MP Abbas to file police complaint over political appointee's threat

Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas has said he will file a complaint with the Maldives Police Service against a man who allegedly threatened him while holding a political position.

Abbas, who is also vice-president of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), said there is a dispute within the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group.

The alleged threat was posted on Facebook by Assad Saeed, the political director of the Ministry of Fisheries. The post stated: “Put yourself down to your original size before you have to be exiled and lost in the system.” It also included a drawing of Abbas inside a dustbin and a photograph of a delete button above his head.

In a post on X, Abbas said: “I have decided to report the matter to the Maldives Police Service as there is a threat of harm to my life or soul while holding a political position in the government.”

Police have not yet commented on the matter.

Speaking to Atoll Times on condition of anonymity, some PNC MPs said tensions were high during the parliamentary group meeting on Wednesday. They said the main concerns raised were alleged discrimination against some members and a lack of consistency in certain allocations.

The MPs also said Abbas’s claim that 14 members would leave the party was false, but other points he made were accurate.

As the matter gained attention on social media, some members of the PNC leadership and other MPs have responded online, denying the allegations made by Abbas.