Abdul Raheem accuses Yameen of misusing state funds in response to criticism

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla on Saturday accused former president Abdulla Yameen of misusing state funds and failing to uphold justice, saying his conduct had led to his loss of power.

Speaking at a People’s National Congress (PNC) gathering at the party’s headquarters, Abdul Raheem, once among Yameen’s closest allies, responded to the former president’s criticism of Parliament and the government.

At a recent People’s National Front (PNF) gathering, Yameen had described Parliament as a “dog kennel” and claimed a “silent coup” was taking place within the legislature. He also said the rule of President Mohamed Muizzu, Abdul Raheem and PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah was over.

“I do not want to respond to him at all. But Falah’s, Abdul Raheem’s and Muizzu’s rule has not ended. It was his rule that ended,” Abdul Raheem said.

Abdul Raheem, who helped lead Yameen’s campaign for a second term in 2018, attributed his defeat to arrogance, refusal to listen, injustice and abuse of power. He also accused Yameen of betraying the public, depleting the state treasury and allowing his wife to control him.

“His rule ended because he did not listen. His rule ended because he did not establish justice,” he said.

Abdul Raheem said Yameen was out of office because voters had rejected him, while Muizzu, Falah and he held office through electoral support. He claimed Yameen and those around him lacked public backing.

“We have entered Parliament for a third time with the people’s votes. This is not something I am saying just to respond. This is the truth,” he said.

The Speaker said he held his position whether Yameen accepted it or not. He criticised Yameen’s language and conduct, saying they were inconsistent with the standards expected of a former president, and said he now felt embarrassed to use the title “president” before Yameen’s name.

He also accused Yameen of jealousy and a desire to regain power, claiming the former president resented them for helping someone else win the presidency.

Responding to Yameen’s claim that PNC members were not united behind Muizzu, Abdul Raheem said the party remained committed to the president.

“We stand firmly with President Muizzu, with sincerity, honesty and loyalty,” he said, adding that Yameen would not succeed in creating divisions within the PNC.