No basis for Faisal's dismissal, won't have done on good ties: Abdul Raheem

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said on Tuesday that there is no justification for the dismissal of his son, Ibrahim Faisal, from the position of tourism minister.

Speaking in a telephone interview with Atoll Times, Abdul Raheem said Faisal had not engaged in any corruption during his tenure and had fulfilled the objectives set by President Mohamed Muizzu. He expressed confidence that Faisal would not act against the president.

"This is a government that Faisal has contributed to significantly. He has performed his duties as required, and I do not believe there is any reason to remove him," Abdul Raheem said.

Abdul Raheem, who serves as the chairman of the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC), described the dismissal as disappointing and emphasised that neither he nor Faisal had acted in a manner that could harm the government or the president.

"It's been disheartening. I do not understand why this decision was made. I have always acted in accordance with the president’s directives, and I am certain Faisal has done the same," he said.

When asked whether Faisal would continue to be part of the government, Abdul Raheem confirmed that Faisal would not. He explained that the President’s Office sent a letter informing Faisal of his dismissal after he arrived at the office.

"I don’t know what happened. Faisal called me and said he had been dismissed after arriving at work," Abdul Raheem said, denying rumours that the president had offered Faisal another position within the government.

Regarding his own relationship with President Muizzu, Abdul Raheem said the situation indicated a shift in their dynamic.

"If the relationship and trust that existed at the start of this government were still intact, this would not have occurred," he said.

After Faisal's dismissal, economic minister Mohamed Saeed has been appointed as the acting tourism minister.