Some ruling party lawmakers have demanded the dismissal of three cabinet members and more political powers for Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla.
President's Office Ministers Ali Arif and Abdulla Nasir attended a lengthy parliamentary group meeting of the People's National Congress (PNC) on Monday.
"Most MPs demanded the dismissal of Home Minister [Ali] Ihusaan, Education Minister [Ismail Shafeeu] and [Attorney General] AG [Ahmed Usham] and to give political powers and party executive powers to Adhurey [Speaker Abdul Raheem] and to conclude matters after consulting with Adhurey," one MP said.
He added that some lawmakers threatened to leave the party if the demands were not met.
"[They said] 12 MPs had previously left the party because they were pressed and handcuffed. So they demanded freedom for MPs. And some MPs voiced their opinion that they would leave the party if they don't get freedom," he added.
This is the first time that two Ministers from the President's Office have attended a meeting of the PNC parliamentary group held at the People's Majlis. Minister Ali Arif is a relative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu while Minister Abdulla Nasir was a very close associate of President Muizzu when he was Male' mayor.
