Cultivating virtuous habits within oneself to safeguard the nation’s independence must become the resolute goal of every Maldivian citizen, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu declared. The remarks were delivered during an official ceremony commemorating the 61st Independence Day of the Maldives, where the nation's leader elaborated on the rationale behind honouring individuals who have rendered long-term service to the state.
Every person who has served the state over a lengthy period possesses noble qualities, the president noted. Integrity, trustworthiness, loyalty, diligence, and sincerity, alongside patience and profound dedication, are the hallmarks consistently demonstrated by these civil servants, and it is crucial for the broader public to adopt these very traits to ensure the preservation of national sovereignty, he added.
Whenever the nation lost its independence in the past, it was a direct result of certain Maldivians lacking these fundamentally instilled virtues, the president explained. Conversely, these commendable habits were vividly demonstrated through the noble struggles of every hero who fought to reclaim the country's freedom, he observed.
"I remind you that our noble religion of Islam, our mother tongue of Dhivehi, and our rich culture, which together form the intertwined foundational core of our nationality, are elements that each of us must firmly resolve within our hearts to revive and foster; and in doing so, every individual must determine to work in unity, prioritising the nation above oneself, whilst embodying the virtues I mentioned previously," President Muizzu stated. "It is certain that this Maldives of ours can only be transformed into a true Maldives of the Maldivians if each and every one of us resolves to work in this manner."
True independence can only be genuinely experienced when a nation achieves autonomy across multiple dimensions, the president articulated. The preservation of national freedom is inextricably linked not only to political sovereignty but also to independence in foreign and domestic affairs, the degree of judicial autonomy, and the economic and social liberties secured by the state, he maintained.
Highlighting the strategic priorities of his administration, the importance of foreign policy in sustaining national independence was underscored during the address. The current administration will consistently prioritise the overriding interests of both the nation and the Maldivian people above all else, President Muizzu affirmed.