The attorney general's go-ahead to enforce reconciliation via licensed preaching makes one wonder if she matriculated in some orthodox Muslim mosque. One would think that modern lawyers, such as Maldives' AG, would consider implied precedents prior to the endorsement of regulations.

With this latest regulation the government is implying that it is punishable under law to offer religious advice unless one has been granted a license. This could imply that children can now take legal actions against over-zealous parents. It should also imply that all Islam teachers should have attained necessary licensing.

Who issues these licenses? One would be inclined to answer 'God.' No, the God-given license to practice and preach religions has now been superseded by a government-issued one. Strange, considering that MoIA is run by supposedly the most devout Muslims in the country.

The world is also being taught a lesson in absolute governance here. Whereas all the leading democracies are trying to find the right premise under which to enforce proactive legal measures against religions Maldives has already established it. So what if it infringes on more basic rights such as freedom of expression? Tough luck.