Yameen says Muizzu wasn't involved in key cabinet decisions

Former President Abdulla Yameen has rejected claims by senior figures in the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) that they played leading roles in major development projects carried out during his administration, while criticising President Mohamed Muizzu's close associates.

The remarks were made during a People's National Front (PNF) front-office meeting on Thursday night, in response to comments made by PNC leaders at a recent gathering in AA. Ukulhas.

At that event, several PNC leaders criticised Yameen and claimed he had little involvement in the administration's work, alleging he spent "Thursday to Saturday" playing cards while others managed government affairs.

Responding to the criticism, Yameen said major government decisions during his presidency were made through Cabinet deliberations in accordance with the Constitution.

He said the Cabinet had been divided into two committees—one responsible for social affairs and the other for economic affairs—to manage the volume of government business.

"Back then, these two Cabinet committees were held every single day of the week," Yameen said.

"All the major work and discussions were taking place within these two Cabinet committees. President Muizzu was not present in either of these two committees. So how much could Muizzu have possibly guided, advised, consulted on, or directly handled when it comes to major state affairs?"

President Muizzu served as Minister of Housing during Yameen's administration.

Yameen also responded to remarks made by Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau and Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

Addressing Shujau, Yameen said the MP should confine his comments to matters he was familiar with.

"He would be very good at telling the story of the thefts committed by [former Vice President Ahmed] Adeeb. He was one of the people involved in distributing the money back then. He knows how to explain those things; he doesn't know how to explain anything else," Yameen said.

He also referred to Abdul Raheem, saying he had been responsible for budget calculations during his administration.

"Back then, when all the budget calculations were being done at the President's Office, Adhurey was doing all the math. We couldn't have found a better person. We didn't even need to use a laptop or a computer," he said.

Yameen concluded by saying that he was in the best position to explain the roles and level of involvement of those now serving in President Muizzu's administration.

He also questioned the appointment of MP Ibrahim Shujau as a foreign policy adviser.