Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that the Islamic ministry has completely paid off USD1.8 million in debt. He made the remark at the first meeting of the ministerial forum held to share information on government initiatives and answer questions from the public.
At the forum, Minister Shaheem said the Islamic ministry was USD1.8 million in debt when the new administration took over. However, he said the debt was paid off within the first two weeks. He also said that stalled projects in the islands have been resumed after the government paid the due amount to companies.
Additionally, Minister Shaheem said the government is looking closely into the work of the 700 mosques in the country, noting that the establishment of the National Council on Mosques is part of the efforts.
Furthermore, Minister Shaheem highlighted the poor condition of Islamic centres in different parts of the country. He said that when the new administration took office, Islamic centres in the islands were in a deteriorated state, but they have been recently renovated and developed into places where research can be conducted.