Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Group for ruling Yameen faction of Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) Ibrahim Falaah has fired back at party leadership for treatment meted to him.

In a series of leaked screenshots from the PG Viber group, Falaah, who fills the Inguraidhoo Constituency seat in the Parliament, said the leadership viewed him differently to that of other MPs. He made the statement in response to a claim made by Bileidhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Mubeen.

‘Mubeen, Mubeen you wouldn’t know. PPM leadership is quite unfair to me,’ he said.

He added that some MPs had viewed his departure to Sri Lanka, for the birth of his child, as a temper tantrum.

‘When my wife took leave to give birth, [members] claimed it was me throwing a tantrum because I didn’t have my way,’ he added.

The Parliamentarian further elaborated on the alleged actions of the leadership. He alleged that Health Ministry officials were summoned to offices of Parliament Majority Leader and questioned about him. He urged investigation into these claims, denying that he had benefited illegally.

MP Falaah added it would be more worthwhile for the leadership to investigate those who had gained immense wealth since taking oath as Parliamentarians.

‘It would be more worthwhile to investigate those individuals, who had no wealth to speak of at the start of their terms, but now have their own cars, drivers, purchased land, flats,’ he added.

MP Falaah also claimed the Party leadership was so strong that MPs had to rely on opposition to express their sentiments.

In response, MP Mubeen urged his fellow Parliamentarian to remain calm, preaching unity in face of a long arduous election in 2018.

Of late there have been increased reports of further splintering within PPM PG, with more factions emerging.