One of the founders of the country's biggest political party Maldives Democratic Party MDP Mohamed Latheef (Gogo Latheef) has passed away.
Latheef who had been living in Sri Lanka died after a long-term illness. He had not been actively involved in the party's political activities in recent times.
But Latheef was one of the founders of the party and had laid the foundation for the country's first democratic party 17 years back. Latheef was one of the first individuals to sign up for MDP when it was first founded.
Tributes poured in Latheef with members of MDP leadership expressing their sadness for the departed leader.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Twitter that he was deeply saddened by the passing of Latheef who had done immense work for the country's democracy and send condolences to his family in their time of grief.
President of MDP and the Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed described the late Latheef as one of the kindest, honest, royal, smart, and brave people he met in his life.
Nasheed further said that Latheef had given him sound political advice over the years and send his condolences to Latheef's family.
Foreign Minister and the President of the United Nations General Assembly Abdullah Shahid described the late Latheef as a visionary leader. Shaheed said his thoughts and prayers were with the family of the deceased and MDP members.
Gogo Latheef had acted as a member of the parliament back in 1987. But he resigned from the post after he was arrested while trying to bring political reform to the country.
