The party, DRP made the demand in a letter sent to Islamic Affairs Ministry which has reportedly not so far responded to the call.
Dr. Afrasheem Ali, an MP and a religious scholar from Malaysia Islamic University made the demand according to Miadhu News, Maldives. “Things prohibited in religion if carried out by any citizen are a matter of concern, especially if such acts are committed by leading members of the country. If the President is drinking alcoholic and intoxicating drinks, it is serious issue,’ he said.
Sula Shiraz, apparently known as Sula Sirash seems to have suddenly become a house-hold name in Maldives. “We are not trying to bring the President to court and to punish him, we are trying to clear the people of their doubts. The President is not just anybody; he is the head of an Islamic country, the truth must be established, people need to be informed and assured that their leader is 100 percent Muslim”, Dr. Afrasheem said.
Speaking at the news conference, DRP Special Envoy Mavota Shareef said the only thing the government needs to do was ascertain whether or not the president drank ‘Sula Sirash’ during his official visit to India.
The 41-year old President Mohamed Nasheed had been elected to the post in November, 2008 and had come to India for a 3-day State Visit on 23-26 December last year for his first state visit. The incident was reported by Business Standard and had drawn several negative and angry comments by citizens because of one line in the article- ‘The Maldives has many anxieties, Nasheed told reporters over a glass of Sula Shiraz, and physical security is just one of them.’
Maldives islands (Capital- Male) are an extremely popular destination for Indians and Europeans alike. Wine is allowed to be sold to tourists in the hotels and resorts but local citizens abstain due to religious sentiments. |