I was always impressed with Saleem's enthusiasm, dedication and hard work

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Saleem in our efforts to bring democracy to the Maldives and to bring an end to Gayoom's dictatorship in the Maldives.

Like many others, I was always impressed with Saleem's enthusiasm, dedication and hard work to promote the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and democratic reform in the Maldives.

Saleem's departure is a loss both to MDP and G.Dh Constituency. We will miss him dearly.

I pray to Allah, God Almighty to bless his soul and for courage and patience to his family and friends in such trying times.

 

Mohamed Munavvar

President, MDP

May Allah Bless His Soul

Mr. Saleem was a charismatic figure and a very efficient leader. He was a great asset for the party and the democracy movement as a whole. It is with great sorrow and sadness that we heard the news of his untimely death. Our nation has lost a great son and we shall always remember his work and contribution to the betterment of our people. May Allah bless his soul and grant his family and friends to the strength to carry on. Amen!

 

Hassan Zahir (Rado)

A charismatic person, an efficient administrator

I knew Saleem well and he did discuss politics with me. He was a supremely confident character who was never scared of speaking his mind. Saleem was totally committed to the notion that President Gayoom was the single most significant obstacle to democratic reform. He was therefore very direct and straightforward with his comments. He was a charismatic person, an efficient administrator who did not think small. The MDP will miss his energy and charisma. Saleem was undoubtedly a serious asset to the MDP and we will miss him.
 
Hamid Abdul Gafoor
Secretary General
Maldivian Democratic Party

An individual, quite unique in his own way

I met Saleembe', after hearing a lot about him, while I was still in exile...it was in the MDP office in Male', while they were preparing the Nov 10 campaign in 2006. I was immediately drawn to his charm and energy. I also had the honour of meeting him in Thinadhoo, during the visit of Hon. Garry Streeter. During the excitement of the seminar and the many political activities that went on, Saleem was cool and calm. He had the gift of being able to delegate responsibilities to his colleagues. This made him a very effective team leader, in my opinion. His sincerity and his commitment to what he believed in, was always visible in his actions and conversation. Salim and his colleagues also proved to be of a life saver, when mdp held the seminar in Kulhudhuffushi to plan the Parliamentary campaign. He found friends and admirers in the North, while he was born in Huvadhoo Atoll.
His sudden passing away made me very sad, and encouraged me to reflect on a life, an individual, quite unique in his own way...may he rest in peace...

Ahmed Ali Naseer, Columnist
MDP Member

 

 

He was a courageous person, always ready to face any challenge

I met Saleem during Eid festival in my island Fiyoaree while he was conducting "vaadhemun" competition. I was head of "Venbolha Team". I still remember his jokes about my team member's late attendance to hold the rope. He was saying that "all venbolha's" are late due to high tide.  He had a great sense of humour.

I worked with him during November 10 preparations. He had the knowledge and courage to control and lead the crowd. He shared lots of knowledge with me while he was in house arrest.

In jail, he was the one who controlled the Number 5th cell of Dhoonidhoo prison in which 60 inmates were presented during November 10. He was the one who started prayers to bring down current regime from power. All inmates joined with him. He organised and instructed the supplications after every prayer till he was transferred to house arrest.

As the legal director of MDP, I would say that I had represented 135 different people on behalf of MDP during police interrogation and I found that there are few people who are brave to face the police. Saleem includes with these few people. He was a courageous person, always ready to face any challenge. His death was a collateral damage to MDP Gaafu Dhaalu Dhaaira.

May Allah rest his soul in peace and bless his family and friends.

Nazil Afeef
Legal Director, MDP Secretariat

Mr. Saleem lived a meaningful life in the service of the people and we draw inspiration from the active role he played to bring democracy to our tiny islands

"I join all members of the Maldives' democracy movement in grieving the death of Mr. Mohamed Saleem Ali. I express my sincerest condolences to  his beloved wife, his children and other relatives. We all share a sense of loss over his passing away. Mr. Saleem lived a meaningful life in the service of the people and we draw inspiration from the active role he played to bring democracy to our tiny islands. Mr. Saleem was an outstanding activist.  His contribution to the advancement of democracy movement in Huvadhoo Atoll was significant.  He dedicated a good part of his life for the struggle to introduce democratic culture in our society.  Over the last two years,   I worked as his attorney to defend   the various charges brought against him by the Maldives regime, in connection with his political activities. Especially, during the last two months of his life I tirelessly worked with him to get permission from the criminal court for him to go abroad to seek medical treatment. I found him to be a courageous person who was prepared to give anything for our country and for the cause of human rights and democracy in the Maldives. At a time we mourn his death, we draw inspiration from this great man in our struggle for democracy and human rights in the Maldives.

Husnu Al Suood, Attorney at Law,
MP for Addu Atoll and member of MDP

Sad that, I did not get an opportunity to meet this great man

"I am really sad that, I did not get an opportunity to meet this great man in his life.  I only see him in a picture or an article about him and or written by him. I have been observing how much he is sacrificing and endangering his personal life and his family including some of his close friends for the course of freedom and justice. Indeed we have lost ONE great leader who was fighting for democracy; There are few personalities like him in the Country. I pray God Almighty Allah to rest his soul in peace and bless his family and friends. I shall always remember him and appreciate."

Ahmed Naseer, Managing Director,
Asia Management, MDP Member