It saddens me to read the unfair and unwarranted criticism levelled against an emerging leader, a devout Muslim, a loving son to his beloved parents, and a considerate husband and father to his family, all sterling qualities of a patriotic son of Sri Lanka.

Outstation Muslim leaders like the late Badiudin Mohammed and the late A. C. S. Hameed, who contributed in no small measure to Sri Lanka and the Muslim community, were always ridiculed and snubbed by some of the so-called Colombo Muslims. (Not gentlemen politicians like minister Alavi Moulana and A. H. M. Fowzie). The less said of these club gossips and smugglers, the better. They have shamed our community! ‘Et tu brute’ must be constantly in young Rauff Hakeem’s mind.

Hakeem has not demanded. He has politely requested and contrary to popular rumours, his relations with Her Excellency are cordial. He has been stripped of the C.W.E. and the E.D.B. Only the leftovers have been given to him. Another mischievous scheme is to create a rift between Mrs. Ashraff and Hakeem. Unity must and will prevail.
M. Farouk Salih,
ex-Managing Director,
Mount Lavinia Hotel.