Maldives Government and the Tourism Industry sees eye to eye on this matter – Naseem

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Ahmed Naseem, yesterday said that the Government’s decision to reopen the spas operating in the country, as announced by President Mohamed Nasheed, reflect the emerging national consensus that the Maldives should continue to follow the “moderate” and “tolerant” religious path it has pursued ever since the introduction of Islam 800 years ago.

In a press conference held in Kurumba Maldives, President Nasheed ordered the authorities to lift the ban on spas with immediate effect, while the country awaits the Supreme Court’s verdict on whether spas being legal under the Maldives Constitution.

Speaking after the press conference by the President, Minister Naseem expressed hope for a positive ruling from the Supreme Court on the matter.

“The Supreme Court ruling, once and for all, would settle the question of whether the Maldives wants to remain a modern, tolerant Muslim country, founded upon democratic values and human rights or would it chose to become otherwise”.

Minister Naseem reassured investors with business interests in the Maldives and foreign tourists visiting the country that Government would remain steadfast in ensuring economic security and stability while upholding the fundamental values of democracy.

Minister Naseem alleged that the Government’s decision was backed by a clear majority of Maldivians who wished to continue to follow the path of moderation.

Meanwhile, recent weeks have seen a divergence of views on some fundamental values between some Islamic scholars calling to protect the Islamic Unity of the country with the backing of opposition political parties and the Government presenting the views of the ruling party; the latter calling for liberal democracy. 

Reacting to very public demands of the biggest demonstration ever staged in the history of Maldives, the Government imposed a temporary ban on spas and stated that it would consider banning the sale of alcohol and pork in the country and referred the case to the judiciary for a ruling.

However, with the continued delay of the judiciary to make a decision, and after what seems like a few days taken for thinking, the Government decided to remove the temporary ban.