News Desk
HA. UTHEEMU — President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to introduce a new legal framework during the third session of the Majlis this year to guarantee that no local law can ever be passed in violation of Islamic principles.
Delivered during his official National Day address in HA. Utheemu—the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al Auzam—the President argued that while the Maldives Constitution explicitly bans laws conflicting with Islam, the country lacks a legal mechanism to enforce it before laws are passed.
Currently, the onus falls entirely on courts to review legislation only after a petition is formally lodged.
“I intend to put an end to this status quo,” President Muizzu said in his speech. “I want to establish a system—both in principle and procedure—that ensures no law conflicting with or contradicting our holy religion of Islam can ever be created.”
He gave a firm guarantee to citizens that the government would submit the required legal amendments to the Majlis during its upcoming third session of the year.
Faith as the Anchor of Sovereignty
Underlining his administration’s philosophy, President Muizzu stressed that the core of Maldivian identity is Islam, describing the Holy Quran as the country’s central pillar.
He drew heavy historical parallels to the Portuguese occupation, reminding the public that foreign rule was brought on when a single Maldivian—King Hassan IX—betrayed the faith.
“That was the moment his spiritual connection to the Maldivian soil was severed,” the President said. “The very foundation of patriotic love and affection shattered. Once religion was abandoned, that betrayal was not just against faith—it was a betrayal of the Maldives, the Maldivian state, our sovereignty, independence, honour, and our entire history.”
The President noted that every time local policies drifted away from Islamic principles throughout history, the nation’s independence fell into jeopardy.
“Every single time policies alien to, or distant from, Islam were implemented, the independence of the Maldivian nation was lost—or pushed straight to the brink of danger,” he said.
Lessons from Utheemu and National Unity
Reflecting on the campaign led by Mohamed Thakurufaanu and his brothers, the President noted that their flag was raised at the Kadhuvalu Mosque in Utheemu with a clear objective: to fight for Islam and the protection of the Maldives, seeking either victory or martyrdom.
He praised historical figures who put aside political rivalry for the national interest, citing Sultan Ali VI (Ali Rasgefaanu) and Sultan Abubakar I. Despite political differences, both leaders united when national sovereignty was at stake.
“National Day proves that even if a few go astray, our ancestors always prioritized the national interest and Islam,” Muizzu remarked, pointing out that sacrifice for the country knows no social hierarchy—ranging from kings like Ali Rasgefaanu to everyday figures like Vilingili Raaveribey, Nolhivaranfaru Edhurukaleygefaanu, Kabaa Aisa, Sitthi Maavaa, and Dhuvaafaru Dandahela.
Closing his address, President Muizzu urged Maldivians to discard political division, revive traditional moral virtues, and work together in a shared spirit for the nation’s progress.
