President Dr Mohamed Muizzu asserted last night that as this is a muslim country, this administration would be enforcing Islamic policies. He criticized the two previous MDP administrations, and accused them of having formed policies that did not align with Islamic values.
At a rally held last night to celebrate wins received in the April Local Council Elections, President Muizzu recalled the actions of the two past MDP-led administrations.
He shared his perspectives on Islam-related issues during those two administrations.
The President reminded about a report issued by the now locally dissolved Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) during the last MDP administration. He said that the report had made a mockery of fundamental Islamic principles, adding that several of those behind the issuance of the report had been in senior government positions at the time, being paid from public funds.
"That was the extent of the religious policy of the previous government. The reality will not change regardless of how one may try to spin things," the President said.
The controversial report issued then by MDN received public backlash for having questioned islamic principles, and for raising concerns that the educational curriculum in the country included extremist views.
In response, the Home Ministry dissolved the organization. MDN lead Shahindha Ismail took the matter to the Civil Court, which ruled against her and upheld the dissolving of the NGO.
In last night's speech, President Muizzu also criticized some actions taken during former President Mohamed Nasheed's administration as well.
He defended the controversial "December 23 Ihthihaadh" religious gathering held then as being necessitated due to loose Islamic policies of the then-administration. He noted that this demonstration attracted the largest crowd yet in Maldivian history.
"What was that demonstration held for? Why did Maldivians have to come out in defence of Islam? Maldivians would not have needed to come out if the country's affairs were being conducted in line with Islamic principles," the President said.
The President went on to accuse the Nasheed administration of having put up idols in the run up to the SAARC summit held in Addu.
"Due to this, I am stating that the two MDP administrations' policies strayed from Islamic values," the President asserted.
The President went on to accuse the first MDP administration of having attempted to find an 'alternative' outside of the boundaries of the Quran and hadith, adding that Maldivians did not wish for a return of such days.
"They challenged the fundamental values of our faith, mocked it and released a report. I don't think any sane Maldivian citizen would want to bring back such an administration," he said.
As an Islamic country, its policies must reflect one where victory for Islam is prioritized, the President said, asserting his belief.
"So, with full power, this government is working towards achieving victory for Islam. We will continue to work towards this," the President said.
The President asserted that this government would continue to disregard any concerns or interference raised by international organizations which criticize the government's efforts to promote Islamic values.
