President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that safeguarding the Islamic faith and ensuring national affairs are conducted in accordance with Islamic principles remain central pillars of Government policy.

Speaking at the inauguration of the People’s National Congress office on Thursday evening, the President highlighted measures taken by the Administration to uphold Islamic values and address practices deemed inconsistent with them.

The President revealed that 104 establishments in Malé City had been closed over the past month as part of an enforcement drive against immoral businesses operating under the guise of massage parlours. He also noted that recent legal amendments now permit the imposition of the death penalty for individuals convicted of drug trafficking above a specified threshold.

In addition, the President announced that amendments to local tourism regulations are forthcoming, including revised rules governing safari operations, which are expected to be gazetted in the near future.

Emphasising the role of decentralised governance, the President said local councils must play a central role in effectively implementing these reforms and ensuring compliance at the community level.

The President further stated that a fully Muslim society such as the Maldives must not accept political ideologies that undermine or intimidate religious practices. He noted that some members of the opposition have expressed dissatisfaction with a proposed amendment to the Penal Code submitted to the People’s Majlis, which seeks to criminalise gambling.

He cautioned that electing individuals who support or enable ideologies that contradict Islamic values would be a serious misjudgement, stressing the importance of preserving the religious and cultural identity of the Maldivian people.

President Dr Muizzu also stated that meaningful reform in governance can only be achieved when citizens share a unified commitment to Islamic principles, adding that independent and critical reflection on political rhetoric is essential to distinguishing what is right for the nation.