President says Independence Day speech was based on facts, not politics

President Mohamed Muizzu has defended his Independence Day address, saying criticism from the public and the opposition stems from their inability to refute the points he made.

The President made the remarks during an appearance on Public Service Media's (PSM) Nation Chat programme on Wednesday night in response to criticism that his speech at the official Independence Day ceremony on Sunday had taken on a political tone.

During the address, President Muizzu criticised previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administrations, comparing their policies with those of the current government.

He said previous MDP governments had weakened the Maldives' relations with Arab and Islamic countries while pursuing what he described as a pro-Israel foreign policy. He also referred to Information Commissioner Ahmed Ahid Rasheed as acting on the instructions of the MDP.

Responding to criticism of the speech, President Muizzu said he had not politicised the occasion but had instead sought to explain past events and the measures being taken by his administration.

"I believe that when the reality of these matters was presented, those to whom the reality applies found it difficult to accept. I spoke the truth. You know, I prioritise sincerity in reforming national affairs," he said.

The President said the central message of the speech was that independence extends beyond political sovereignty and includes domestic governance, foreign relations, social development and national progress.

He said discussions about national independence should also include foreign relations, noting that the Maldives had itself achieved independence through engagement with another country.

President Muizzu also said the speech addressed the country's democratic development, arguing that political freedoms in the Maldives are greater than at any previous time and that political activity is not currently being obstructed.

According to the President, his references to previous administrations were intended to explain how the country had changed over time and the direction in which it is moving, rather than to deliver a political speech.

"I pointed out that every time an MDP government comes to power, they maintain close relations with Israel, distance themselves from Arabs and Maldivians, prioritise certain nations, or—as I noted that day—pursue what almost amounts to a 'puppet policy.' These are facts. This is a visible reality," he said.

"Because this cannot be refuted, I believe they are calling it political talk or something else. However, what I spoke was purely a national dialogue. I outlined the nation's affairs with sincerity, not to victimize any party, nor to blame the public in any way. I did no such thing."

The President said his remarks were made with the intention of contributing to the reform of the country's affairs.