We are building a different type of nationalism: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that while Maldives celebrates its National Day today, they are now building a different type of nationalism.

In a message released on the occasion of National Day, Nasheed said that they are building a different type of nationalism and are working to identify ways the nation and the people are benefiting from the new nationalism. He said that there should be special things that fall common to all Maldivians for the country to survive as a nation.

“There should be special characteristics that are common to all Maldivians in order for Maldives to survive as a nation. They are the holy religion of Islam, Dhivehi language, our traditions, and these things have to be based on the principles of Human Rights, in such a way that the Maldives can participate in a connected world,” said Nasheed.

He also said that “Political practices of the earlier days are becoming more common because the security forces had forcibly interfered with the legally elected government and had hindered the country’s progress. At this time, the ideals of nationality we had built during the political system of our childhood are now in dire peril. However, the way in which we have been governed for so long has seen big changes.”

Nasheed also said that a nationality that has maintained its independence has to have the characteristics of providing its benefits and progress to the nation, and that the real power of governing comes from serving the people kindly and sincerely. He said that the strongest shield of Maldivian nationality is the constitution of 2008.