The two deputy leaders of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) have decided to back President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu instead of following leader former President Abdulla Yameen's decision to form a new party.
The two deputy leaders hold cabinet posts in the Muizzu government. They are Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon and Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam.
Following Muizzu's election victory in October, his relationship with Yameen began to crumble and the growing issue could not be resolved. Yameen left the PPM on Thursday night and announced the formation of a new party. However, some of the current leadership of the PPM are announcing support for Muizzu.
"The PPM is with President Dr. Muizzu. I call on all Maldivians who are standing hand in hand with loyalty to the nation to go forward with President Dr. Muizzu's government," former MP Ghassan said.
Ghassan, the youngest son of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was with then-President Yameen even after his father left the party during the first PPM government. He remained with Yameen although his elderly father was imprisoned. Ghassan faced heavy criticism at the time.
The current Fisheries Minister, who is the PPM Deputy President, was very close to Yameen during his rule. However, instead of joining Yameen, Shiyam sees Muizzu as the future of the country.
Former Naifaru MP Shiyam said Muizzu won the election with great sacrifice and this government is the fruit of the people's labor.
"The people breathed a sigh of relief with the change of government. There are hundreds of thousands of things to be done by the new government of President Dr. Muizzu. All the promises are written word for word and literally published in a 953-page book There is no doubt that President Dr. Muizzu is the greatest hope of the people today,” he said.
