The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has started discussing the removal of Fonadhoo MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla as Speaker of the People's Majlis amid his deteriorating relationship with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Abdul Raheem's son Ibrahim Faisal was sacked as Tourism Minister this morning.

In an interview with a local news outlet, Abdul Raheem said Faisal would not have been sacked if his relationship with Muizzu had not deteriorated.

Abdul Raheem has also been isolated from all activities of the ruling party.

A government official earlier confirmed to Adhadhu that the relationship between Muizzu and Abdul Raheem was deteriorating.

Similar rumours circulated in 2024. But Abdul Raheem denied it at the time.

In an interview with Public Service Media (PSM) in November, Abdul Raheem said his relationship with Muizzu was growing stronger every day.

Reports at the time suggested that Abdul Raheem was interested in running for President in 2028.

"I have never had ambitions to run for President of Maldives. And I will not have such ambitions in the future. Even if I get such an opportunity, I will make sure to get rid of it," he said.

Some sources close to Abdul Raheem told Adhadhu that their relationship weakened when Muizzu decided to "isolate" him.

They said Muizzu took the measure because of Abdul Raheem's immense political "ambitions."

But, in the past, Muizzu has described Abdul Raheem as the political figure that made him most proud.

"With my full confidence, Abdul Raheem is the political leader that I am most proud of," he said on April 6, 2024.