Islamic Minister Shaheem to rejoin opposition-aligned Adhaalath Party

May 1, 2025, 5:09 AM

Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has decided to rejoin the opposition-aligned Adhaalath Party (AP) to contest for the party’s presidency later this year.

"I have decided to rejoin the AP, which I served for years as one of its senior co-founders. I will contest in the party's internal elections to pick a new president later this year," Shaheem wrote in a post on X.

The AP's president Imran Abdulla said he would welcome Shaheem's decision to contest for the party's leadership if he resigns from the cabinet.

"If Shaheem decides to leave President Muizzu's cabinet because of President Muizzu's incompetence and works to save the country from this situation and sincerely runs for the leadership of AP, I gladly welcome him," Imran posted on X.

Shaheem responded that the party rules do not bar him from remaining in the cabinet while contesting for the party leadership.

"I don't have to leave the cabinet to contest for the AP leadership. The party constitution does not prohibit me from being an AP member. If members elect me as the AP president, I will continue with the party as decided by the Congress," he said.

Many senior members of the Islamic party have welcomed Shaheem's decision.

Shaheem left the AP in 2015 when the party decided to join the opposition against former President Abdulla Yameen. He also resigned as Islamic Minister during that time, as officials holding posts on AP slots were told to leave the government.

At the time, Shaheem said he was leaving the party to move away from politics and devote his time to teaching Islamic knowledge. He then served as Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University.

However, in 2018, Shaheem joined the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) as a running mate of former President Abdulla Yameen in his re-election campaign. Following the election defeat, Shaheem's voice faded from the political arena.

He reappeared in politics during the 2023 presidential election campaign. He campaigned for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and was appointed as Islamic Minister after Muizzu assumed office.

Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Ali Shaheem Minister Imran Abdulla Ministerial Cabinet Adhaalath Party Opposition

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