Former Minister of Science and Technology, Maleeh Jamaal has joined the opposing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), along with two former parliamentarians.
Maleeh and former Thulusdhoo MP Mohamed Waheed 'Waddey' Ibrahim and former Henveiru South MP Ahmed Abdul Kareem joined the party at a special ceremony held at the PPM Office on Monday. Their membership forms were accepted by Abdulla Abdul Raheem, who is currently leading the PPM/PNC coalition.
Ahmed Abdul Kareem used to be a member of main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) before joining PPM. He has previously represented MDP in Male' City Council. During the last council elections, he actively campaigned to elect PPM candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for the Mayor post.
Mohamed Waheed used to be a member of PPM but later joined Jumhooree Party. He remained in the party until signing for PPM once again.
The former Science and Technology Minister was serving on the current government's cabinet until recently on a Jumhooree Party slot. He previously served as the Youth Minister during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's presidency, when he was previously a member of PPM.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maleeh said he rejoined PPM as he wished to work to re-elect Yameen, who is currently serving a 5-year sentence on money laundering convictions, as president in the 2023 elections. He called on the government to immediately release Yameen and pave way for him to contest in the 2023 presidential election.
