Billionaire politician, philanthropist and three-time presidential candidate Qasim Ibrahim’s biography dominated media coverage on Tuesday. Most outlets delved into his rise from island roots, influential role in the transition to democracy and former kingmaker status.

The biography was released on Monday night to mark the mogul’s 75th birthday. Two former presidents as well as several past and present lawmakers and ministers were in attendance at the function.

The 700-page book chronicles Qasim’s early life, the growth of his Villa business empire – which now operates resorts, airports, retail outlets, an airline and cement, gas and fish factories – and the complicated relationships with the presidents he helped elect.  

A one-day exhibition featuring photos from the book was opened at Qasim's Villa College campus in Malé, offering free copies of the book to visitors.  A website was launched with a free ebook and the first chapter of an audiobook. Penned by veteran journalist Mohamed Jameel, the book contains many previously unpublished stories and photos.

Adhadhu drew attention to Qasim’s vignette about a US$ 20 million annual grant from Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman to former president Abdulla Yameen. According to Qasim, the crown prince himself told newly-elected president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih about the alleged off-the-books transfers to the President’s Office.  

The book addresses Qasim's polygamous marriages, multiple divorces and challenging private life with 14 children from five different marriages.  

Dhauru editor Moosa Latheef compiled eight highlights from the biography, including early anxiety episodes, generosity with healthcare and scholarship support, detention after the August 2004 Black Friday gathering, and intense interrogations about alleged plans to make Ilyas Ibrahim the Prime Minister.

Ilyas, a state dignitary who became a father figure to Qasim after his move to Malé, was former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's brother-in-law and a powerful minister during his 30-year reign. He was the chief guest at the book launch. 

"No matter what anyone says, I find it hard to believe that Maumoon was a dictator, as some people claim. The opposition will always talk about such things. This democracy came to us through Maumoon's hands, because he wanted it. I was one of the key people working on this, whether in the finance sector or in the Special Majlis," Qasim said at the event, referring to his chairmanship of the assembly that drafted the 2008 constitution.

Qasim dismissed his 2004 arrest as “advice from an [older] brother.”