MP Mahloof calls on Govt. to reverse decision on burial grounds

Galolhu South MP Ahmed Mahloof has called on the Government to reverse their decision on burial grounds.

The Government had passed to bury deceased individuals from Male’ and Vilimale’ in Hulhumale’ from the 1st of this month.

MP Mahloof said that Maldivians have had cultural aspects associated with paying last respects and the decision by the Government will add to the shock and loss experienced by the family members and friends. As such, he said this change restricted the number of family members and friends, effectively depriving them of closure. MP Mahloof called on the Government to reverse the decision.

MP Mahloof called on the Government to delay the change to until after the Male’ Hulhumale’ bridge will be opened in 2018. He said Aasahara cemetery still has capacity and pleaded not to carry out this change until then.

Mahloof said that the Government can authorize so that all funeral rites except for the burial can be carried out in Male’. He noted that traditionally, transporting a corpse across the sea was discouraged. Therefore, he said that the Government must take this account as a form of respect to the families.

Mahloof noted that the rules will change if a state dignitary or influencer’s funeral needed to be held. He said the rules would be bent to hold the burial in Male’. He cited that funeral prayers are carried out in Islamic Center for certain individuals.

Mahloof stated that funeral prayers were held in the Holy Mosques, without any restrictions on nationality, race, creed or status, adding that we must seek example from this. He said that while Islam does not distinguish between believers and as such we must not enforce it as well.

Under the new regulations, enforced from 1st of this month, the deceased will be transported to Hulhumale’ via a special ferry. Only three members can accompany the deceased, with the rest of the members making different travel arrangements.