Yameen questions PNC mayoral candidate Moosa Ali Jaleel’s record

Former President Abdulla Yameen on Thursday criticised Moosa Ali Jaleel, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) candidate for the Malé mayoral election, questioning his record and public role.

The remarks were made at a rally organised by the People’s National Front (PNF), which Yameen currently leads. Former Police Commissioner Hussain Waheed, who addressed the gathering, said he disagreed with President Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to field Moosa Ali Jaleel as a candidate for mayor, noting that Jaleel had previously retired from military service.

Following Waheed’s remarks, Yameen addressed the crowd and said he did not consider Moosa Ali Jaleel’s candidacy to be commendable. He said Jaleel had previously served as Chief of Staff during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed, and argued that this did not support claims made in his favour.

Yameen further stated that a person’s conduct should be assessed based on their actions rather than their former position or uniform, and said that Moosa Ali Jaleel’s political decisions were his own responsibility.

Moosa Ali Jaleel is contesting the Malé mayoral seat on the PNC ticket in the upcoming local council elections.