Government denies reports of discussions to hand Islamic Minister's post to Adhaalath Party

The government has denied reports that discussions are ongoing to give the Islamic Minister's post to the Adhaalath Party, following the party's decision to form an alliance with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC). Adhaalath Party's consultative council passed a resolution on Friday night to work with the government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for the remainder of the current presidential term and to form an alliance with PNC in the 2028 presidential election, after accepting PNC's invitation to join the government. As the party prepares to begin work as a partner in the government, this newspaper received information that there has been talk of arranging the Islamic Minister's post as a way of giving Adhaalath Party a place in the cabinet. Amid these reports, there is also strong talk that the current Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has decided to resign from his post immediately if the government signs an agreement with UAE's Eagle Hills company, to which a large part of Rasmalé has been given. According to what a reliable source confirmed to this newspaper, Dr. Shaheem has revealed his stance against signing that agreement to senior figures of the government. Reports have also surfaced that there is talk of Dr. Shaheem having an interest in contesting for the presidency. It has been rumoured that he has shared these matters with his relatives and family members, and that if a party is found to fund the campaign, he holds the idea of leaving the government even now. However, information has been received that, due to lacking the courage to leave the government post on his own, Dr. Shaheem holds the idea of contesting for the presidency from within Adhaalath Party. Information has also been received that one of the main purposes of bringing Adhaalath Party into the government is to not give Dr. Shaheem that opportunity. When RaajjeMV asked government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) about these matters, he completely denied the claims. Mundhu said that no discussions are taking place to give the Islamic Minister's post to Adhaalath Party. He also said that since a ministerial post is a post appointed by the President, there is no need to consult anyone else on the matter. In addition, the spokesperson noted that PNC consulting with another party is not something done directly by the government.