Adam Rameez, a close aide and “right-hand man” of President Mohamed Muizzu, has been removed from his position as a Minister at the President’s Office. Rameez confirmed to local media outlet Dhauru that he received his termination letter from the President’s Office.
This dismissal marks President Muizzu’s first removal of a ministerial-level figure within his government. Rameez’s termination follows his suspension on 27 June, prompted by an ongoing investigation into his actions. However, the President’s Office has not disclosed the nature of this investigation. Rameez told Dhauru that he has not been provided with a reason for his termination.
Rameez’s suspension coincided with the detention of his ex-wife, Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, a former State Minister at the Environment Ministry. Saleem faced allegations of practicing black magic against President Muizzu. After 20 days in detention, she was released on 13 July when the Prosecutor General’s Office found insufficient evidence to charge her.
Rameez, a key figure in President Muizzu’s presidential campaign, contributed significantly to securing the ticket for Muizzu. He was earlier dismissed from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) due to his alignment with Muizzu during the campaign. Despite tensions arising within the ruling coalition during the parliamentary elections, Rameez remained a close aide to the president.
During the parliamentary election campaign, Rameez travelled to the atolls alongside President Muizzu, rallying support for the president’s People’s National Congress (PNC). He rose from a member of the Malé City Council to become one of the most influential figures within the ruling coalition, underscoring his close association with Muizzu.