People's National Congress (PNC) Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla responded to former President Abdulla Yameen, stating that the PPM/PNC coalition and its supporters will only move forward with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Abdul Raheem, who serves as the Special Advisor to President Muizzu, made this indirect statement aimed at the former president after Yameen had initiated efforts to form a new political party following his departure from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which he previously led.
Due to his criminal conviction and the ongoing 11-year prison sentence for his crimes of money laundering and graft, Yameen is officially represented in the media by his lead advocate and former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel and former Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamaal.
Both Jameel and Maleeh have been directing strong criticism to the ruling coalition.
In response, Abdul Raheem said that the PPM/PNC coalition prioritizes the public and nation first.
"We are committed behind President Dr. Muizzu according to the Maldivian citizens' decision," the PNC Chairperson said.
Abdul Raheem emphasized that the new administration led by Dr. Muizzu would be a prosperous one that brings joy to the Maldivian citizens, and added that the ruling coalition "will not look back, and only move forward".
"It is in the best interest for the public and the nation for all of us to support and align behind President Muizzu. Our nation is bigger than each and every one of us," he said.
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu contested the presidency in September 2023 under the People's National Congress (PNC) ticket, despite protests from Yameen, who advocated for a boycott of the election after being disqualified due to his criminal conviction and sentence.
However, both Abdul Raheem and the current President chose to move ahead with Dr. Muizzu's candidacy.
Yameen conceded the coalition's decision a few minutes ahead of Dr. Muizzu's candidacy submission to the Elections Commission (EC).
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