Ahmed Mahloof, who served as the Youth Minister in the last MDP administration, has left the main opposition party to assume a government post.
Mahloof, in a letter to MDP’s chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, informed his decision to leave the party to serve in a government post.
In the letter, Mahloof said he was grateful to have had the opportunity to serve MDP since 2015. He especially extended gratitude for the opportunity he had to serve in former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s cabinet and contribute as a partner in the development of the Maldives under Solih’s leadership.
“I also thank all beloved party members who have supported. I also apologize if any member is upset about my decision,” the letter read.
It is unclear which exact post Mahloof will be assuming at the moment, as he had not responded to Sun’s calls seeking the information.
Mahloof has largely faded from the political scene since the end of the MDP administration. Although he was initially a strong critic of the current government, such remarks have since subsided.
Notably, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attended the closing ceremony of a badminton tournament organized by Mahloof as the chief guest last Saturday.
Despite Mahloof’s departure from MDP, his wife, Nazra Nazeem remains in the main opposition party. Nazra currently serves as a consultant to Male’ City Council.
Mahloof began his political career with DRP and played a key role in the formation of PPM, a breakaway faction from DRP. Although he was once a strong critic of MDP, he later joined the party following strained relations with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom during his administration. As a lawmaker at the time, Mahloof actively campaigned against Yameen’s government.
He went on to serve as Youth Minister in the succeeding Solih administration. His tenure was briefly interrupted due to a suspension related to the MMPRC graft scandal.