Embattled Yameen faction of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) claims that the opposition reformist movement was engineering a coup and that they cannot pass the no confidence motion on Parliament Speaker Abdullah Maseeh.

The embattled faction made the statement after a meeting held with President Abdullah Yameen on Monday night, following high profile defections from the Party.

PPM Yameen faction PG Leader and Vilimale' Constituency MP Ahmed Nihan said they will defeat the motion easily.

Speaking to press, in front of PPM office, PPM Deputy Leader and Fonadhoo Constituency MP Abdul Raheem Abdullah said the motion sent into the Supreme Court, asking for a ruling whereby which any MP who defects or is removed or leaves their respective Party will lose their Parliamentary seat, was sent in for the sake of the public. He said the Government’s decision was devoid of personal interest, adding that he was prepared to sacrifice all for the nation.

Inguraidhoo Constituency MP Ibrahim Falaah said the defections of the day was deeply concerning for the citizens, adding that the defectors actions were spurred on by money.

MP Falaah said all the MPs were fully allied with President Abdullah Yameen and that they will win the 2018 Presidential elections.

He further defended the Government, stating that current crisis was started not because of any fault of the Government. Falaah also called on the Party members to hold more events in support of President Yameen.

MP Falaah also echoed the sentiments of other MPs regarding the Speaker vote, adding that PG wholly supported the Supreme Court motion.

Falaah accused the opposition of personal agendas, stating that this was powered by Qasim Ibrahim’s business interests.

‘Any endeavor with President Nasheed, Qasim Ibrahim and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is doomed to fail,’ he said.

While the Yameen faction made this statement, 10 of the 11 PPM MPs who had signed the no confidence motion on the Speaker had left the Party.