President Muizzu Announces National Campaign to Restore Traditional Maldivian Respect and Manners

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced a nationwide campaign aimed at reviving the culture of respect and good manners among Maldivians, framing the initiative as a vital step in preserving the nation's cultural identity. Addressing the need for the campaign, President Muizzu stated that Maldivian identity had been significantly eroded by the time the current administration took office. He noted that while the government has already prioritized Maldivian nationalism and the Dhivehi language, the restoration of social etiquette is a critical missing piece in revitalizing the country's cultural heritage. The President attributed the decline in mutual respect and moral standards to the rise of intense political polarization within the country. He observed that the traditional practice of honoring elders and maintaining harmony with neighbors has gradually disappeared as political divisions intensified. "In the past, people showed respect to their neighbors. They respected their elders," the President said, emphasizing that such behavior is one of the defining characteristics of the Maldivian identity. He stressed that engaging in political activity should not necessitate the abandonment of respect for others. The upcoming campaign is described as a major undertaking that will encourage participation from all sectors of society. President Muizzu confirmed that consultations and preparations are already underway, and that all state institutions and civil society organizations will be invited to contribute to the effort. While acknowledging that social customs may seem secondary to policy, the President argued that safeguarding national identity requires a collective return to these values. He called upon every citizen to take responsibility for restoring this social fabric. The government intends to integrate this campaign with ongoing initiatives to protect the Dhivehi language and study the nation's history. By addressing neglected areas of cultural preservation, the administration aims to create a comprehensive framework for the protection and promotion of national values.