Galolhu South MP Ahmed Mahloof says that the public displays of affection seen around First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim were mere drama, as they were paid to do so.

MP Mahloof made this claim in a tweet posted and said that organizers of such drama were paid MVR 500 each. The said drama includes groups of 10 for selfies and groups of five to give hugs for the First Lady.

Noting that the situation had escalated to this level, MP Mahloof said there was nothing else either he or anyone else could say.

His tweet, posted in Dhivehi, was in reference to the trips to some islands in Alif Atoll started by the First Lady.

First Lady is taking a pivotal role in her spouse’s re-election bid, with many from the opposition claiming that the President only trusts the First Lady.