Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has stated that the initial draft of the hate crime bill did not include any penalties for those who perform actions against Islam.

In an exclusive interview to RaajjeTV regarding the hate crime bill submitted to parliament by the government, the minister pointed out that the bill was met with immense public concern.

While he noted that the bill failed to address actions against Islam, Dr. Zahir said that the People's Majlis had requested the ministry to review it and send in recommendations.

Noting that the ministry has since forwarded its recommendations to the parliament, the minister said that they had received concern over the initial draft of the bill from religious scholars as well as councilors.

He further stated that new version submitted was thoroughly researched, to ensure both sides are addressed and penalties are clear.

Minister Zahir believes all troubles 'would be put to rest' if the parliament passes the new version of the bill as drafted by the Islamic ministry.

While the Islamic minister made these statements, North-Maafanu constituency MP Imthiyaaz Fahmy had said that the clause about it being a sin to call a Muslim anything other than ‘a Muslim’ was included in the bill after consulting with the Islamic ministry.

The minister rebutted this statement by saying that the bill was only presented to the Islamic ministry after the first reading of the bill and that the bill was not adapted even after the suggestions of the ministry.

Home Minister and President of ruling coalition partner Adhaalath Party, Imran Abdulla had also expressed disappointment that the initial draft of the bill was not shared with the party.

The government endorsed bill submitted by Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Hisaan Hussain has led to a rift within the ruling coalition, with leader of main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed threatening to withdraw support for the government if it "is unable to employ the leadership required to support this bill and all it stands for".

Other coalition leaders have assured "full support" for the government.