President Yameen skipped Hajj pilgrimage "out of fear of being ousted"
A source close to President Yameen said that he was also scared "of getting arrested upon return from Hajj pilgrimage"
President Abdulla Yameen
RaajjeMV has learnt that President Abdulla Yameen had skipped this year's Hajj pilgrimage "out of fear".
A source close to the incumbent President told RaajjeMV that the planned trip was cancelled "out of fear of being ousted and arrested".
According to the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, President Yameen was also scared "of getting arrested upon return from Hajj pilgrimage".
He said that the President had planned to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia with First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim on the 24th of August, but that he opted to postpone the trip "at the last minute".
The official said that the president had still intended on joining the pilgrimage, noting that some of his security officials "were even sent there" ahead of his trip.
"At the last minute, he learnt that there were plans being made against him. To overthrow the government, to arrest him. Hence, he decided to cancel the trip at the last minute," said the official.
Noting that everything "is in place now" the official added that "there is no way to overthrow the government before the 2018 presidential elections".
The official indicated that opposition members were being jailed "for trying to oust the President".
"When you put your hands in hot water you burn yourself," he added.
President's Office is yet to make an official comment on the matter.
The last time President Yameen joined the annual Hajj pilgrimage was in 2015. The explosion aboard the presidential speedboat occurred as he was returning after completing the Hajj pilgrimage.
