PPM President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom has slammed members of the Parliamentary Group (PG) of the Party for initiating action against MP for Dhiggaru Constituency Faris Maumoon, for failing to abide by the three line whip.
In a letter sent to the PG Leader, MP Ahmed Nihan Manik, President Maumoon said this was not the first time the MPs had failed to follow the three line whip. The letter said that in the absence of a precedent, it was not fair or just to implement action against Faris.
In his letter, Maumoon said there were no regulations passed by the Council and/ or the national congress, even though the letter sent by Nihan yesterday had mentioned these aspects. The letter also said that MP Faris had adhered to the instructions issued by Maumoon in his capacity as Party leader.
The PPM three line whip on the vote on amendment to the Tourism Act was rejected by MP Faris and Thulusdhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim (Wadde). The whip called on all PPM MPs to vote in favor of the controversial amendment which allows the lease of islands without a bidding process.
PG Leader Nihan had said appropriate action will be taken against the MPs. Avas was not able to get a comment from Nihan over Maumoon's letter.
Another official of PPM said MPs who had voted against the whip line, have been cautioned and advised previously, adding that this was the second time Faris had voted against the whip line. He said Faris had been advised on the issue before and that he had apologized for his actions.
