Abdul Raheem says Yameen surrounded by ex-political opponents
Abdul Raheem went on to compare the current administration with Yameen's government, stating that judicial independence is now protected.
Speaker of Parliament and People's National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla has criticised former President Abdulla Yameen, saying two of the people now closest to him were previously involved in efforts to remove his administration from office.
Abdul Raheem made the remarks while addressing a PNC campaign gathering in AA. Ukulhas on Wednesday night.
Responding to criticism from Yameen and members of his People's National Front (PNF), Abdul Raheem said those outside the current administration did not have full knowledge of the government's projects.
He referred specifically to former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and former Communication Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, who now support Yameen.
"For instance, sitting in his living room, he sits exchanging nods of agreement with Dr Jameel on one side and Maleeh on the other. How would these people know what is happening in this country?" Abdul Raheem said.
"These were the two individuals who actively worked to overthrow our government back then."
He also referred to former Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed, who was serving when an explosion occurred aboard Yameen's speedboat in 2015, and criticised comments made by other former officials aligned with Yameen.
Abdul Raheem went on to compare the current administration with Yameen's government, stating that judicial independence is now protected.
"President Yameen knows better than anyone that there is no executive influence over the courts," he said.
Referring to his own experience during Yameen's administration, Abdul Raheem said the former President could not describe the current government as repressive.
He cited the events following the Supreme Court's ruling of 1 February 2018, which ordered the release of political detainees and the reinstatement of several members of Parliament.
"When approaching the presidential elections, almost everyone who seemed like a potential challenger for power was in prison. Isn't that the truth?" he said.
Abdul Raheem also said the current administration had not arrested anyone on political grounds.
He further claimed that the government had not interfered in recent court proceedings, including cases before the Supreme Court.
