During a speech marking the 92nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu strongly criticized the past promotion of the “fun without fear” ideology, suggesting it has contributed to the current social issues in the country. The event took place last night at the Hulhumalé Synthetic Track.

Referencing the recent case of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed—who tragically fell from a building after allegedly spending the night in a state of intoxication with a group of youth—the President connected the incident to what he described as years of misguided political influence.

President Muizzu attributed the origins of this influence to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which, he noted, adopted “fun without fear” as a slogan in their 2013 entertainment manifesto. He argued that this phrase encouraged youth to abandon the moral and religious principles of Islam, which has led some down a troubling path.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call,” the President stated. “Those who, in the past, encouraged unrestrained behavior under the guise of freedom must take responsibility.”

He further accused the opposition of politically manipulating the youth, stating that they were now being used for political purposes. He warned the public to distinguish between those acting in good faith and those using deception to further their agendas.

Additionally, President Muizzu voiced strong support for the Maldives Police Service, rejecting allegations that the institution is engaged in any cover-up. “I do not believe the police would lie to the public,” he said, urging the people to remain calm and allow law enforcement to carry out their responsibilities without interference.

“Those who seek to undermine the police are not working in the interest of justice but to sow division among citizens,” he added.