The ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) has begun discussions to remove Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla from his post, as tensions within the party escalate following the dismissal of his son, Ibrahim Faisal, from the tourism minister’s position.
Faisal was sacked on Tuesday, with the President’s Office confirming his removal but offering no explanation. In the wake of the dismissal, Faisal told local media that he had received an official letter earlier in the day. The tourism portfolio has been temporarily handed over to Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed.
In an interview after his son’s dismissal, Abdul Raheem claimed that Faisal would not have been removed had his relationship with President Mohamed Muizzu not deteriorated.
Abdul Raheem, who also serves as PNC chairman, has reportedly been sidelined from party activities. He was in Malaysia at the time of Faisal’s dismissal but has since cut short his trip and returned home.
The move to oust Abdul Raheem as speaker follows rumours of a growing rift between him and President Muizzu. While the specific reasons for Faisal’s dismissal remain unclear, speculation has centred on alleged tensions over Abdul Raheem’s political ambitions.
President Muizzu has previously referred to Abdul Raheem as a political role model and close ally. However, the latest developments appear to indicate a deepening divide within the ruling party’s leadership.
The PNC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.