Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim joins PPM

Minister of Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has signed for the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Thoriq holds the Environment Minister post in a Jumhoory Party (JP) slot.

Thoriq signed and handed his PPM membership form to President Abdulla Yameen at an event in Muliaage today. The event was also attended by Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed and PPM Deputy Leader, Tourism Minister Ahmed Adheeb.

Speaking after the event, Thoriq said there was compulsion for him to join PPM, despite the recent fallout between the ruling party and JP.

Former Minister of Transport and Communication Ameen Ibrahim, who also held the post in a JP slot, was dismissed on 29 May. Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed and Minister of Home Affairs Umar Naseer still remain on the cabinet as ministers from JP.

The PPM-JP coalition was dissolved after JP leader Gasim Ibrahim stood for the new parliament's speakership on 28 May.