President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday said that freedom can easily be lost in the modern age if people become ignorant and fail to think in the interest of the nation.

He made the remarks while addressing the official ceremony held to mark Victory Day, commemorating the Maldives’ victory over the 3 November 1988 coup attempt.

The President said that in the past, countries lost their freedom through armed conflict, but in today’s world, divisions can emerge without the use of weapons.

“We are guided by the religion of Islam, speak the same language, and belong to one nation. Disrupting this unity no longer requires swords or guns,” he said.

President Muizzu said that in the digital era, the greatest threat to freedom lies in ignorance. “The biggest weapon today is thought,” he said, adding that freedom must now be defended through awareness and responsible use of modern communication tools such as mobile phones and social media.

He emphasised that every citizen, including those in uniformed services, bears responsibility for protecting the country’s independence.

“Everyone must place the nation above personal interests,” the President said. “If you remain determined to think and act in the best interest of the country, there will be no reason to fear for its future.”

President Muizzu also reflected on past instances when Maldivian independence was threatened through collaboration between locals and foreign forces, noting that the same risks continue to exist if unity and vigilance are lost.