MDP, PNC clash in parliament over anti-religious remarks
Falah alleged that during the previous MDP administration, mosques had been damaged and misused.
Opposition members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday criticised remarks made by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) after PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah described MDP members as anti-religious during a parliamentary debate.
The exchange took place during debate on a bill proposed by MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim to classify damage to mosques as an act of terrorism.
Speaking in support of the bill, Falah alleged that during the previous MDP administration, mosques had been damaged and misused. He said President Mohamed Muizzu had taken steps to preserve Islamic values in the Maldives. Falah said the change of government had benefited the country and contributed to the protection of Islam.
Falah further said the MDP had consistently taken positions against religion and claimed that evidence of such positions could be found in public statements and recordings. He added that while he would support measures to prevent damage to mosques, he believed such incidents could recur if the MDP returned to power.
He also claimed that no mosques had been opened during MDP administrations. MDP members disputed this claim.
MDP MPs responded by saying it was unacceptable to label fellow Muslims as anti-religious for political purposes. They called on PNC members to refrain from such remarks.
MDP Chairperson and Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa said the MDP government had built mosques and established the Ministry of Islamic Affairs during its tenure. He said respect for religion required honesty and adherence to ethical conduct.
Ghafoor criticised what he described as corruption within the state and questioned whether such actions were consistent with Islamic teachings.
Mohamed Ibrahim, who moved the bill, said continued accusations against MDP members could place them at risk outside Parliament. He said labelling others as anti-religious was inappropriate and urged members to stop using such language.
Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that if legislation were introduced, such remarks could be restricted. He said the Maldives is a Muslim country and urged members not to use such descriptions against others.
Vikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad said that even in the absence of a specific law, Muslims should not accuse each other of being anti-religious. He said Islam in the Maldives had been preserved by its people rather than by any individual leader.
