Former President Yameen Questions Purpose of Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Criticises Silence on Ras Malé Deal

Former President Abdulla Yameen has stated that he sees no purpose for the Ministry of Islamic Affairs remaining in its current form, criticising the ministry and religious scholars for remaining silent on what he described as major religious concerns over the Ras Malé project. Speaking at a PNF session held last night against handing over land in Ras Malé to an external party, Yameen claimed the land is being given directly to Jews and that this is something Maldivians will never forgive. He criticised religious scholars, who he said should be most concerned and vocal about these issues, for not showing such concern. Yameen suggested that since religious scholars do not believe any danger will come to religion from the Ras Malé project or the Samoa Agreement, politicians have no purpose in always rushing to address these matters. He went on to question the need for a Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the next government, asking what the current Minister of Islamic Affairs and the ministry are doing. "I cannot think that in the next government, there needs to be a Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Why is the current Minister of Islamic Affairs doing? Or why is the Ministry of Islamic Affairs doing this?" Yameen said. He also expressed concern that Jews will live in Ras Malé and permits will be given to those supporting Jews, adding that Israel has the most hatred in the world.