PNC denies claims of order to expel MP Asma
Some reports suggested that the President had directed the party to investigate the matter and expel her.
The People’s National Congress (PNC) has denied claims that President Mohamed Muizzu instructed the party to remove Asma Rasheed from its ranks.
The reports followed the circulation of a phone recording, alleged to involve Asma, in which the speaker was heard criticising the government and the President. Some reports suggested that the President had directed the party to investigate the matter and expel her.
Responding to media queries, Ibrahim Falah said no such instruction had been issued. He also stated that the party is not conducting an investigation into Asma.
The developments come after a constitutional amendment under which a Member of Parliament would lose their seat if they resign or are expelled from the party under which they were elected.
In the recording circulated online, the individual believed to be Asma was heard urging voters not to support the PNC. The individual also stated that she would be able to secure re-election in a by-election with the support of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) if removed from her seat.
Separately, Asma’s son, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, has been dismissed from his post as Ambassador of the Maldives to the United Arab Emirates. Her sister, Dr Salma Rasheed, has also been removed from her position as Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations.
No official reason has been provided for these dismissals.
