President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared that a fully Muslim society like the Maldives must firmly reject any political ideologies that seek to undermine or intimidate religious practices.
The President made the strong remarks on Thursday evening during the inauguration ceremony of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party office.
In his address, President Muizzu directly criticised members of the opposition who have voiced dissatisfaction with a proposed government-backed amendment to the Penal Code that would criminalise gambling.
He cautioned the public that it would be a “serious misjudgement” to elect individuals who support ideologies contradicting Islamic values, reiterating that meaningful governance reform can only occur with a unified commitment to religious principles.
Highlighting his administration’s policy priorities, the President affirmed that safeguarding the Islamic faith and aligning national affairs with Islamic principles remain central to government action. To that end, he revealed that 104 establishments in the capital had been closed in the past month for operating immorally under the guise of massage parlours.
Further underscoring a tough stance on vice, he announced recent legal amendments now permit the death penalty for drug trafficking above a specified threshold.
The President also announced forthcoming updates to local tourism regulations, including new rules for safari vessel operations, and emphasised the critical role local councils must play in implementing these reforms.
In his speech, President Muizzu affirmed that the nation’s Islamic character and identity must not be cast aside amid political turbulence, urging citizens to engage in critical reflection to discern right from wrong.