'Govt will shy away from taking action against MDN' - MP Shiyam

Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam on Monday stated that the government will not take necessary action towards the organisation Maldivian Democratic Network (MDN) over the contentious issued by the organization on radicalization in Maldives.

The report titled "Preliminary Assessment of Radicalization in Maldives" assessed how 'radical' Islam was practiced in the Maldives, describing Islam and Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) in derogatory terms, and in contradiction with the principles of Islam.

The contentious report issued in 2016 challenged principles and teachings of Islam in the Holy Quran, and disrespected Prophet Mohamed (PBUH).The report outlined several verses from the Quran and 'hadith' of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) as examples of ideas included in school text books that contribute to promulgation of radical worldviews.

Debating the emergency motion submitted by Nolhivaram MP Mohamed Nasheed Abdulla over the report, MP Shiyam alleged that the organization sought to propagate anti-Islamic ideals in the nation. He called to immediately ban the organization and arrest its officials.

However, the current government and Maldives Police Service will back away from taking the necessary action against the organisation, claimed Shiyam, accusing the government of working with the non-partisan organisation as members of the organization and their close relatives were employed at the President's Office and other government entities.

"We see that the government has given high profile posts to this organisation's leaders and their relatives, and we can see that the government is working together with this organization. We are witnessing them attempting to incorporate their ideologies into our childrens' education system", Shiyam said.

Shiyam said while President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had not spoken out on the matter, no ministries have taken any action on the issue thus far. Both the Government and the Maldives Police Service are connected to MDN due to which they are shying away from taking action against MDN, he added.

"How will the Police investigate this case when senior officers are connected to MDN? Why is President Solih hesitant to make a commission to investigate this issue?", questioned Shiyam.

A statement has since been released by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on the issue, assuring that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate measures will be taken as stipulated under the Maldives constitution.