The ruling PNC/PPM coalition has called on the Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem to restart an investigation into the allegations made against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, where he was accused of sexually assaulting numerous women during his time as the Minister.

The Progressive Coalition Spokesperson Heena Waleed told a news conference today that although the PG had earlier withdrawn the charges against Ali Waheed, statements by the alleged victims have been leaked. Therefore, she called for a fresh investigation into the allegations.

Heena stated that Ali Waheed suddenly left the Maldives using the VIP lounge at Velana International Airport while the case was pending in court. Therefore, she alleged that the then MDP government had aided Ali Waheed to escape to cover up the issue.

She further highlighted that at the first press conference held by Ali Waheed in the UK, he had claimed to have compromising information on government officials that he would disclose 'very soon', although later nothing became of it and was later described as a 'smoke screen' by Ali Waheed.

The PG then withdrew the charges against Ali, who is now contesting the parliamentary elections on an MDP ticket. The MDP leadership has not commented on the concerns raised in the leaked statements.

Heena had raised questions on whether Ali Waheed still has compromising information on the leadership of MDP, or whether such sexual harassment is a principle of MDP.