An audio recording of President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan’s political advisor describing him as “politically the weakest person in the Maldives” with “a lot of legitimacy issues” has been leaked on social media.
“In reality, why we are not able to fully attend internationally is because Dr Waheed is least prepared for this job,” says Dr Hassan Saeed in the recording.
Dr Saeed recently traveled to the UK to meet the Commonwealth Secretary General, the BBC, and UK Undersecretary of the FCO, Alistair Burt.
“Dr Waheed and the wife, that Topi [Ahmed Thaufeeg, Secretary General of Waheed’s Gaumee Itthihaad party] and Waheed’s secretary at the President’s Office – what I am saying is there is no one else but these four people in Dr Waheed’s team,” Dr Saeed says.
The new government was pushing for engagement with Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) because Dr Waheed’s party did not have “a single seat in parliament. Therefore we have to keep all these people.”
He expresses sympathy with the frustration Dr Waheed must have experienced during his many days under the former government, “bored in the office”.
“I wouldn’t just sit. Honestly,” Dr Saeed says. “When an educated man like him whiles the day away being like this, going on the Internet… really it is sad. This is how Waheed was. What happens when this job [the Presidency] comes all of a sudden?”
That job arrived, Dr Saeed says, with “a lot of legitimacy issues”, the involvement of “a lot of foreign partners” and “huge bilateral pressures”.
“Fifty million dollars has to be raised before the end of this month or there will be a sovereign default,” he adds.
President Waheed’s Press Secretary, Musood Imad, told Minivan News that the President’s team had spoken to Dr Hassan Saeed, who said he “had been played” and that the recording had been “taken out of context”.
The President’s Office would be releasing a statement on the matter, Imad said.
Dr Saeed was Attorney General under former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration. After breaking from the MDP coalition that unseated the 30 year autocrat in 2008, Saeed’s Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) was vocal in its criticism of government policy, particularly a 25 year concession agreement between Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and Indian infrastructure giant GMR involving the construction of a new terminal.
The Vice President of his party, Dr Mohamed Jameel – now the Home Minister – was also a vocal critic of the government’s religious credentials, in January distributing a pamphlet entitled “President Nasheed’s devious plot to destroy the Islamic faith of Maldivians”.
Dr Saeed was also one the first to raise concerns about the conduct of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed, in a letter to Gayoom in 2005.
Translation:
‘Then second in command has now become the chief. When it happened, as circumstances would have it, he is the weakest, politically the weakest person in the Maldives is Dr Waheed. In reality, why we are not able to fully attend internationally is because Dr Waheed is least prepared for this job.
“The wife and…Dr Waheed and the wife, that Topi [Secretary General of Waheed’s Gaumee Ittihad party, Ahmed Thaufeeg] and Waheed’s secretary at President’ Office – what I am saying is there is no one else but these four people in Dr Waheed’s team.
“And this is…as circumstances would have it, there was no major role for President Waheed in the previous government. Very many days [spent] bored in the office. I wouldn’t just sit. Honestly. When an educated man like him whiles the day away being like this, going on the Internet…[few people chuckle, a voice is heard saying: ‘on Facebook’. More chuckles]..really it is sad. This is how Waheed was. What happens when this job comes all of a sudden?
“And also, when it came…a lot of legitimacy issues are there, a lot of foreign partners are also involved, bilateral pressures are so huge. 50 million dollars have to be raised before the end of this month or there will be a sovereign default. And there isn’t a single seat in parliament. Therefore we have to keep all these people…and that’s why it is being thought ideally to include MDP in the coalition [cut off].”
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Transcript: President Waheed’s testimony to the Commission of National Inquiry
Spin: Since Waheed is so weak politically and devoid of any real support, there was no way he could have brought about a coup.
Truth: Waheed is a puppet.
Maldives is a police state ruled by the police and the military. Even Dr. Hassan Saeed admits there are legitimacy issues so this is definitely not a smooth transition of power.
Sometimes a weakness is the biggest strength. If Dr. Waheed is weak how came he presided over an alleged coup. Surely it is not a sign of weakness.
If Waheed is so weak, why did Dr. Hassan accept the post. Doesn't that mean Dr. Hassan is even weaker.
This leak will damage Dr. Hassan more, since he has a STRONGER reputation as a spinner, deserter and a backstabber.
Dr. Waheed is definitely keeping his enemies closer. A wise man indeed.
Guess "Come n Go" will hv to go for good this time
This Hassan Saeed guy is an opportunist. He is salivating to get into the top job. He is an idiot. He is a hypocrite. He is a back stabber. Does any one know from which Pakistani seminary he got graduated?
JJ Rob! MDP propaganda machine! Its a real shame you are such low in reporting only one side of the Maldives politics and shamefully ignore the other side and still claim to be "independent"!! MINIVANNEWS IS A WING OF MDP!!
Simply not true. That's not Hassan. That's not even a voice and you didn't even hear it.
looks like this man will never change n he will be chased out soon line anni did
Dr.Waheed has never had any substantial political leverage since his alleged surrender and sudden departure back in the days as an MP.
Since his return to the Maldivian political arena the 3rd time, it appears, his only motive is to grab the top job by hook or crook.In this regard joining Nasheed as a running mate has paid off (as he perceives)
The man simply lacks foresight, and his
recent move to acquire the top job will cost him dearly.
Bottom line, Dr Saeed has called a spade a spade.
This is amazing and proof that it was a planned coup! The evidence is there on YouTube!
Now that the aid has been cut off and the revenue has been affected with the new regime, the finances will reveal this coup. Economically the country is a car crash now.
This is what happens when everybody wants to be a President. First it was Dr Waheed, and now his advisor also wants to be the President, then of course we have Gasim who during Dr Waheed's speech at the pro government rally, couldn't even stand by Dr Waheed's side without butting in every now and then with a few words. Dr Waheed please wake up from whatever stupor you are in, and realize that these people have taken you for a ride and that it's only going to get more and more dirty!
"President Waheed’s Press Secretary, Musood Imad, told Minivan News that the President’s team had spoken to Dr Hassan Saeed"
So President's team is "Dr. Waheed, His wife, Topy and the Press Secretary?" lol. Must be - according to Dr. Hassan
Dr Waheed is an intelligent and wise man. The way he has calmed down things by bringing all the politicians to the same table shows that he is not weak. He is rather clever and demonstrates good governance. In a small country where we have too many political parties, all fighting for power, we need a president like Dr Waheed who can control everyone thus maintaining peace and harmony in the nation. Nasheed has lost his job because he didn't have President Waheed's qualities. Hassan Saeed is educated but he lacks those qualities which Dr Waheed has and I doubt Dr Saeed is avery sincere politician. Dr Waheed can be counted on 100% when it comes to sincerity and honesty as well.
HEYVVA MEEHEH DHO.MEENA RANGALHEH NUVAANE DHUVAHAKU VES.VERIKAMA HEDHEE BOOTH KAIFA.
Dr.Hassan Saeed, thank you for bringing out the inside sentiments about this whole unity government charade. Looks like you have lack of a better option with waheed and you probably believe you are "the man" for the job, but believe me, i will not have you as our president. you are way too pretty boy for the job. but worse, you are just another power greedy so called leader equally responsible for tearing this nation apart. pretty boy pretty boy hypnotic
@Haman
You're joking right?
Waheed might be having a real close- up time with his relatives/associates to do what , next! I pity the man. What A Dog! A Ridicule Of the Whole World!People of Maldives should have courage to stand up for what is right; and NOT be manipulated.
WELL DONE! Saeed! The Truth Will Out.!!! I have just seen President Nasheed and Moosa,s arrival at male. Such heart warming feeling to see the Actual President of the Maldives safe and well. Waheed the Hyena waiting to attack; It will be a JOYFUL Day when the Hyena Waheed is put in jail or hanged for treason. I look forward to it!
How can this country function with such nakedly ambitious people like Dr. Hasan Saeed.
So far Dr. Hassan has worked under the last 3 presidents and also publicly DISRESPECTED all three.
He was first with Maumoon and backstabbed him.
He was with Anni and Backstabbed him.
Now he has done the same to Dr. Waheed.
Dr. Hassan definitely does have a very inflated opinion of himself. But with this attitude as a serial stabber, Dr. Hassan can never come to presidency.
He probably have not learned the importance of respecting authority. This happens when a young PhD are given top posts without going through any experience in the work environment.
Maldives is being destroyed by such fake doctors.
am not surprised! once a hypocrite always a hypocrite! campaigning now is he? this so called unity government will fall into pieces soon. sit back, wait and see! do you see anyone there who had not back-stabbed each other? in reality - NO
Well at least Dr Hassan Saeed is consistent, he F@@ks every President he works for, have to to hand that to him.
Once this Coup unpleasantness passes and perpetrators convicted and jailed. In the showers, I hope everyone remembers not to bend down to pickup the soap while Dr Hassan is around.
@Yasir on Sun, 26th Feb 2012 4:08 PM
"Dr Waheed can be counted on 100% when it comes to sincerity and honesty as well."
Ah, yes, we all remember his 100% reliability record. Comes with a nice little warranty too. The last time he faced any pressure, what did he do? He fled the country and lived a comfortable life in the West.
We toiled away in the blazing tropical heat, in Gayyoom's torture cells. Lives were lost, tears, sweat and even blood was spilt to bring democracy. Where was Waheed? Enjoying his comfortable life in the West, thank you very much.
Yeah, reliability, totally, absolutely 100%.
As the "Skeptical Inquirer" observed, this is the best spin the "adviser" Saeed could bring to the West to "legitimise" this regime. He is trying to play the "powerless little guy" card here.
Saeed never explained why Waheed is such a lonely figure. Fact is, he abandoned his supporters and fled the country to live a comfortable life far away from the Maldives. He only came back when democracy arrived at these shores by the sacrifices of very brave heroes including the former President Nasheed and others.
He thinks that the international community is not aware of the dealings and pacts signed well in advance between Waheed and the enemies of Nasheed's government. Waheed's long term ambition to hold the high office of the country led to the perfect marriage between the coup organisers and fund raisers.
Saeed knows that the shit is going to hit fan pretty soon. The $50 million required to stave off immediate default is the first of numerous issues that Saeed & Co will face. By ignoring the calls for elections by his own citizens and the international community, Waheed will bring an early demise to his short stint as President.
We heard tonight the rest of Saeeds talk. He says what happened in the Maldives has presented the political sciences a new name for a COUP, he says it is a UNIQUE COUP. what a conceited man this is.
Who is this Dr.Saeed? and what on earth is he talking behind the back, a big coward who stabs at each leader, did he have guts to tell the truth when he worked for the Dictator Gayoom? How many injustice things did he do and covered in that time period. Then he was happy to be advisor to President Nasheed but after a while did not even attend the office regularly, played it on his own accord and style…His silly party with three doctors he thought will be the highlight but it proved a big flop, he was calculating to be president thinking Nasheed will fail..Even he did not want to join in the coalition in the beginning..my..my what a character..this guy with his ailing Pakistan Phd will not do much compared to a Stanfford Phd in the international world. Give it a break, have you heard about Shakespeare: ‘Julius Caesar’ Brutus stabbed Ceasar from the back and then in the heart until Ceasar bled to death, and declared to his fellow citizens that he did it in the best interest of the country, now at this point we have a Maldivian Brutus Hassan Saeed who is so power crazy , obsessed, he will defame any leader except himself. Hassan Saeed, you cannot hold the interest of the International world, you are not qualified for that, so stop defaming others or resign if you have the guts, why do you stay in this post before and even now, you have not done a justice job when you were the Attorney General, you even covered for the police when the case of the young man who was tortured killed and dumped in the water, was found accused of drugs, inmates claimed he was beaten to death who heard his ongoing cries and the case that hit the news daily and later blocked the autopsy report in Lanka and even today the family has not got justice or a proper investigation which took place when you were head of the justice institution. How many similar cases were pushed under the table?
It is hard to tell who is the weakest politician in Maldives Dr. Hassan Saeed or Dr. Waheed! However, it is very clear that both these guys are affirmatively good at "back biting"!
“In reality, why we are not able to fully attend internationally is because Dr Waheed is least prepared for this job,” says Dr Hassan Saeed in the recording."
Very true, Dr. Waheed did not have enough time to get prepared since the "coupe soup" was offered to him by Maumoon & Co. (in disguise)!
Dr. Hassan Saeed has dropped himself to the lowest of the low in Maldivian Politics and seemingly nailed the last nail in his coffin!