Prominent MDP activists in Maafushi join PPM

Several prominent activists from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) operating in K. Maafushi have joined the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

They presented their membership forms to the interim opposition leader, People’s National Congress (PNC) leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla in a function held in Maafushi on Tuesday night.

The members who joined PPM include:

• Ali Rameez
• Ahmed Nasheed, vice president of the first Maafushi Council
• Ahmed Khaleel
• Maimoona Ali
• Mohamed Wadheeu

They had been active in MDP since its establishment.

Speaking at the function, Abdul Raheem welcomed the new members, who he said joined PPM at an important time.

“The members who joined as tonight rendered numerous services to MDP, but joined PPM because they were unable to accept MDP’s policies and realized the future of this country lies in PPM’s vision and in President Yameen. We offer them a warm welcome on behalf of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom,” he said.

Abdul Raheem said PPM was doing important work under the current circumstances.

He said the new members will boost the work.

“I am confident that, In Sha Allah, their support will make it easier for us to win the work we are engaged in – the Guraidhoo by-election,” he said.

Abdul Raheem said they had promised to work harder than they ever did with MDP to ensure a win for Yameen in the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking at the function, Rameez, a businessman who newly joined PPM, described his decision to leave MDP for PPM after years of service to the party as a “major decision”.

“The reasons for the decision include the continued abuses suffered by President Yameen, to save Yameen, and this constituency’s [former MP Ibrahim] Riza who was very close to me. I joined PPM with great hope of providing a measure of relief to PPM from the loss of his passing,” he said.

Hussain Riza, who is running in the Guraidhoo by-election to replace his late brother, also spoke during the function.

Hussain said the new members were important to the constituency, and that their decision to join PPM was a great achievement.

“I therefore offer my sincere thanks to this great army, this courageous and passionate team,” he said.

Hussain said the new members fully accepted his brother’s vision.

He said it was his wish to sustain his brother’s vision.