SLMC Leader Minister Rauff Hakeem has created 'artificial issues'with the government ahead of Provincial Council elections to gain petty political advantages, Investment Promotions Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha told 'Asian Mirror'. 

The Deputy Minister says Miniter Hakeem has been hoodwinking the Muslim community from time immemorial. 

"When there is an election around the corner, Hakeem creates an issue with the government to draw sympathy from the Muslim community. He did the same during the times of Ranil Wickremesinghe and Chandrika Kumaratunga. But now the Muslim community of Sri Lanka has realized his true colours," Mustapha said.

" Hakeem will never step out of the government. He knows he will lose everything if he decides to move out. After the election, he will make peace with the government and meekly toe the line. Nothing will happen in the end, " the Deputy Minister added. 

He said that Minister Hakeem was contesting elections seperately mainly to prevent his vote base from eroding