President Nasheed Calls for the Continuation of Moderate Islam, at Large Rally in Male’

President Nasheed addressed a rally of several thousand people in Male’ this afternoon and called on citizens to reject religious extremism and continue to support the “traditional form” of Islam that has been practiced in the Maldives for the past 800 years.

At a gathering at the Artificial Beach area of Male’, the President told the crowd that this was a defining moment in Maldivian history.

“At this moment we may not realise how important this gathering is, but years down the line we will look back and realise this was a crucial moment,” he said.

“This is an old country, people have lived here for thousands of years and we have practiced Islam for more than 800 years. In 2011, we are faced with a question, how should we build our nation: what we will teach our children; how should we live our lives; and what we will leave for future generations?”

“Citizens need to know what politicians stand for,” the President said. He called on opposition politicians, and all religious scholars, to state clearly where they stand on religious issues. The President stressed he wants to continue to practice a tolerant form of Islam.

The President said he believes Maldivians want: “a better life, the ability to travel, not to have to beg for medicines, for each Maldivian to be able to fend for themselves, feed their families and stand tall.”

“To build our economy we need foreign investments and we need to create an environment in which foreigners can invest. We can’t be scared of foreign countries; we can’t just stay within our shells without development. History shows this is the path to economic failure,” President Nasheed added.

“We can’t achieve development by going backwards to the Stone Age or being ignorant,” he said.

“Some people are saying that the government is going against religion because we won’t deviate from the traditional form of Islam.

“Should we ban music? Should we mutilate girls’ genitals? Should we allow nine year-olds to be married? Should we forbid art and drawing? Should we be allowed to take concubines? Is this nation building?” the President asked his opponents rhetorically.

The President concluded his speech by saying that the ruling Maldivian Democracy Party is clear where is stands; and that is with a moderate, tolerant form of Islam.

“I asked you to come here in support of the middle, tolerant path. And I believe that most citizens want to continue our traditional form of Islam,” the President said.