13-member committee takes charge of PPM at Yameen’s instructions

A 13-member steering committee appointed by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has taken charge of the party’s operations.

The committee held an unannounced press conference at the PPM headquarters on Tuesday night.

Those who attended the press conference include former Technology Minister Maleeh Jamal, former Commissioner General of Customs Abbas Adil Riza, and several members of the PPM senate.

At the press conference, Maleeh said strong bonds within the PPM was crucial to the Maldives at this time, as it could be instrumental in solving the issues facing the country.

He said that PPM members have significant concerns, including boosting membership numbers.

He said that Yameen has appointed 13 officials for 13 focal points to address the issues.

“We will be sharing their names and numbers for the information of the members of these two parties [PPM and PNC]. They will respond to calls from our general members to share any and all party matters and concerns,” he said.

Maleeh said the changes were being made to modernize the party and stand against the injustice Yameen suffered in prison.

He added that PPM-PNC members voted for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to free Yameen.

Meanwhile, Abbas said that there was no reason why PPM members should be coerced into joining another political party.

He asked PPM members to stick with the party.

“PPM members do not believe they have to leave the party for another one out of fear for the loss of their jobs either for the parliamentary elections or local council elections. Its important that PPM members remain with the party,” he said, as PPM’s coalition partner PNC seeks to drive up its membership.

AN UNANNOUNCED PRESS CONFERENCE, PARTY’S SG CAUGHT UNAWARE

Tuesday’s press conference had been unannounced. The press wasn’t informed of the conference via PPM’s media group, as is common practice.

Neither PPM’s secretary general Mohamed Tholal nor spokesperson Heena Waleed had shared information regarding the press conference.

At the press conference, Abbas said that Yameen was the head of PPM’s operations and administrative affairs, and therefor reserved the right to make such decisions.

“As you know, Heena has resigned as spokesperson and the secretary general is no longer involved in day-to-day operations,” he said.

Abbas claimed that Heena and Tholal has informed their decision to Yameen.

However, Heena refuted the claim on the PPM media group.

She said she hasn’t resigned.

Meanwhile, Tholal too said he hasn’t stepped away from day-today operations of the party.