Former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof has responded to criticism over his recent political shift, stating that while he has changed parties, his political ideology remains the same.
In a lengthy post on X, Mahloof said this was the first time he had left a political party. “I have gone back to the same old political ideology, only the name of the party has changed,” he wrote.
Mahloof began his political career in 2005 with the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), founded by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He was later among the founding members of the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM), established by Maumoon after his expulsion from DRP.
In 2014, Mahloof was expelled from PPM following disagreements with then-leader President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. He subsequently joined the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in 2018, after participating in opposition coalition activities. He claimed he was offered a chance to contest parliamentary elections, but after the party passed a resolution barring him from its ticket, he took the matter to court.
Disillusioned by his treatment within the MDP, Mahloof said he distanced himself from politics following the 2023 elections. He noted that many senior MDP members would be pleased by his departure.
Mahloof said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), personally invited him to join the party. He expressed gratitude to the president and PNC members for their warm welcome.
“I’m happy the party appreciated my work and welcomed me back. Signing up at the largest political rally in Maldivian history made it even more special,” Mahloof said. He also apologized to those disappointed by his decision and thanked those who supported it.
Mahloof left the opposition MDP on September 8 to take up a government role. His move sparked speculation that he was being considered for a diplomatic posting.
He had previously faced allegations of involvement in the MMPRC corruption scandal during the MDP’s administration and was suspended over the charges, though the matter was later dropped.
While Mahloof had been a vocal critic of the current government on social media, his tone shifted in recent months. His return to the ruling coalition has drawn significant backlash online.