Defense Minister Adam Shareef Umar has said that ordinary citizens being involved in corrupt activities give way to the increase of corruption in Maldives.

He said this while speaking at the Islamic University's convocation ceremony on Monday night, where he also noted that 'even though certain people are being alleged of corruption, common people are also involved in corrupt activities'.

He stated that the issue of corruption can only be solved when 'everyone stops engaging in corrupt activities and consciously say no to such things', as well as public advocacy. 

Minister Shareef further noted that the issue of religious disagreements can be solved by educating the youth, and highlighted the importance of public awareness. Noting that Maldives is being highly influenced by global issues, he said that the various ideas being spread in the Islam are an attack on the nationailty of the country.

A total of 642 students graduated from Maldives National University.