President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the moral decline witnessed in the Maldivian society is the result of promoting ‘fun without fear’ with no regard to Islamic principles and customs. He stressed that those responsible for encouraging such behaviour must be held accountable.
The President made these remarks while speaking at a ceremony held on Thursday to mark the 92nd Anniversary of the Maldives Police Service.
In his address, President Muizzu referred to a recent incident in which a woman fell onto the roof of a house, describing it as an unfortunate and deeply concerning incident. The President said those who, in past years, encouraged youth to commit acts against Islamic principles and customs have to bear responsibility for the society’s current state.
"It was a very sad incident. I personally believe that those who promoted ‘fun without fear’ as a right must be held accountable— anyone who values justice would agree. We have to be aware that the very same people who promoted this are today misusing our youth for political purposes,” he stated.
The President emphasised that the Maldives Police Service is the most significant and largest institution working closely with the public. He called for changes in the way the police communicate with the public such that the relationship between the police and the public can be strengthened and to gain the peoples’ trust.
The President said there is a distinction between sharing information and withholding it, noting that it plays an important role in maintaining public trust.
"I wish to revise the policies such that information on cases being investigated are shared with the public first. This will held both the police and the public, and hinder the efforts of those who spread false narratives to discredit the police,” he stated.
The President further highlighted the need for public cooperation for the police to effectively fulfill their duties and responsibilities. Stating that he had no doubt that the police will provide sincere service under this government, the President said certain groups that do not love the country are seeking to undermine national institutions while remaining hidden. He urged the public not to fall prey to misinformation, and devised to draw ones’ own conclusions by using reason and intelligence to discern the truth.
The President said his government has initiated several efforts to enhance and strengthen the police institution. While currently, there are no police stations in many islands, the President expressed confidence that police services will be established on all inhabited islands by the end of the year. The President said the development of security institutions will facilitate security and peace and economic growth, and appealed to the public to give their full cooperation to achieve these goals.