Many civil and Islamic societies, opposition and members of general public protested in fury when the Economic Development Ministry announced for a second time a regulation allowing sale of alcohol in inhabited island from 1 March. The announcement came amid strong objections by the Islamic Affairs Ministry, Islamic societies and large number of general public to allow sale of alcohol in inhabited islands. The Economic Development Ministry also published the same regulation last year when the Islamic Ministry protested strongly to discontinue the regulation. President Nasheed instructed the Economic Ministry to withdraw the regulation immediately, Islamic Ministry and huge number of others who were shocked and angered by the move of the Economic Ministry to publish the same regulation have warned they will continue to protest against the issue until the Government completely withdraws the regulation. The Adalath Party which is in MDP colition have sent a strong letter to President Mohamed Nasheed appealing him to withdraw the permission.
The large group have also announced they will hold a mass protest after Juma prayers on Friday to express their total condemnation and opposition to the issue.
There was a protest outside the residence of Economic Development Minister Mohamed Rasheed yesterday calling him to resign. Protesters warned they will not stay quiet until and unless the Government nullify the permission. Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdul Majeed Bari and his State Minister Mohamed Shaheem are disappointed that a Ministry of the Government has acted so irresponsibly disregarding the repeated appeals and objection of the Islamic Affairs Ministry which is responsible to protect and promote Islam in the Maldives. The Ministry has received compliments for the good outcome of their work in the new Government, but critics have blamed the two Ministers in the Islamic Ministry for their lack of action over the words they have spoken earlier.
The Presidents Office yesterday issued a statement that the regulation will not become effective before publishing it in the Government gazette. The Office also mentioned that a bill submitted to the Mjlis on the issue was rejected by the Majlis and the regulation on sale of alcohol was returned when the same was submitted to the Majlis.
According to reports many top level MDP members and even Ministers are very disappointed that the regulation was published again fuelling anger and objection of Islamic scholars and general public. There are some reports that Islamic Minister and State Minister will resign if the Government go ahead with the regulation without respecting the fundamental of Islamic principles. However there is a strong lobby from hotels and tourist businesses to get the regulation implemented. Some critics are surprised why Economic Ministry decided to allow the sale of alcohol while President Nasheed ordered to withdraw the regulation when it was published last year. They say such action is tantamount to the lack of authority of the Government when it deals with very important and sensitive state matters.
