Yameen wishes to fire PPM Secretary General Tholal

Former President Abdulla Yameen is allegedly planning on dismissing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Secretary General Mohamed Tholal from his position.

A senior member of PPM closely associated with the matter said Yameen met with Tholal to discuss about the SG's replacement.

"Yameen had stated his wish to appoint a new Secretary General, since he wishes to run the party," the member said.

PPM's general regulations dictate the SG can only be removed by the party's senate.

According to the Parole Act, Yameen, who is still serving his 11-year sentence, albeit in house arrest, cannot fill any leadership roles of the party, which makes him a general member of PPM until his sentence is completed or annulled.

Due to his status as a general member, several members of the party question his legal authority to demand for an SG replacement.

Tholal was not available to comment on the matter.

Like with Yameen, Tholal also has close ties to President Elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He served as Muizzu's spokesperson during the recent presidential election.

The SG's removal has come amid PPM and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition's decision to jointly contest for the upcoming parliamentary election.

After Yameen was shifted to house arrest, Maldives Corrections Service recently provided leeway for him to leave his residence on important matters, including medical checkups, with prior notice given to the authority.

Yameen had attended PPM's meeting held on Sunday evening, where he had spoken in length.

Meanwhile, Corrections said that though he was granted leniency, the authority did not permit Yameen to participate in political activities.

Corrections further said it would monitor Yameen's movements if his actions continue to undermine Parole Act, and confirmed to take legal action if necessary.