Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/627675
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 JANUARY 2016 News 11 "One cannot fulfil these obli- gations by having one solitary mosque. We have people living or working in say Mellieha, and travelling to Paola takes up a lot of time, especially if you do so by bus." Additionally, the Paola mosque is too small for the Muslim com- munity in Malta and in response to the pictures being shared on social media sites showing an open space at the back of the mosque, Zina said this is used as a car park dur- ing prayers. In response to criticism that the prayers in Msida are being held opposite a church, Zina said the location was chosen because of it being central and it allows people living and working in the vicinity to reach it by bus. But Zina said that if the authorities withdraw the permit the council would abide by the law. While pointing out that the au- thorities are lenient with a number of Christian groups who hold events in a number of venues with- out having the necessary permits, Zina said that the council would like to provide small and regular- ised spaces of worship in different localities to cater for the growing Muslim community. Zina said that during a recent meeting with social dialogue min- ister Helena Dalli he made it clear that the council could play an im- portant role in community build- ing. "The minister expressed her con- cern at the possible radicalisation of individuals and I underlined the importance of regularising the premises which we rent. We are the frontline defence against any possible threat." Members of the council, respon- sible for a number of praying cen- tres spread around the island, have long played an important educa- tional and social role, organising and participating in a number of charity events and Zina said that the council is predominantly made up of Maltese citizens who have the same obligations and rights as anyone else. "The community is growing and for this reason we have urged the minister to carry out a study on the needs of Muslims in Malta." Human rights activists slam Islamophobia Human rights lawyer and Aditus Foundation director Neil Falzon said Malta endorses the freedom of all persons to choose and practise the religion of their choice. "We are understandably comfort- able with mass prayer meetings, the rosary being recited on street speakers, on village feasts. But just as these religious manifesta- tions are allowed, so are groups of praying Muslims, a Hindu Diwali festival, a demonstration demand- ing increased secularism, Chinese New Year celebrations. Malta might be unprepared, but this does not justify any form of limitations or negative attitudes," he said. In similar comments, Integra Foundation director Maria Pisani said the Muslims praying in Msida have not overstepped the mark, adding "I am far more concerned by the Islamophobic manifesta- tions. I understand the fear people may be feeling in light of extremist violence and ideologies, and such fears are justified – however, if we really want to hold on to the values of respect, rule of law, equality and so on – then our response needs to be informed by such values too. The biggest threat to Maltese 'values' is an extremist response fuelled by fear and hysteria – be it Muslim, Catholic, Evangelical or otherwise. $ However, the Lotus fitness cen- tre was not the only facility to keep the same prices, with other operators doing the same, but al- lowing members to use multiple branches across the island and unlimited classes. Similarly, after some consulta- tion with their accountants Fit- ness Planet decided to offer cli- ents the same prices as last year, giving clients an additional time period of gym-use for free. "It would ultimately work out as 33 days for free in addition to a one-year membership, according to the 11% reduction," the owner explained. Although it is perhaps impor- tant for consumers to know what they are due, it should be noted that lodging a complaint about the matter, or expecting stricter regulations to the way private businesses operate, is no simple matter. The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority ex- plained that although it couldn't do anything about VAT enforce- ment, it was currently looking into the issue to establish whether there was a breach of the Compe- tition Act. Asked whether any actions or measures could be taken to make sure that the reductions benefit consumers, the MCCAA said that the VAT department had already issued such measures, but ques- tions to the department on the matter went unanswered. mborg@mediatoday.com.mt falls short