Committee passes to remove Mahloof from PPM membership

The Ethics Committee of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has passed to remove Galolhu-South MP Ahmed Mahloof as a member of the party.

The decision was passed unanimously by the three members present at a meeting of the committee today.

Committee Chairperson Ali Waheed said at a press conference afterwards, that the decision followed criticism and allegations by Mahloof aimed at the government, the party, and its founder former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

He added that the decision to remove Mahloof from party membership was based on the issue presented to the committee, and not due to rumours that he might defect to another party.

Responding to reporters’ questions, MP Ali Arif said that Mahloof had served the party well, but his absence would not have any effect on PPM.

Mahloof has the chance to appeal the committee’s decision, and the appeal process would be completed in one week.

Speaking to reporters outside the PPM Office minutes before the committee meeting, Mahloof said that he will do everything possible to remain as a member of PPM, and appeal the committee’s decision if it passed to remove him.

He said that he had not given any thought to whether to join another party in the event that he is removed from PPM membership.

He also said that regardless of which party he belongs to, he would never work against Gayoom.