Maafannu South MP Abdulla Rifau has called on residents to vote for Major General (Rtd) Moosa Ali Jaleel as Mayor of Malé City, citing his leadership during the events of 3 November 1988.

The MP made the remarks while speaking at the opening of the campaign office for candidates contesting the Maafannu South constituency council seat and the Women’s Development Committee seat.

Recalling the attempted attack on the Maldives’ independence, Rifau said Moosa Ali Jaleel is widely recognised for his wisdom and fearlessness. He said the courage demonstrated by Jaleel on that day, when he led the Recce patrol that confronted the attackers, played a defining role in safeguarding the country’s future.

“We still remember those moments. Moosa Ali Jaleel is the commander who set aside fear to defend the nation and secure the future of the younger generation,” Rifau said, adding that this legacy alone was sufficient reason to support him. He urged young people in particular to reflect on whether the country’s independence would have been preserved had such leadership not been shown.

Rifau further stated that candidates of the People’s National Congress possess the capability needed to lead the city, and called on residents to give a majority in the Malé City Council to the PNC in the upcoming Council Elections.