President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on Maldivians to set aside political differences on issues that benefit the country, as the government prepares to launch a nationwide initiative aimed at reviving values of respect and social responsibility.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Muizzu said the Cabinet had approved measures on Sunday to proceed with the National Respect Initiative, which is planned to be implemented across all inhabited islands.
The initiative is intended to encourage greater respect between individuals and strengthen social values that the President said have gradually weakened over the years.
Muizzu said respect had traditionally been deeply rooted in Maldivian society, including the way people treated neighbours, children and the elderly, but argued that these values had increasingly diminished.
He called for a collective effort to reverse that trend, saying political parties, the media and the wider public all have a role to play.
“This used to be a deeply respectful society, towards neighbours, children, the elderly and everyone alike. However, these values have gradually eroded to the point of almost disappearing. Let us revive them,” the President said.
Muizzu also urged political parties and journalists to actively participate in the initiative.
President expresses disappointment over opposition response
The President said opposition political parties had been invited to participate in preparations for the National Respect Initiative but declined the government’s invitation.
He expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that initiatives intended to benefit the country should receive support regardless of political affiliation.
Muizzu said Maldivians should be able to “speak with one voice” when dealing with matters of national interest, while calling for sincerity towards the country to be reflected not only through words but also through actions.
The President’s remarks place the initiative within a broader appeal for greater social cohesion at a time when political divisions and public discourse, particularly on social media, have become increasingly prominent in Maldivian society.
The government has yet to provide detailed information on the specific activities that will be conducted under the National Respect Initiative, although the President said it would extend across the country’s inhabited islands.
Religious messages planned across all inhabited islands
During the same press conference, Muizzu also outlined measures being undertaken as the Maldives marks the 900th anniversary of the country’s embrace of Islam.
Among the planned initiatives is a nationwide project to install banners and signboards carrying religious advice and dhikr, or words of remembrance of Allah, along major roads in every inhabited island.
The project is intended to form part of the government’s activities commemorating nine centuries of Islam in the Maldives.
Islam has been the state religion of the Maldives since the country’s conversion in the 12th century, an event traditionally dated to 1153 and regarded as one of the defining milestones in Maldivian history and national identity.
The National Respect Initiative and the activities marking the anniversary form part of a wider government effort to promote values the administration considers central to Maldivian society.
Muizzu said achieving those objectives would require participation beyond the government, calling on political parties, journalists and members of the public to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening respect and unity within communities.
