President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on the nation to embrace transformative changes that promote development and economic progress, while ensuring that the Maldives’ independence, sovereignty and fundamental values remain protected.
Addressing the official Victory Day ceremony, the President said the country must learn from its history and work towards fulfilling the aspirations of earlier generations who fought to preserve its freedom and independence.
He said historical attempts to undermine the Maldives’ sovereignty had often involved Maldivians motivated by the pursuit of power. Those who sacrificed their lives defending the nation did so because they refused to see their country brought under foreign control, he said, emphasising that loyalty to the nation would always bring blessings.
President Muizzu noted that economic independence is essential for a country to exercise control over its own affairs, protect its religious values and preserve its way of life. He said the Maldives must work towards ending its dependence on debt, describing this as a modern-day responsibility comparable to the struggle of previous generations to free the country from foreign domination.
He further stressed that national interests must guide the country's development agenda, adding that the Maldives should pursue the progress and prosperity its people deserve rather than remain behind while other nations advance.
The President said every Maldivian has the right to development and better opportunities, and that achieving these goals would strengthen the country's dignity and international standing. He described this as a shared aspiration among citizens who want to see the nation prosper.
However, he cautioned that development must never undermine the principles on which the Maldivian nation is founded. These include preserving the Maldives as a 100 per cent Muslim nation and safeguarding its national identity, sovereignty and complete independence.
He assured that the decisions taken under his leadership would be directed towards protecting and strengthening the nation while ensuring the security, wellbeing and prosperity of its people.
At the ceremony, President Muizzu also presented November 3 Shields to five surviving members of the reconnaissance patrol team deployed during the attempted coup of 3 November 1988. The recipients were recognised for their role during the events surrounding the attack.
The five recipients were:
Sergeant First Class (Retd) Ibrahim Shareef
Staff Sergeant (Retd) Hussain Ali
Sergeant (Retd) Hussain Manik
Corporal (Retd) Abdullah Naseem
Lance Corporal (Retd) Abdullah Mufeed
The attempted coup on 3 November 1988 was an attack on the Maldives’ sovereignty by armed foreign militants, who sought to overthrow the Government. The resistance by Maldivian security forces and citizens became a defining moment in the country's modern history and is commemorated annually as Victory Day.
As part of the official programme, the President also launched an album of patriotic songs produced by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and delivered a national address marking the occasion.
