"Ladies' finger is good for cooking but not good for pointing": Ilham

Ilham Ahmed, MP for Gemanafushi and Deputy Leader of Republican Party, has vowed to cut off the fingers of TVM anchor Liza Laurella if the party's presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim wins the presidential election. Republican Party is unhappy about Liza's grilling of Qasim in a Siyaasath programme TVM has broadcasted recently. Qasim was visibly growing impatient at Liza's pointing of fingers at him and during the live programme the candidate had to remind the TV anchor that pointing fingers at people was a rude behaviour.

"We would not mind if she metaphorically pointed fingers at our candidate. We are used to accusations and rumours against our candidate. What we find utterly unacceptable and completely disgusting is that Liza was literally pointing her fingers at our beloved candidate," Ilham justified the Republican Party's indignation.

"Ladies' finger is good for cooking but not good for pointing," Ilham said.

Ilham is known for his promises to cut off things and the young politician has been accused of cutting off various objects. In a Republican Party rally he recently promised that a government formed by Qasim will amputate hands of blackmailers.  In February 2012 he was accused of cutting off a cable used by Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC) to broadcast a committee session of the parliament. Ilham is sometimes known for receiving cuts and injuries too. In October 2011 he was at the receiving end of a cut when he claimed to have sustained injuries inside the parliament. Ilham accused MP Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda) of throwing an empty glass at him.

Ilham is also famous for resigning from the Deputy Leader position of various political parties. In September 2011 he resigned from the post of Deputy Leader of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP). In April 2013 he resigned from the post of Deputy Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Ilham's love-hate relationship with MNBC and TVM started after he was fired from the post of a producer at TVM. However, his boldest threat against TVM so far has been the promise to cut off the fingers of presenter Liza Laurella.

"You can't give the finger to our presidential candidate and get away with it. Thank you for the Laura but no thanks for the Laurella," Ilham said.