Yameen: Jaleel saying he will follow Mayor Muizzu’s footsteps means he has already failed

Former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom states he was shocked to hear ruling PNC’s mayoral candidate Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel’s remarks, promising to follow the footsteps of former Malé mayor and current Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in serving the people of Male’, adding Jaleel has already failed if this is his approach.

Yameen highly criticized Jaleel during a PNF event held on Thursday night.

In this regard, Yameen, noting that Jaleel had earned public respect during his time in the military, questioned whether that respect should still hold today.

“The actions they become implicated in after taking on roles unsuited to them or their nature are those most despised by the public, such as corruption and the misappropriation of funds. They are placed in charge of such things, which is causing a ruckus. Should the respect for their identity still withstand despite this?” the former president questioned.

Yameen said that if a person who has completed their service to the nation wishes to preserve the respect and affection earned through that service, they must continue to live in a way that keeps them respected and admired. Otherwise, he warned, their past achievements would be tarnished. Referring to Jaleel, the former president said he is now in such a position.

Yameen added that he was “shocked” to hear Jaleel say he would follow in the footsteps of President Muizzu during his tenure as mayor, adding that Jaleel had already failed the moment he made those remarks.

The former president cited the growing allegations of corruption committed during President Muizzu’s tenure as mayor as the reason.

“We were shocked to hear him say he will follow the footsteps of the former mayor. This is a failure before contesting for the post. The election has not been held yet. The whole Maldives is talking about the corruption that has taken place during [President] Muizzu’s mayorship,” he said.

Yameen praised Jaleel for his honorable service in the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) but questioned whether he could still handle a key role entrusted by the people if he either ignored corruption or did not consider it important.

Jaleel was confirmed as the PNC’s mayoral candidate last month after being the sole contender in the party’s primary. He fought to defend the nation during the November 3, 1988, coup attempt.

Jaleel served as the Defense Minister during Yameen’s administration.