LOCAL EDITION
Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, a PNC lawmaker, presides over a parliamentary sitting. (Photo/People's Majlis)
People’s National Congress (PNC)’s leadership has denied allegations by Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas claiming several discontented ruling party lawmakers are set to leave the party.
Abbas said 13 or 14 discontented PNC lawmakers are set to leave the party “very soon”.
In a post on social media platform X last night, Abbas said he is “sure” 13 or 14 PNC lawmakers have concluded to leave the party for the sake of the nation and Maldivian citizens even if they were to lose their parliamentary seats. Abbas claimed that many PNC lawmakers expressed concern regarding the government during a PNC parliamentary group (PG) meeting held on Tuesday.
“While venting their concerns during the PG meeting, some lawmakers said they will not always remain silent regarding the government’s flawed policies and will stand up to speak the right words in defense of the nation and the people,” he said.
Abbas also claimed that some of the lawmakers expressed they will not vote in favor of sudden bills submitted on issues concerning public interest without prior discussion.
“During the PG meeting, some lawmakers noted that the public is frustrated as constituency development has come to a halt, with the government only making grand statements, announcing projects, and holding groundbreaking ceremonies,” he added.
According to Abbas, the lawmaker who expressed most discontent was South Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain. He further alleged that Manadhoo MP Husnee Mubarik had also expressed concerns and threatened to resign from his post as the chairperson of the Parliament’s Judiciary Committee.
Abbas stated that the PG meeting became heated, and although there were plans to reschedule it, the meeting has not taken place.
Many PNC lawmakers slammed the allegations on Friday, assuring they stand by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In this regard, Parliament’s Deputy Speaker Abudl Raheem and Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah had strongly denied Abbas’ allegations.
Abdul Raheem said no such events had unfolded during the PG meeting.
“I was also part of that meeting. These claims are entirely baseless. The PNC PG is far too strong to be shaken by false narratives like this.,” he said.
Meanwhile, PNC PG’s Senior Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shujau said it is “stupid” to believe PNC PG can be weakened by spreading false narratives.
Apart from them, many other PNC lawmakers have also published posts, refuting Abbas’ allegations.
Notably, the incumbent administration has used its supermajority in the Parliament to pass a contentious amendment to the constitution introducing anti-defection clauses. Under the newly introduced anti-defection clauses, a parliamentarian would lose their seat if they were to switch parties.
PNC holds supermajority in the 20th parliamentary assembly, holding 75 out of the 93 seats.
Some PNC lawmakers have previously criticized certain government policies. The main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has alleged that President Muizzu is paying them MVR 50,000 monthly to keep quiet—an accusation the government has denied.
