Dr. Mohamed Shaheem, former Islamic minister and former President Yameen’s running mate in the last election, has left Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and stepped away from politics.

Dr. Shaheem, who was a close ally of Yameen during his administration, confirmed this on VTV’s Fasmanzaru show on Tuesday night.

Speaking on the show, Dr. Shaheem said he left PPM last week but not due to any issues with party members and that he has no wish to join another party.

Dr. Shaheem had once before announced he was stepping away from politics, but had joined PPM and became Yameen’s running mate afterwards.

Mohamed Didi, a close friend of Dr. Shaheem, has been working to form a new party called the National Reform Party. He said he was asked to join but that he has not made a decision yet.

Dr. Shaheem will soon be travelling to Saudi Arabia as part of his new position as advisor to he secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC).