News Desk
Malé, Maldives — The President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, has strongly condemned remarks made by Villimalé MP Mohamed Ismail, a member of the Progressive National Congress (PNC), during a parliamentary debate. Shahid has called on the Privileges and Ethics Committee to investigate the comments and take appropriate action.
The controversy erupted during a debate on an emergency motion moved by the MDP, when MP Ismail alleged that MDP members were not Muslims. “They [MDP] don’t even believe in Islam, let alone the Holy Quran,” Ismail claimed, describing the party as “Laadheeni,” a term frequently used in the Maldives to discredit progressive ideas by equating them with irreligiosity.
In response, Shahid emphasized that such allegations violate the Constitution and laws of the Maldives. Citing Article 9, he pointed out that only Muslims can hold Maldivian citizenship, and therefore every Maldivian is inherently a Muslim. Shahid further highlighted that Article 124 of the Penal Code criminalizes branding a Muslim an apostate without evidence of disbelief. Additionally, Article 35 of the Protection of Religious Unity Act prohibits actions and statements that undermine the religious unity of Maldivians.
“Such remarks are not just offensive but a direct attempt to sow division and weaken national unity,” Shahid said, accusing the PNC of deliberately stoking religious tensions for political gain.
During the session, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir (MDP) raised a point of order, urging the Speaker to intervene. Accepting the point of order, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah reprimanded Ismail, asserting that such divisive rhetoric has no place in Parliament.
Following public and political backlash, Ismail issued an apology. However, his remarks have reignited discussions about his history of controversial statements and actions.
MP Mohamed Ismail entered politics through the now-defunct Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) while working as a storekeeper for Lilly Company. He was first elected from the Hoarafushi constituency. Over the years, he has become a polarizing figure, known for his provocative remarks and actions.
Ismail played a prominent role in the IndiaOut movement, which sought to challenge Indian presence in the Maldives, tarnishing his reputation further as a divisive and incendiary figure. In a 2016 parliamentary debate on corruption linked to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), Ismail openly admitted to distributing money to fellow MPs, stating, “I went to some MPs with money.” However, he refused to clarify the source or purpose of the funds.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) later investigated Ismail over his ties to jailed former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, questioning him about potential financial transactions. Denying any wrongdoing, Ismail remarked, “I don’t believe that I can be tried for what I say in Parliament. But I responded in order to cooperate with the ACC investigation.” While maintaining his innocence, Ismail offered few details, insisting that his actions were lawful and unrelated to corruption.
Despite his apology for the recent remarks, the incident has reignited calls for greater accountability in parliamentary discourse. Shahid and other MDP leaders have underscored the importance of maintaining decorum and safeguarding the unity of the Maldivian people.
The Privileges and Ethics Committee has yet to announce whether it will formally investigate the matter.
