Riko Moosa: Cannot be allowed to meddle with nationalism and religion

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Riko Moosa Manik has said that no one should be allowed to meddle with the nationalism and the Islamic faith of the country.

Speaking on TVM's "Umeedhaai Kurierun" (Hope and Progress) program last night, Moosa said that the question of if there is a religion beside Islam in the country should not be allowed to ask and would not be considered inside the freedom of expression.

Moosa said that speaking against the religion in the name of freedom of expression is not something that should be allowed, even by a politician. And that it would be impossible to erase the Islamic faith from the Maldives.

While the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament has made such remarks, Maldives Police Service has started an investigation in to the tweet against the Islamic faith by the President of the Democracy Network, Shahindha Ismail. After the tweet drew criticism from religious scholars calling to take steps against such action, the self-exiled former President, Mohamed Nasheed, has tweeted in her defence.

On last night's program, Moosa also had some words for the opposition coalition saying that they cannot bring forth one candidate to compete against President Yameen, and signs of that are already showing.

Moosa said that there are no grounds on which the former President, Nasheed can run for President again and we will see candidates from Jumhooree Party and Adhaalath Party a well.

He said that it would not be difficult for President Yameen to win the election later this year.

Moosa said taht President Nasheed has no grounds to resume to power.