President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reiterated his resolve to combat the spread of religious extremism and the expression of values which contravene religion. The president made the remarks while delivering the presidential address at the Parliament of Maldives.
Speaking at the parliament, President Solih said an action plan authorising exchange of intelligence amongst relevant institutions will be formulated and implemented this year, as part of the measures the administration takes in mitigating religious extremists in the country.
The president identified religious extremism as one of the biggest threats to the sovereignty of the nation. He said a central mechanism to exchange intelligence between relevant stakeholder agencies will be formulated, implemented and monitored this year.
In addition, President Solih said the construction of the National Reintegration Centre aimed at rehabilitating terrorist fighters who return from designated war zones has also been completed. The president said the administration put effective measures last year to disclose the extent to which religious extremism had spread within the society and expended significant efforts to counter it. He added the issues remain unresolved due to the failure of past administrations to address them properly.
President Solih also discussed the efforts to strengthen religious faith in Maldives, stating a high priority was accorded on the matter. The president remarked 8 mosques are currently under construction, with a further 2 to be built, in 9 different islands this year. He detailed the construction of the mosques cost over USD 5 million.