President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that Huravee Day advocates for primed and poised citizens dedicated to serving their nation by putting the country ahead of any political gain to emerge and follow in the footsteps of national heroes like Dhonbandaarain. He made this remark while speaking at the official function to commemorate Huravee Day, held at the Maldives Center for Social Education (MCSE) on Saturday evening.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, and his spouse, Aishath Afreen Mohamed, accompanied the President at the function.
Speaking at the function, the President emphasised that Huravee Day provides substantial teachings from which we can derive moral values. Highlighting the historical event associated with Huravee Day, the President stressed Dhonbandaarain's valour and his comrades' loyalty. He underscored the grim history leading to the battle and condemned Shamsuddin and Muhyiddin's treacherous act of inviting foreign troops for political control. The President further elaborated on the integrity, bravery, and patriotism exhibited by Dhonbandaarain towards the nation.
President Dr Muizzu stated that his vision for national progress encompasses the concurrent development of human capital and infrastructure. He emphasised that fostering patriotic values within citizens is crucial to human capacity development and announced a nationwide effort to rejuvenate nationalism. In that regard, the President announced the establishment of a National Centre for Cultural Research and a National College for Culture, incorporating a subject titled 'nationalism' into the national curriculum under the Administration's 'Hafutha 14' roadmap.
The President, linking Islam's core principles to nationalism, asserted that leaders should foster virtue and deter vice. He further emphasised that leaders must guide their citizens towards the righteous path. The President announced that the Administration has implemented measures to prohibit access to websites displaying sexually explicit content. He further stated that all such websites will be inaccessible within the forthcoming week.
Emphasising the priority attached by Islam to fulfilling promises, the President vowed to fulfil all the goals outlined in the 'Hafutha 14' roadmap within the given timeframe.
President Dr Muizzu indicated that negotiations are underway between the Maldives and India regarding withdrawing Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Further emphasising the 'Hafutha 14' roadmap, he noted that initiatives to create a National Registry of Fishermen are in motion. He additionally revealed that the Administration has ceased printing new banknotes since its inception. He also highlighted the decision to expedite Velana International Airport's development project and regain control of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO), transforming it into a wholly state-owned enterprise as part of the 'Hafutha 14' roadmap.
The President provided further updates on the Administration's initiatives under the 'Hafutha 14' roadmap. He reiterated that the Hajj pilgrimage for 50 individuals would commence this year from the pledged sponsor Hajj for 1,000 people below the poverty line. He also mentioned ongoing efforts following the Cabinet's decision to establish a Zakat House. The President highlighted the expansion of services for children undergoing thalassemia treatment, the provision of free bone marrow transplants, and the systematic coverage for fertility treatments both domestically and internationally. He additionally stated that eligible locals can now avail themselves of routine medical check-ups biannually.
