From The Minivan News. That is news from the Maldive islands, not news about small tradesman's vehicles.
The ministry of Islamic affairs appealed to the Maldives Police Service on Wednesday to end to all the discos organised for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Police sergeant Ahmed Shiyam confirmed Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Bari, the minister of Islamic affairs, had made an official request to the police commissioner, Ahmed Faseeh, for police to take action regarding this matter.
Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the state minister of Islamic affairs, said the ministry had formally requested the police stop the discos from taking place because they were contrary to Islam. He added the ministry had received complaints from the public.
“We have received hundreds of complaints asking for a ban on the DJs,” he said. “So, the number of people who are against having DJs is greater than the number who wants them."
“Even a police official has informed us that they have also been receiving complaints.” he said.
According to Shaheem, it is haram or forbidden in Islam for both sexes to dance together.
Article 10 of the Constitution states the religion of the Maldives is Islam and Islam shall be the basis for all laws in the land.
Although Article 27 stipulates everyone has the right to freedom of expression, the right only exists as long as it is “not contrary to any tenet of Islam”.
Hussain Ibrahim, a prominent lawyer, agreed there was no law which permitted discos.
Ibrahim, also a former constitutional assembly member, said discos were forbidden in Islam and as such would be contrary to the Constitution.
“I can’t believe it,” said 25-year-old Ali Hussain after hearing the ministry’s decision. “It’s a big surprise. I’ve been celebrating New Year’s Eve for the past five years by going to discos. Boys and girls want to dance to music on this night.”
Hussain added if discos are banned, circumcision parties should also be forbidden. “In circumcision parties, men and women dance very closely, so the ministry’s decision is unfair.” he said.
Meanwhile in Dubai, according to the Mirror
David Beckham and the rest of the AC Milan team had their New Year's Eve celebrations cancelled today by the ruler of Dubai following the violence in Gaza.
Becks joined British ex-pats in Dubai who were today planning alternative New Year's Eve celebrations after all public parties were cancelled.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of the Gulf state, called off festivities late yesterday.
He said "all public New Year's celebrations" should be stopped "in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are currently enduring death, suffering and destruction in Gaza".