Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof has said that difference in opinion regarding who should become the Speaker of Parliament is not a reason to call each other thieves.

While MDP is currently working to decide on a candidate for the role, some members of the party have been voicing their difference of opinions on social media.

Campaigns on social media back that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih openly endorses and supports Vilufushi MP Elect Hassan Afeef while former President Mohamed Nasheed endorses North Hithadhoo MP Elect Mohamed Aslam.

Former South Galolhu MP and the current Youth Minister said that it was okay to support one candidate and not like the other. He added that it was MDP who taught Maldivians to welcome different thoughts and opinins - and that they do not need or want the votes of PPM or PNC.