Jameel accuses Abdul Raheem of 'betraying Yameen, hijacking party'
Abdul Raheem criticised Jameel and former Technology Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, both of whom are now close to Yameen.
Former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has responded to remarks made by Speaker of Parliament and People's National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla, accusing him of "betraying" former President Abdulla Yameen and "hijacking" the party.
The exchange follows comments made by Abdul Raheem during a PNC campaign gathering in AA. Ukulhas on Wednesday night, where he criticised Jameel and former Technology Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, both of whom are now close to Yameen.
Responding to criticism of the current administration by Yameen and members of the People's National Front (PNF), Abdul Raheem said only those within the government were in a position to speak about its projects.
"For instance, sitting in his living room, he exchanges nods with Dr Jameel on one side and Maleeh on the other. How would these gentlemen know what is happening in this country?" Abdul Raheem said.
"I wonder if there is not even a shred of shame left. These two are the very individuals who worked to overthrow our government back then."
Abdul Raheem also referred to former Commissioner of Police Hussain Waheed, who served at the time of the 2015 speedboat explosion involving Yameen, saying those now aligned with the former President were figures the public should consider carefully.
In a post on X on Thursday, Jameel rejected Abdul Raheem's remarks.
"Should [Yameen] be nodding along with Adhurey today?" Jameel wrote, referring to Abdul Raheem by his nickname.
"Wasn't it you, Adhurey, who, after committing betrayal yesterday and hijacking the party, still felt unsated and spoke so boastfully about it from the PNC podium?"
Jameel added that those currently standing alongside Yameen remained committed to him.
Since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office, Yameen has repeatedly criticised the government. Abdul Raheem has responded to those criticisms on several occasions at PNC events.
The two were previously close political allies. However, relations deteriorated after the PNC administration took office. The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which had been in coalition with the PNC, was subsequently dissolved, and Yameen later formed the People's National Front following internal disputes within the governing political movement.
