Maldives to Shape Legislative Framework to Ensure All Laws Comply Strictly with Islam

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that his administration will submit a major proposal to the Parliament to establish a robust, structural framework ensuring that all laws, regulations, and policies enacted in the Maldives strictly adhere to the tenets of Islam.

Speaking at the official ceremony in Ha. Utheemu to commemorate National Day, President Muizzu emphasised that the nation’s independence and sovereignty are fundamentally intertwined with its Islamic faith. He warned that straying from Islamic values historically jeopardises the country’s freedom.

Whenever policies that are alien to Islam or distant from Islamic principles are implemented, the independence of the Maldivian nation is either lost or pushed to the brink of danger. Therefore, for that reason, I believe that a complete system capable of protecting Islam must be firmly established in the country,” he explained.

While acknowledging that the Constitution of the Maldives already mandates that no law contrary to Islam can be passed, President Muizzu pointed out a critical flaw in the current governance framework—the absence of an active legal mechanism to evaluate and guarantee compliance.

The question arises, is there a robust system in place to guarantee this? Do we have such a strong structural framework within our mechanisms? The easiest, simplest, and shortest answer is that such a system does not exist yet, he said.

To rectify this gap, President Muizzu pledged to submit a legislative proposal during the parliament's third session this year. The initiative aims to build a comprehensive system—both normatively and structurally—that prevents any legislation conflicting with Islamic principles from ever being enacted in the country.

The President contextualised his announcement by reflecting on the historical significance of National Day, which marks the liberation of the Maldives from Portuguese rule by the national hero, Utheemu Muhammad Thakurufaanu (Bodu Thakurufaanu). President Muizzu noted that the nation originally fell under foreign subjugation because a single individual abandoned the Islamic faith, severing their spiritual connection to the land and betraying the country.

The moment religion was abandoned, that betrayal was not committed against religion alone. It was a betrayal of the Maldivian nation, the Maldivian state, our independence, sovereignty, integrity, honor, dignity, and our entire history, President Muizzu remarked, describing the historical outcome as deeply tragic.

In contrast, the President highlighted that Bodu Thakurufaanu and his brothers launched their jihad specifically to safeguard Islam, raising their battle flag at the Kandhuvalu Mosque on Utheemu soil. He stressed that their noble struggle serves as a timeless reminder that the defense of the nation is inseparable from the defense of faith.

President Muizzu gave his full assurance to the public that his government remains steadfast in building a legal foundation that permanently safeguards the nation's sacred Islamic identity and constitutional integrity.