Placing one's hand over chest during national anthem is not a legal requirement: Maumoon
16 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 08:21Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has clarified that placing one's hand over the chest during the national anthem is not mandated by any Maldivian law or regulation. While noting that this practice is frequently observed at various ceremonies, the former president reminded the public that it is not a requirement under Maldivian legal standards or cultural traditions.
The President and First Lady attend a state luncheon hosted in honor of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. | President's Office
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has stated that placing one's hand over the chest during the national anthem is not a requirement under any Maldivian law or regulation.
President Maumoon made these remarks in a post shared on his official 'X' account on Tuesday.
In a social media post, he stated, "I apologize, but placing one's hand over the heart during the national anthem is not a requirement under any Maldivian law or regulation."
It remains unclear what specific occasion President Maumoon was referring to in his remarks.
However, it is frequently observed that during various ceremonies and official gatherings, many individuals place their hand over their chest while the national anthem is being performed.
It is common to see individuals placing their right hand over their chest while the national anthem is played during official ceremonies and school assemblies in the Maldives. However, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has reminded the public that this gesture is not part of the established Maldivian cultural or legal protocols for observing the national anthem.
