President Yameen

Head of president’s security replaced

Colonel Ahmed Fayaz ‘Papa,’ head of the president’s security detail, has been transferred to the post of Malé area commander and replaced with Colonel Ibrahim Rasheed. The changes follow a blast on the president’s speedboat last week, the cause of which remains unclear.

Islamic ministry scraps special prayer for president’s safety

“Protect and save our ruler, our people, and our country from the evil plots of schemers, acts of terrorism, the deceit of deceitful, and the envy of the envious,” reads the prayer. Worshippers and Imams at some mosques as well as prominent religious scholars have objected to the mandatory prayer, contending that it is a bid’ah (heretical innovation).

Explosion on president’s speedboat, President Yameen unharmed

A loud blast was heard just as the ‘Finifenmaa’ speedboat docked at the pier, followed by glass shattering, and the door on the speedboat fell off its hinges. Yameen was not injured, but First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim, a presidential aide, and a bodyguard are undergoing treatment for injuries.

Police seeking FBI assistance to investigate explosion on president’s speedboat

“We would like to assure the Maldivian people that we will investigate this incident as a serious case and that the Maldivian police and MNDF will work together to find out the truth of how this happened,” the police have said.

PPM branch backs Gayoom’s removal from party’s leadership

The Progressive Party of Maldives’ Machchangoalhi south branch has declared support for proposed amendments to the political party law that would strip former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the ruling party’s leadership.

President Yameen demotes ‘Gayoom loyalists’ in political posts

President Abdulla Yameen has demoted three political appointees seen as loyal to his half-brother former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom amid rumours of a rift between the brothers.

First Lady plans symposium to launch Yameen’s re-election campaign

First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim is planning a symposium in September to “prepare leaders” for President Abdulla Yameen’s 2018 re-election campaign. The ruling party is not involved in the initiative.

Vilimalé health centre upgraded to tertiary hospital

The health centre in the capital’s suburb Vilimalé has been upgraded and reopened as a tertiary hospital.

Maldives extends Independence Day greetings to India

The government and main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have extended greetings to the Indian government and people on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day (August 15).

President inaugurates Hulhumalé tertiary hospital project

President Abdulla Yameen today inaugurated a US$80 million project for the construction of a multi-specialty tertiary hospital in Hulhumalé by Tree Top Investments.

Judiciary to fast-track cases involving unpaid loans

On the government’s request, the Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed has agreed to expedite judicial processes in cases involving unpaid loans so that a final judgement could be enforced in six months.

Saudi Arabia opens embassy in Maldives

Saudi Arabia opened an embassy in the Maldives for the first time on Sunday as agreed upon during President Abdulla Yameen’s state visit to the kingdom in March.

Council by-elections cancelled after president ratifies changes to decentralisation law

The fifth amendment to the Decentralisation Act ratified by President Abdulla Yameen on Wednesday states that by-elections must not be held if an island, atoll, or city councillor resigns one year after the local council elections.

China denies planning military bases in Maldives

China “has always respected and supported the Maldives’ efforts to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity,” the Chinese foreign ministry has said. “What the relevant people said about China building bases in the Maldives is totally baseless,” it added.

President Yameen slams foreign interference in Independence Day address

President Yameen seeks joint venture investments from Saudi Arabia

President Abdulla Yameen briefed a visiting delegation from Saudi Arabia this morning on investment opportunities in the Maldives and invited joint venture investments from the kingdom. The Saudi officials were among several dignitaries who arrived in the Maldives this week to attend an official function held last night to celebrate the golden jubilee of independence.

Foreign freeholds will not threaten Indian Ocean security, assures President Yameen

After ratifying the second amendment to the constitution today, President Yameen sought to allay fears over foreign ownership of land in the Maldives, assuring the public that freeholds will not threat Indian Ocean security or lead to “enslavement” and scarcity of land.

Cabinet reassesses Maldives’ membership in Commonwealth as UK welcomes talks

The cabinet has decided to reassess the Maldives’ membership in the Commonwealth following repeated threats to leave the inter-governmental organization. British MPs are meanwhile continuing to urge their government to monitor the situation in the Maldives.

President appoints chancellors to Islamic university, national university

Government seeks to write off fines for illegal parking