Maldives government would continue to uphold the resolve of the people and not give in to external pressure to allow religious independence in the archipelago, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom insisted Friday.
In his address to the nation on the occasion of The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam, president Yameen since Maldives is an Islamic Nation and Maldivians are firm in their belief and faith in Islam, it was extremely regretful that external interests seek to expert influence over this matter.
The President noted that the key to the nation's independence depended on the knowledge and guidance inherent in the country's shared faith.
He further stated that any Islamic society would prioritize social harmony over personal gain and that the only way to preserve social peace was by protecting individual rights.
President Yameen stated that since Maldivians follow the same Islamic faith and are of the same culture, we should work to reinforce the bonds of family and faith.
"The President further stated that, it was not acceptable for nations to look down on the Maldives for not practicing religious independence," the statement by the president's office read.
The President firmly stated that, no matter external pressures, his government would uphold the resolve of Maldivians to not allow the practice of faiths other than Islam in the Maldives.
The president then appealed to the people to be vigilant of those who would seek to weaken the Islamic faith and promote other religions in the Maldives.
