Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Congress member Mohamed Whaeed has stated that talking about the challenges faced by religious scholars was no bar to implementing laws in the Maldives.

Speaking in the panel discussion held by the Joint Opposition in Maafannu Kunooz on Wednesday night, Waheed this Government had failed in observing Islam. He went on to accuse that the Government had hijacked Islam.

Scholars who speak about religion, he said, faced significant challenges. As such, he noted that Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdullah was jailed as he had dared to speak against state sponsored corruption. He further noted that Dr. Afrasheem Ali, a prominent Islamic scholar, was brutally assassinated as well.

Due to these factors, Waheed said it was virtually impossible for scholars to speak impartially.

Waheed had dished out severe criticism over the Government’s religious policy. He pointed out that this administration had disbanded the Fiqh Academy, for a Fatwa Committee that was heavily controlled by incumbent President Abdullah Yameen. He added that Friday sermons were a reflection of the Government’s diktats.

Waheed further said the Government was deliberately abusing Islam, while committing transgressions such as corruption, loss of basic rights and other similar actions.