The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives' (PPM) nomination of Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed as the party's running mate in the upcoming 2018 presidential polls has been met with mixed reactions from the country's religious scholars.
The Maldives Islamic University was nominated as the ruling party's running mate through a coinciding nod from all members of PPM's council on Saturday evening.
Following the party's announcement Dr. Shaheem received felicitations from president Abdulla Yameen's cabinet ministers, including Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed and Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Dr. Shaheem was also congratulated by several of his clergy colleagues while others have expressed their disappointment in the former Islamic Minister's new alliance.
A prominent religious scholar had reminisced about incumbent president Yameen's actions towards his previous running-mate. Dr. Mohamed Iyaz tweeted that he once saw a running-mate pushed to the campaign front-lines but shoved aside immediately after winning.
Another scholar, Sheikh Ilyas Hussain had indirectly criticized Dr. Shaheem stating religious clerics must uphold selflessness and devotion to the Islamic faith. He also added that religiously conscious people should prioritize the public's benefits over personal motives.
Sheikh Ilyas Hussain has been a firm and vocal critic towards president Abdulla Yameen's regime.
However, Dr. Shaheem did not attract criticism alone. He was praised and congratulated by renowned clerics representing Jamiyyatul Salaf. Religious figures like Ali Zahir bin Saeed and Sheikh Ahmed Sameer had congratulated PPM's running mate.
It was strongly believed Dr. Shaheem's alliance with president Abdulla Yameen will prove beneficial to ruling party. The party expects president Yameen will be endorsed by religious scholars of nation.
