Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's running mate in the recent presidential election, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has quit the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to step aside from politics.
Shaheem confirmed he quit the party last week, while speaking on private television station VTV on Tuesday.
Dr. Shaheem joined PPM and contested in the 2018 presidential election as the running mate of President Yameen.
After their defeat, Dr. Shaheem had assured that he would continue to work for the betterment of the country.
Although he had initially intended to resign from his post as Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives after being nominated as running mate of President Yameen, he resigned from the post prior to the new government taking over in November.
He has now been appointed to a senior post at the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) and will depart abroad to fulfill his appointment soon.
As the advisor of the Secretary General of OIC, Shaheem will be working closely with other Muslim counterparts in the fight against terrorism and work on strengthening ties. During his time at OIC, Shaheem will also work towards seeking assistance for the Maldives.
Although the former Minister of Islamic Affairs has no immediate plans to join any political party, Shaheem has been invited to join the party being formed by his close aide, Mohamed Didi, which he has not yet accepted.
Dr. Shaheem quit PPM to step aside from politics - Photo: Ahmed Naaim
