Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom says that an MP denied signing the no confidence motion on Speaker Abdullah Maseeh, after having done so, was as he feared backlash over his decision.

While Maumoon had not directly referred to any Parliamentarian, Isdhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Rasheed had claimed that his signature on the motion was forged.

Speaking in the joint opposition rally in Maafannu Kunooz on Monday, President Maumoon said this was as he had feared severed backlash, stressing that he was under compulsion and duress.

‘This fear is not something we need, we want freedom,’ he said.

President Maumoon said everyone should be allowed to live freely, irrespective of personal views. He added that there should not be any form of compulsion on anyone, especially elected representatives of public.

Eleven Parliamentarians from ruling Progressive Party of Maldives had signed the no confidence motion against Speaker Abdullah Maseeh. PPM PG Leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik had tweeted that the Isdhoo Parliamentarian’s signature was forged. This was speedily followed by pictures of the Parliamentarian signing the motion in presence of witnesses.

MP Rasheed had filed the matter with the Parliament, requesting for an investigation.