsApp group.
