Parliamentary Group leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has claimed the tightening of security detail at former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's residence was not a politically motivated move.
Nihan also added the security detail was increased because it is mandatory under Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) regulations with regards to providing protection for former heads of state.
Ahmed Nihan, who also chairs the Vilimale' constituency as a lawmaker at local parliament house made the comments amid opposition criticizing MNDF and government's move to add extreme security measures with the inclusion of filing the identity details of visitors to Gayoom's residence Maafannu Endherimaage.
The opposition had described the move as 'keeping Gayoom locked in a prison' at his own home.
State claims that the security arrangement was upped a notch over an intelligence report received strongly hinting plans of a fatal attack on the former president.
MP Nihan who had worked in constructing and finalizing the act which grants protection to the former heads of state and their families. He explained that the article number five of the act states that MNDF is required to offer protection to former presidents and their families post their tenure at president's office.
Nihan had also added the security details were increased or dropped based on the intelligence collected by authorities.
The Vilimale' MP expressed his discontentment over opposition politicizing the issue which in reality has been an act made mandatory through a legitimate act granting protection and safety to former presidents.
Although MNDF has increased the security details of Gayoom's residence based on the intelligence report, they had not disclosed further explanation regarding the report.
Meanwhile former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has requested from MNDF to detail the dangers and situation thoroughly to him through a formal letter sent to the authority.
