Member of Parliament for Dhidhdhoo constituency, Abdul Latheef Mohamed, launched a scathing critique of former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, stating that Yameen views himself as the center of everything and treats others as insignificant.

Speaking on Mendhuru TV’s "Javaabudhaari" program on Friday night, Latheef explained the reasons behind his decision to break away from Yameen’s leadership during the 18th Parliament and align with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Latheef said the split was due to rising internal discrimination and ideological clashes within the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), where both Yameen and Maumoon were once key figures. He ultimately sided with Maumoon when the rift between the two deepened, citing vast differences in leadership style and temperament.

Latheef praised Maumoon as a leader with patience, humility, and discipline, describing him as someone who remained calm under pressure and treated others with kindness and dignity.

In contrast, Latheef portrayed Yameen as short-tempered, egocentric, and dismissive of others' views.

"President Yameen is someone who gets angry quickly, doesn’t listen to both sides, lacks patience, and often disrespects others," Latheef said.

"To President Yameen, everything is President Yameen, himself. He believes his ideas are always right, his actions are always best — that he alone is everything."

Latheef went on to accuse Yameen of being habitually harsh, claiming that he marginalizes people, grows weary of those around him, and struggles to cooperate even with loyal supporters.

“No matter how patient or capable the people around him are, working with President Yameen is very difficult,” he added.

Lateef’s comments coincide with former President Yameen’s return to public political activity, transitioning from closed-door lobby meetings to small public rallies, where he has accused others of corruption—despite facing serious corruption charges himself.