Former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has been assigned as the advisor for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Dr Waheed was assigned the role during a special ceremony held Monday night.
Speaking in the ceremony, Dr Waheed said his wish is to see active and strong political parties in the Maldives. He added that PPM will be such a party and that he hopes to see PPM provide opportunities for all categories of people.
Dr Waheed said several people believe that the now-jailed PPM’s Chairperson and former President Yameen Abdul Qayyoom was imprisoned unjustly. Therefore, justice must be ensured, said Dr. Waheed. He added that he is will be working to provide justice for President Yameen and said he will work to bring the issue to international attention.
Responding to a question raised by a reporter who asked if Dr Waheed will contest in 2023 presidential election, the former president said the election is still far off, and that his purpose is to serve PPM. He said PPM is a very democratic party and there is the opportunity to be in any post of PPM for each member of the party.
The Chairperson of PPM, former President Yameen Abdul Qayyoom is a serving five-year imprisonment on money laundering charges. The general members of PPM have been complaining of the absence of a strong leader at the party's forefronts after Yameen was been jailed. However, before being imprisoned, President Yameen had warned party members not to let ‘vultures’ take over the party's administration.
