Thimarafushi Constituency MP Mohamed Musthafa claims that incumbent President Abdullah Yameen had offered him MVR 10 million, as an 'incentive' to join his faction of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM).

Speaking in RaajjeTV's Mi Raees program, MP Musthafa said he was coerced to crossing over to PPM from his old Party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). 

He pointed out the obvious irony in President Abdullah's administration persecuting opposition MPs for floor crossing, when he was offered MVR 10 million by the President to shift his allegiances. The alleged 'incentive' was offered directly by the President in a meeting in President's Office, as compensation for his 'sacrifice'.

In spite of the very generous offer, MP Musthafa said he had declined to accept the offer. 

He further criticized the President, stating that he should be ashamed to keep his half-nephew and Dhiggaru Constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon on allegations of bribery. 

President's Office was unreachable for a comment.