The opposition alliance’s presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s running mate Faisal Naseem was born in July 20, 1973 in Funaadu district of Gn. Fuvahmulah. He completed his higher studies at universities in the United Kingdom (UK). He achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Birmingham, and did his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Faisal Naseem’s interest mainly lies with the social sector, having joined social services in 1986 at the age of just 12 years. However, his social work at a notable level began in 1991 while he was studying in the secondary level. His love for sports combined with his social work made him a well-loved and respected name in Fuvahmulah.

Prior to higher studies, Faisal joined the hospitality industry in order to become better acquainted with his field of choice, serving in positions ranging from the assistant manager to the general manager. He spent a great amount of time in the tourism sector throughout the majority of his life.

In recognition of his work for the betterment of society, Faisal was awarded the National Youth Award in social services in 1999, and received the Matato Maldives Travel Award’s “Special Recognition” award in 2015. He was also named the Disability Ambassador in 2014. In 1998, with his own dime, Faisal put up a big screen for the islanders of Fuvahmulah to watch the World Cup that year. This, along with the numerous other works he carried out for the development of the youth merited him the National Youth Award.

Faisal has always had a love for democracy and worked for reform, joining the political field in 2004. He was one of the parliament members representing Fuvahmulah Constituency in the special committee tasked with drafting the new Constitution from 2004 to 2008.

After the successful completion of the current Constitution, Faisal stayed away from politics for five years. When he saw that they were failing to achieve the target of the main reason due to which the new Constitution was drafted, he again joined the parliament as a parliament member in 2014.

Since 2014 he has been serving as the Kaashidhoo MP, and has been one of the most hardworking and unwavering MPs that have worked for the betterment of the people. He had received the support and love of not only the constituency he represented, but that of the whole country.

Although it has become extremely risky to rise against oppression and injustice in the Maldives recently, this has not dampened Faisal’s spirits or resolve. It didn’t disrupt his services nor did it propel him to stop spending for the cause he loves, but rather it pushed him forward, working tirelessly for the reform of the country.

He is fair and just, and welcoming to whomever might be in need of his services. A person who loves his Islamic faith, he spent a lot of money to organize Quran competitions and also organized and carried out many sports activities and other societal events for the youth. Faisal had stated 20 years ago that his happiness lies in the joy of the youth, and it still remains his motto today.

Faisal Naseem believes in training and honing the skills of the youth in various sectors of the country and believes that it is vital they remain healthy and fit. Thus, he had sponsored many youth to achieve an education abroad in the health and academic sectors. Many people have reaped the benefits of this belief held dearly by Faisal.

The strong bridge Faisal paved between himself and the people is the “Faisal Foundation”, which has lately been working on raising awareness to the dangers of marine and land accidents. Fuvahmulah, to which he is native, has one of the highest number of marine and land accidents, which had indisputably lessened due to the many awareness programs Faisal carried out and the lifebuoys he placed at the beaches.

Another of his beliefs is having a sustainable agricultural system in place for the people of the islands. As such, he carried out training programs on farming and agriculture in both Fuvahmulah and Kaashidhoo. Every single project he had carried out has been for the benefit of the people. His track record is a testimony to this, and it also testifies to the fact that he is capable of bringing all these to fruition.

Faisal has proved that is a capable leader that can lead the people to a safe harbor. He had proven that he is a trustworthy support for every child and its parent at schools, and a kind and caring individual for the youth and the old in the country. Faisal is the epitome of trustworthiness, loyalty and servitude, which the country is desperately in need of.

Today, as the running mate of the opposition alliance’s presidential candidate Mohamed Ibrahim Solih, Faisal has come forth yet again, in the service of the people he holds dearly, clad with the experience and the academics needed to guide them to the destination they all seek. He truly is deserving of all the praise that is rained down on him, a son the nation is proud of.