President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is set to deliver his presidential address to Parliament on Thursday, with Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla presiding over the session.

Senior media officer Ahmed Maan Assad confirmed to One that the Speaker will chair the address, stating that there have been no changes to the arrangement.

The announcement comes amid speculation of tensions between President Dr Muizzu and Speaker Abdul Raheem. The rumours surfaced after the president dismissed Abdul Raheem’s son, Ibrahim Faisal, from his position as Tourism Minister. Following Faisal’s removal, Abdul Raheem publicly expressed his disappointment, suggesting that if his relationship with the president had remained strong, Faisal would not have been sacked.

Additionally, there have been reports that Abdul Raheem is being sidelined from the People’s National Congress (PNC) and could be removed from his position as Speaker. However, PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah denied these claims, stating that Abdul Raheem remains in his role and is not being excluded from party matters.