PNC officials begin talks on removing Abdul Raheem from speakership

Discussions have begun among senior officials of the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) regarding the removal of Abdul Raheem Abdulla from his position as speaker of parliament, reliable sources and PNC members of Parliament (MPs) confirmed the development on Tuesday.

Speculation surrounding the relationship between President Mohamed Muizzu and Abdul Raheem has intensified following the sudden dismissal of Abdul Raheem's son, Ibrahim Faisal, from his position as tourism minister on Tuesday. In an interview with Atoll Times, Abdul Raheem acknowledged that his relationship with the president has deteriorated.

While the PNC parliamentary group has not yet made an official decision to remove Abdul Raheem, some MPs, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that discussions on the matter are underway.

One PNC member stated, “The president has not officially informed him, but it is clear that the president has lost confidence in Abdul Raheem. It appears unlikely he will retain his position.”

Another PNC member added that Abdul Raheem’s initial appointment as speaker of parliament was based on the president’s full confidence.

“A person who holds the position of speaker must have the trust of the president. If he does not step down, he will likely be removed,” the member said.

The procedures for removing the speaker of parliament are outlined in Article 227 of the parliament’s rules of procedure. These include:

Parliament is currently on recess, with the next sitting scheduled to open next month. President Muizzu will deliver the presidential address during the opening sitting on February 6.

If a no-confidence motion against Abdul Raheem proceeds, it is likely to be scheduled for late next month, in accordance with parliamentary rules.