MDP's ideology is destructive, while PNC's is constructive: Muizzu

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has characterized the ideology of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as destructive, while describing the People’s National Congress (PNC) as a party rooted in a constructive vision.

President Muizzu heavily criticized the two previous MDP administrations during a PNC rally held in Dh. Meedhoo on Sunday night.

Referring to the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President Muizzu stated that a significant portion of the Maldives' maritime territory was surrendered via a letter, in violation of the Constitution and without the knowledge of the People’s Majlis. He noted that while the current administration is investing heavily to reclaim this maritime area, the Solih administration had instead spent substantial sums on legal counsel specifically to facilitate the relinquishment of that territory.

This is how the events unfolded. That was the reality of the situation at the time—the consequences the people endured due to those destructive policies. However, under our current constructive approach, the letter previously sent has now been withdrawn. We have officially designated that lost, abandoned, and sold maritime territory as our own once more, in accordance with the legal frameworks and laws of this country. Nevertheless, due to international standards, there are specific legal procedures we must follow. That process is currently underway. The government is officially taking the necessary steps to formally reintegrate that area into Maldivian territorial waters. It is an extensive and costly undertaking.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

Referring to the current administration's foreign policy, President Muizzu stated that the Maldives will establish relations with all countries, with the exception of Israel. He further emphasized that the interests of the Maldivian people and the nation will always come first, asserting that the country will not allow any specific nation to dictate its internal affairs.

Furthermore, President Muizzu stated that the MDP administration had strengthened ties with Israel, asserting that this remains an undeniable fact.

In the not-so-distant past, we witnessed a significant warming of relations with Israel. This closeness reached a point where there were even attempts to bring in doctors from Israel to provide ophthalmic care. These are not events from a remote era. We also saw preparations being made for Israeli airlines to operate flights here. However, it was only through the protests of patriotic citizens that these developments were halted. This is how things unfolded when destructive policies were being implemented. In contrast, under this constructive vision, entry into this country on an Israeli passport has now been banned.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

President Muizzu highlighted that the public can now see the clear difference in prioritizing the nation and its people. He stated that while his administration’s policy is centered on upholding and defending Islam, the previous approach witnessed by the citizens suggested that maintaining such principles was not always a necessity.

He noted that during MDP administrations, drugs, vapes, and similar substances became widespread, whereas the current government has successfully brought them under control. He further emphasized that the administration's top priority in national development is the cultivation and development of human intellect.

In the past, we have witnessed policies that distanced themselves from religion. The first MDP administration focused on establishing an "alternative narrative"—a policy aimed at finding perspectives that contradicted the teachings of religious scholars. It was a strategy centered on seeking alternatives to the guidance provided in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The subsequent administration from that same party, sharing the same ideology, was defined by the MDN report policy. It was a policy that mocked our faith. Furthermore, it was a policy where those who ridiculed our beliefs were paid salaries from the public treasury throughout their five-year term. This is the reality.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

President Muizzu stated that the Maldivian people are faced with a choice between two distinct paths: the path of success or the path of ruin and destruction. He further alleged that, as part of the path toward destruction, previous MDP administrations had actively worked to dismantle Arabic and Islamic education within the country.

In this regard, President Muizzu stated that the students and parents of Arabiyya School had essentially been turned into refugees.

Was it not the actions of this destructive ideology that sought to dismantle Arabic and Islamic education? From the first MDP administration through to the second, there was a concerted effort to eliminate Arabic and Islamic schooling. They demolished Arabiyya School and left its community stranded, effectively turning the students and parents into refugees. However, under this constructive vision, a large permanent plot of land has now been allocated for Arabiyya School, and construction is currently underway. God willing, the school will open and classes will commence in the upcoming academic year. This is the fundamental difference between a constructive ideology and a destructive one.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu

Reflecting on the state of the police and military, President Muizzu stated that these two institutions had previously been neglected. He asserted that during the MDP administration, efforts were focused on finding individuals to assault police officers, while the military was subjected to ridicule.

President Muizzu stated, however, that the current administration’s policy focuses on developing both institutions as a whole by empowering personnel at the individual level.

Furthermore, President Muizzu addressed the issue of undocumented migrants during his remarks.

The President stated that under previous MDP administrations, the identities and exact numbers of undocumented immigrants remained unknown. However, President Muizzu noted that his administration has adopted a constructive approach to tackle this major corruption issue, launching efforts to identify all individuals residing in the country and deporting those in violation of the law.

President Muizzu stated that the public can now clearly distinguish those who are working in the national interest with genuine patriotism and a commitment to meaningful progress for the country.