Pro-government MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said that a particular family cannot be stronger than the state.

The deputy leader of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said this on Saturday after the arrest of MP Faris Maumoon, the son of former President and opposition leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

In a tweet, MP Abdulla said President Abdulla Yameen’s government will never unlawfully make an arrest.

He also said that an individual cannot be more powerful than the state, even if he is a member of a particular family.

Noting that President Yameen would not influence the judiciary, MP Abdulla said the government does not distinguish class when enforcing the law.

Faris was arrested two days after his release after six months in jail.

He was arrested over allegations of bribing fellow lawmakers and planning to overthrow the government.

Police have also searched his home as well as that of his father Gayoom.