The biography of one of the most influential personalities in Maldivian history, Villa Group Chairman and Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim, details his early days in the islands and his migration to Male'.

The book details how he started his first business and became one of the country’s wealthiest men, his service to nation-building, his generosity and how he became an influential figure in the political arena.

It was written by veteran journalist Mohamed Jameel, whose previous works include the biography of former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed and the memoir of the first President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Ameen. The book was officially launched on Monday night to celebrate Qasim's 75th birthday.

Qasim at the book launching.

The 700-page book, Qasim Ibrahim - An Exemplary Maldivian Son, contains many untold stories about his life, business and services to the nation. The book also includes photographs of Qasim and his family that have not previously been seen publicly.

Journey to becoming a leading entrepreneur

Qasim was born 75 years ago in 1950 in Alif Dhaal Dhidhdhoo island and spent his childhood in Alif Dhaal Maamigili island. When he was young, he lived with his father in Nalaguraidhoo, an uninhabited island at the time and Maadheli. After that, Qasim moved to Male' and obtained a certificate to work as a secretary. He also held government positions.

At a time when wide-scale businesses were rare in Male', Qasim took a loan of MVR 15,000 and started a small shop to build into his Villa empire. Next year marks half a century for the Villa Group. It now operates five resorts, a cement factory, a gas factory, a fish factory, two private airports, an international port, Villa Air, Villa Mart, Villa Energy, Villa Shipping, VTV and Villa College. The group is also involved in some other businesses.

According to Qasim's autobiography, the secret of this success is "diligence, sharpness and honesty" and the courage to take risks.

An early photography of Qasim.

The book tells the story of Qasim's life, the birth of the Villa brand, the development of a large shipping line from a small fishing boat, the building of luxury resorts and the bright and dark days in his Villa empire.

It also explains why Qasim was forced to sell his 50 percent stake in Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), which has the world's largest seaplane fleet, to Champa Hussain Afeef.

"Kingmaker" in the political arena

Qasim's name is written in bold letters in the country's reform movement and journey towards democracy. He was on the list of candidates who applied for the formation of a political party in 2001, long before the formation of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP). He played a major role in the founding of the MDP.

He served as an MP and Speaker in the People's Majlis that drafted the new Constitution of 2008 and served as an MP and Speaker later again. He was the Finance Minister and the Governor of the central bank in the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and served as the Home Minister in the government of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

After joining the DRP, he later formed his political party, the Jumhooree Party (JP) and contested all but the 2008 and 2018 presidential elections.

Qasim's book launching.

Although Qasim's presidential dream has not yet come true, he is the kingmaker of every government that has been formed since the inroduction of multi-party politics in the Maldives. However, his biography describes the bitter experiences he had to go through in each subsequent government.

After winning the election, former President Mohamed Nasheed refused to give Qasim a ministerial post. During former President Abdulla Yameen's government, Qasim was imprisoned and was forced to seek political asylum in Germany after going to Singapore for medical treatment. The biography described how Yameen tried to destroy the Villa empire and the emotion he went through after his son Siyad was detained.

The biography also details his political experiences and his recent memories of the mutiny in February 7, 2012.

A philanthropist and nation-builder

Outside of business and political activities, Qasim is one of the most generous people in Maldives in recent history. Before the launched of the Aasandha health scheme, he provided assistance for hundreds of people to seek medical treatment overseas. Qasim's Villa Foundation began student loans long before the government's student loan scheme. He has also forgiven hundreds of millions of Rufiyaa in loans owed by the students.

Students who completed higher education with Qasim's assistance can be seen in all ranks of service to the country.

Qasim's dedication to producing intellectual minds went unmatched and his Villa College is the largest private college in Maldives now.

Two of Qasim's current wives (l) and ex-wives.

As a husband of four wives and father to 14 children, his commitment towards family and the nation are an example for everyone. The biography paints a picture of Qasim's prosperity through his diligence and hard work.

Filled with smiles, heartache, hope and failure, Qasim's biography ends with a legacy of touching but valuable advice to his children.

In his will, Qasim made some requests from his 14 children as well as their mothers. He left all his hard-earned achievements to his children, bequeathing them not to be divided.

A special website and audiobook of Qasim's biography were also launched on February 10. The book will be distributed free of charge from February 11.

This article was first written in Dhivehi by Mohamed Shahzan.