Mohamed Zaki

He is among the few political figures in the Maldives who had stood up against a corrupt government during the time when there was no freedom of speech in the country.

[citation needed] In 2007, Maldivians were able to speak openly against the government and the police without the fear of being arrested, beaten, or tortured.

[citation needed] However he had supported his wife (Nazima Asir) together with his five children and established one of the biggest companies in the Maldives.

His son Muad Mohamed Zaki has raised his political profile in the country after being one of the senior Maldivian Democratic Party members that was arrested in the military crackdown on peaceful protesters.

His backing of any president or political party has always been seen as a boost to their credibility in the eyes of many locals that respect him for his international achievements in life.