Maumoon: Qasim facing intimidation, PPM is with Qasim

Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that Leader of Jumhoory Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim was facing intimidation, and that members of PPM stood in support of Qasim.

Qasim Ibrahim recently pledged his alliance to Maumoon, who has publicly announced the withdrawal of support to the government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Speaking to press this Wednesday at H. Thema – which used to house PPM headquarters, Maumoon did not specify on the nature of intimidation against Qasim, but said he knew what it stemmed from.

Maumoon said that Qasim was being intimidated to defeat his courage.

He said that Qasim wasn’t “such a person” and was a “far more powerful” person.

“Qasim is courageous. He will not be affected by this intimidation. PPM members stand with Qasim,” said Maumoon.

He said that Qasim had 5,000 employees working for him, and that PPM members stood in support of all 5,000 employees and their families.

“We will not turn a blind eye that may have a negative impact on any of his business interests. God willing, we will stand with Qasim Ibrahim to empower him in his business ventures,” said Maumoon.

Qasim has pledged himself and his party, JP, to work with Maumoon’s faction within PPM.