Islamic University Bill review delayed due to lack of quorum

Chairperson of the National Development Committee of the Parliament Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau has said that the review of the Islamic University Bill is delayed due to a lack of quorum in the committee.

The review was scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2015.

Shujau highlighted the importance of the bill, and said that the lack of quorum was due to several MPs being out of Malé to campaign for an upcoming by-election.

He said as chairperson, his hands are tied as long as MPs of all parties do not cooperate.

MPs of opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have said that they will not participate in work carried out by the committee, said Shujau.

He further said that comments regarding the bill have been obtained from relevant authorities, and efforts will be made to assemble the committee again next week.

God willing, the review will be completed by the end of April, he said.

The bill was submitted by Fonadhoo MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla.

The government has said that the purpose of the Islamic University Bill is to facilitate the establishment of an Islamic university in the Maldives. Highlighting that the Maldives is a Muslim country where the main source of the Constitution is Islam, the government said that it is imperative to establish a law detailing the purpose, procedures and responsibilities of such an educational institution, which will help strengthen the country’s Islamic character.