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| Sheikh Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim |
A principled and forward-thinking leader, Ilyas Hussain spearheaded the constitutional reform movement in the 1990s and 2000s. His tenure as a former Member of the Constitutional Majlis and State Minister, holding key portfolios such as Defence, Housing, and Immigration, reflects a lifetime of service toward Decentralisation, governance, and national sovereignty.
His move to New Zealand was a matter of choice, but his political conscience remains a burning issue. For many, Ilyas is a voice in exile; he seeks justice, reform, and national self-determination, often crossing borders in his quest. His name on the petition symbolises a continuation of his life's work.
Educated at Medina University with a profound knowledge of Islamic law, comparative religion and educational psychology, Ilyas was a unique intellectual presence in public office. He led several national flagship initiatives, including land reform, atoll development, and disaster management, and represented the Maldives in international fora on security and governance. One of the founders of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Qaumee Iththihaadh Party (QIP), he played a pivotal role in shaping the modern political landscape in the Maldives.
From the halls of Parliament to the outer atolls, Ilyas has always clung to the belief that sovereignty is not negotiable. The backing he gave to the Chagos cause, this time from New Zealand, underlines the rule that exile does not silence patriots but only turns up the volume.
Drawing on his network across the Maldivian archipelago, Ilyas once reflected on his public service:
"Since my graduation in 1984 … I have worked towards establishing democracy and human rights in its best form in Maldives during my visits to all inhabited islands… Maldivians are always interested in listening to reform ideas.".
Maldivians for Chagos is honoured to appreciate the support of Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim, a politician in exile and a tireless patriot.