Former MP Ibrahim Shareef praise Mayor Adam Azim's loyalty

Former Member of Parliament for the Kelaa constituency, Ibrahim Shareef, stated last night that during the Male' City Council by-election in January last year, two MDP members elected alongside Male' Mayor Adam Azim resigned from the party before taking the oath, and suggested that certain individuals responsible for the loss of MDP’s government were also visible.

However, he emphasized that Adam Azim is not an individual who would act in such a way.

Shareef made these remarks at a campaign meeting held in Villimalé for current Mayor Adam Azim, who is seeking the MDP ticket for the upcoming Local Council elections. The figures Shareef alluded to include Adam Azim’s rival candidate in the primary and former Henveiru-Medhu MP Ali Azim, who left MDP amidst disagreements at the time, as well as members of The Democrats party.

Some MDP members believe that members of The Democrats were a major factor in the party losing the last presidential election. However, following some reconciliation, several of these members, including former President Mohamed Nasheed and Adam Azim's rival candidate Ali Azim, later rejoined the MDP.

At Adam Azim's campaign rally, Shareef commented that since those individuals have rejoined MDP and are now discussing the primary, he has little else to say.

He stressed the importance of selecting a trustworthy candidate: "Therefore, we need to consider what kind of candidate we are electing? Is it a candidate who will move forward with us and the party, or is it a candidate who will remain in the party? These are the first things we must consider when voting for a candidate."

Shareef praised Adam Azim, describing him as someone who worked tirelessly every day in senior positions within various state companies during the MDP government. He argued that one reason Azim's efforts were overshadowed was the organized campaign by those with disagreements with the MDP and the government to sow hatred toward the administration.

Shareef said this dissent was most evident in the People's Majlis (Parliament), which he witnessed up close. Recalling that Nasheed was the Parliament Speaker and Ali Azim was the MDP Parliamentary Group leader at the time, Shareef mentioned that when MDP requested the suspension of parliament sittings to campaign for the last Local Council election, the request was denied.

"From that time onwards, this hatred, enmity, and discord arose. In truth, it was because of that we lost our government," Shareef stated.

He highlighted that even during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous government, with Adam Azim as one of the key figures, was managing four to five projects in every island, large or small. At the time, Adam Azim was heading MTCC, the company that executed the most projects.

Shareef concluded by lauding Azim's capabilities: "Whether it's a pearl or a jewel, it shines when it gets the right environment. Therefore, Adam Azim is skilled, Adam Azim is hardworking, Adam Azim is a strong political leader with foresight. We saw his work, his skill, capability, and his efforts demonstrated through his appointments to those important institutions."

Adam Azim, who is seeking re-election, stated at the rally that work for the people should not be done only when an election is near. He mentioned that when he visited the islands previously, people commented that the pace of work was too fast.

He emphasized that elections are not only about seeking votes but about sincerely serving the people. Azim asserted that he would not seek another term or campaign if he had not served the people and earned their trust by doing what they needed.

"We are here to hear the people's problems and solve them. Work should not be done only when it comes time for a vote," he said.

Adam Azim concluded by saying that his vision is to provide services by working together with everyone and with the people. He acknowledged that the role of leadership is not easy, but regardless of whether it is easy or difficult, the work of the people must be done.