Cabinet appointees on trust; no list needed: Abdul Raheem

The head of the transition office, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, has said that he is not aware of receiving a list from former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom with names of people to be appointed to president-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet.

The President-elect’s office held a press conference at Muizzu’s residence of M. Dhimyaath on Thursday, which Abdul Raheem attended in his capacity as Director General of Transition.

When asked about the alleged rejection of a list sent by opposition leader Yameen for cabinet appointments, Abdul Raheem said he was not aware that such a list had been sent by Yameen and he was not aware that Muizzu had responded to such a list.

PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem said the formation of the cabinet is the direct responsibility of the president and there are still weeks left.

"I can't say nor do I want to say that those ministers that were in President Yameen's cabinet will be in Muizzu’s too. I know that President Muizzu's cabinet will have the ability, skills and courage to work as much as President Muizzu wants," he said.

Asked further questions about the cabinet at the press conference, Abdul Raheem said he did not know how many people would be in the cabinet just yet.

He said the cabinet would be formed by Muizzu and others would not have to make a list.

"I believe that the people has handed over the government to PNC candidate Dr Muizzu for five years. So he came before the people and made promises. He can work with people he trusts to fulfill those promises," he said.

"The President's Cabinet should be a cabinet that has 100% confidence in the president”.

It is noteworthy that Muizzu had spoken on this matter during his campaign, saying that he would not appoint anyone in the cabinet of a PPM-PNC coalition government under duress or recommendation. He said that his ministers will be educationally qualified to fill their posts and fully capable.