Maumoon: Extremism could cost country its independence

Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives, former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that a country could lose its independence not just from an attack from another army, but that the current wave of extremism spreading across the world could just as likely result in a country losing its independence.

Maumoon released a press statement on occasion of the 51st Independence Day of Maldives, in which he noted that there were a variety of factors that could cost a country its independence – including political instability leading to rifts and loss of national unity, loss of religious sovereignty, and influence of major economic powers over a country’s economy.

“Maldivians need to be intelligent and vigilant over everything if we want to preserve the country’s independence and unity. We need to strengthen our wills and be alert so that nothing like that happens to Maldives,” said Maumoon, conveying Independence Day well-wishes on behalf of him and his wife to the government and people of Maldives.

He said that independence was the greatest blessing that the people of a country can receive, and noted that maintaining independence was a far greater feat than establishing it.

He said that maintaining the country’s independence was the patriotic duty of each and every Maldivian, and the constitutional duty of the government in power.

“It’s stated in Article 4 of the Maldivian Constitution that all powers of the State stem from the people. And that these powers are maintained through the people. There are national and individual rights and freedom that are guaranteed. I note that the challenges to the independence of the country that have come from some Maldivians, and express sadness over the fact,” said Maumoon.

He said that preserving the independence and sovereignty of Maldives was of the highest national interest.

He said that no one should push their individual interest over the country’s national interest, and that no Maldivian should stand by and allow for that.