President launches Fuad Thaufeeq’s memoir ‘Gothugai’, a book written by Saail

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has launched Elections Commission (EC) chairman Fuad Thaufeeq’s memoir ‘Gothugai’ – a book written by veteran journalist and author Ahmed Saail Ali.

The book was launched in a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Tuesday morning.

The 190-page book documents the 69-year-old Fuad’s life, as he journeys from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, as he faces various challenges head-on, to become one of Maldives’ greatest public figures.

Fuad, the son of Mohamed Thaufeeq of Thalhamudhige and Sithi of Haajaraage, first became known among Maldivians as an accomplished statistician. Bringing in computers to the Maldives for the first time, he revolutionized the process of taking the national census. He also worked at the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Secretariat.

Fuad is most well-known for his services at the Elections Commission. His role in ensuring free and fair national elections following the introduction of democracy to the Maldives went down in the country’s history.

“At a time when the public had lost all trust in leaders, Fuad proved to be a gem for the Maldivian people. He is unparalleled when it comes to management, planning and implementation. This book his life’s journey. It covers everything he faced, starting from his childhood. Happiness and regrets. Experiences and challenges. Success, lessons, love, and also betrayal,” reads the book’s foreword.

The book was written by Sun Online’s Managing Editor – Director News, Saail. In his journalism career spanning over 12 years, Saail collected multiple awards, including the Maldives Media Council (MMC)’s Best Journalist – Social Affairs Award in 2017 and Most Promising Journalist Award in 2015. He previously worked in ‘Mihaaru’, ‘One Online’ and ‘Adhadhu.’

Fuad’s memoir is Saail’s third book. His first book was “Edhuvas Geneveyne” which is based on own struggles with mental illness. His second was a biography of former Maldivian vice president Faisal Naseem.

The book, which Saail describes as “a tale of resilience”, is available for MVR 200.

Orders can be placed by calling 9185335, with free delivery anywhere in the greater Male’ region. The book is also available for nationwide delivery from Ooredoo’s e-commerce platform, Moolee.