VP defends President Muizzu, says he puts people’s interests first

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef reaffirmed his allegiance to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, saying that he remains steadfast by his side to ensure the new presidential term is one that is beneficial to the Maldivian people.

In a post on X on Saturday morning, VP Hussain said the new administration was elected as a result of the hard work of many Maldivian citizens.

He said the people chose to support President Muizzu’s vision.

VP Hussain added that President Muizzu puts the interests of the Maldivian people before all else, and re-affirmed his commitment to standing by his side, in order to ensure the new administration is one that is beneficial to the people.

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— Hussain Mohamed Latheef (@HucenSembe) November 25, 2023

 The post comes after former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom left the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) on Thursday after accusing the leaderships of PPM and its coalition partner People’s National Congress (PNC) – a party which Dr. Muizzu now heads – as well as the government, of sidelining him.

Yameen plans on forming a new party.

Several top leaders from the PPM-PNC have publicly sided with President Muizzu in the power struggle between him and Yameen. This includes Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the chairperson of PNC, and the Special Advisor to the President.

Abdul Raheem recently commented that sticking with President Muizzu was in “the best interests of the Maldives and its people.”

Several cabinet ministers, including defense minister Ghassan Maumoon, Yameen’s nephew, have also publicly declared their support for the president.