PNC MPs face allegations of internal discontent

Reports have emerged of internal disagreements within the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group, though party leaders have denied the claims.

The matter was first raised by Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) MP Mohamed Abbas in a post on X on Thursday. In the post, Abbas suggested that 13 or 14 PNC members might leave the party in the coming days to “join the people’s side”, even if it meant losing their seats. He referred to discussions held at a PNC parliamentary group meeting on Wednesday.

When contacted by Dhauru, several PNC MPs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the post contained some accurate points, there had been no discussion about changing party affiliation during the meeting. However, they acknowledged that some of the grievances mentioned by Abbas reflected concerns raised by certain members.

According to these MPs, the main issues discussed were perceived unequal treatment of some members, shortcomings in the Aasandha health insurance scheme, and delays in implementing constituency development projects promised by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The parliamentary group recently met with President Muizzu to raise these matters. Members present at the meeting said the President gave what they described as combative responses to certain points. Speaker of Parliament and PNC Chairman Abdul Raheem Abdulla, as well as the group’s Deputy Leader and Hulhudhoo MP Mohamed Shahid, were among those who voiced concerns about Aasandha.

One MP who attended the meeting said that when Shahid raised his concerns, the President responded by noting that he had also received complaints about some members not engaging sufficiently with their constituents.

Some MPs warned during the discussions that delays in rural development projects could harm the PNC’s prospects in upcoming local council elections.

Following the social media posts, senior PNC figures dismissed the allegations. Speaker Abdul Raheem wrote on X that the claims were “definitely untrue” and that the parliamentary group remained united. He added that the group would be stronger than before and would not be divided by such news.

PNC parliamentary group leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah also denied the claims, calling it a “big mistake” to believe the group could be dissolved through false information. Falaah accused Abbas of accepting MVR 3 million from former President Abdulla Yameen to spread what he described as propaganda.

Falaah further stated that the group remained united behind President Muizzu and that such efforts to cause division would not succeed.