PPM denies obstructing Thimarafushi airport project

The government-aligned Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has denied accusations that it was delaying the completion of a regional airport in the island of Thimarafushi in Thaa Atoll.

In a press release today, the largest party in the ruling coalition dismissed the reported claims as “completely false,” insisting that it would never attempt to stall a development project.

The denial comes after local media reported that PPM MP for Thimarafushi, Ahmed Shareef, was considering leaving the party over dissatisfaction with the stalled airport project.

In a recent appearance on pro-government private broadcaster DhiTV, Shareef reportedly alleged that “certain people” in PPM had tried to halt the airport project.

Shareef also criticised the party’s stance against forming coalitions ahead of the upcoming presidential election in September.

Sun Online reported an anonymous MP as claiming that Shareef has already decided to quit PPM but would make a final decision after consulting his constituents.

Shareef told newspaper Haveeru today that he would make a decision after PPM presidential candidate and parliamentary group leader, Abdulla Yameen, returns from Singapore tonight (April 20).