MDP leadership's request to recite the Quran must be opposed: Ibrahim Mohamed
Ibrahim Mohamed, the Member of Parliament for Machangolhi North, is facing intense public backlash following remarks in which he suggested that even if the MDP leadership recited "Alhamdulillah," it should be opposed. During a debate on proposed amendments to the Residency Act, Mohamed's comments were condemned by critics, including prominent religious scholar Dr. Mohamed Iyaz, who accused him of making inflammatory statements that exploit religion to incite discord. Observers noted that throughout the parliamentary session, government-aligned members frequently diverted from the bill's merits to launch personal attacks against the opposition.
Ibrahim Mohamed, the People's National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament for the North Machangolhi constituency, speaks during Monday's session regarding the proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act. | Raajje MV
Ibrahim Mohamed, the People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament for the North Machangolhi constituency, has stated that any proposal from the current MDP leadership must be opposed, even if they were to call for the recitation of the Holy Quran or Surah Al-Fatiha.
Speaking during Monday's parliamentary sitting regarding the proposed amendments to the Citizenship Act, Mohamed stated that the current MDP leadership's intentions are so malicious that even if they were to recite Alhamdulillah, one would have to oppose it.
To my honorable brothers and all my fellow members, I say this: even if the current leadership of the MDP asks us to utter words of praise, we must refuse. This is because their intentions are fundamentally insincere.Ibrahim Mohamed, Member of Parliament for the North Machangolhi constituency.
Furthermore, he expressed opposition to the proposed amendments to the Citizenship Act regarding the change of permanent addresses. He stated that there is no justifiable reason to implement such a change.
As the parliamentary debate intensifies over the proposed amendment to the Citizenship Act, several members of the ruling PNC have shifted their focus away from the bill’s merits, opting instead to launch personal verbal attacks against opposition MDP members.
Mohamed is one of the most prominent advocates portraying President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration as a religious government. However, he has gained a reputation for making inflammatory remarks during parliamentary sessions that link Islam to issues in a manner that undermines public interest. Many members of the public contend that Mohamed's comments during Monday’s session reflect a sense of ignorance among PNC members. Furthermore, many are now asserting it is clear that the PNC will refuse to accept any proposal submitted by the MDP, regardless of its potential benefits.
Religious scholar Dr. Mohamed Iyaz Abdul Latheef has previously countered such remarks made by Mohamed. Dr. Iyaz asserted that the current administration has reached extremes in its display of hypocrisy. He further noted that while the government attempts to deceive the public by using individuals like Mohamed to project an image of piety, there is no basis to characterize this as a religious administration. Dr. Iyaz also advised Mohamed to speak truthfully rather than merely attempting to defend the presidency of her brother-in-law.
