PPM to request removal of Gaha Saeed from CNI

The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has said that it will request for the removal of former President Mohamed Nasheed’s representative, Gaha Ahmed Saeed, from the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI), created to probe the change of government.

PPM Interim Vice President Abdul Raheem Abdullah made this statement at a press conference held at the PPM Office today.

Abdul Raheem condemned Saeed sharing information of the CNI’s report with media before it is published.

He said that he will send a letter to the President, requesting for Saeed’s removal from the CNI.

According to PPM, Saeed’s comments yesterday created fear and contributed to loss of order in the country.

Saeed told media yesterday that he was not satisfied with the CNI’s draft report, as it did not include some interviews which had been collected by the CNI.

Following these comments, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) heavily criticised Singaporean retired Judge G.P. Selvam, the Co-chair of CNI.

The government also condemned Saeed’s comments, and said that he violated the Agreement made with the Commonwealth by sharing information of the report with media.

Abdul Raheem said that PPM had questioned the impartiality of the CNI earlier, as PPM believes that if the CNI includes a representative of former President Nasheed, it should also include a representative of former President Gayoom.

Nonetheless, PPM made the decision to accept CNI’s report for the sake of the interest of the nation.

He also said that PPM decided during its Council meeting last night that it will participate in the discussions between political parties in relation to CNI’s report, depending on the political situation at that time.

“We will be prepared for anything, but we will not initiate any street protests. However if people create violence, we will protest against that. This does not mean we will take to the streets to protest against MDP. But PPM will do everything necessary to defend and protect our country,” he said.

PPM also decided in its Council meeting last night to use ‘Nation First’ as its slogan.