At the National Day function, the president presented the National Award of Honour to three individuals: legendary musician Mohamed Majid, known as Mezzo Mode, who passed away in February; former minister and renowned architect Mauroof Jameel; and Sheikh Ismail Mohamed for religious education. National Awards for Recognition were handed out to nine individuals and to Ooredoo for its contributions to telecommunications over the past 20 years. The National Awards Committee annually accepts nominations from the public.
In his National Day address, President Muizzu said freedom of expression must be exercised within limits and with due consideration for the rights of others. “None of us has the right to invade the dignity and honour of others. We have no freedom to say whatever comes to our minds or write whatever comes to our minds without any regard,” he declared.
President Muizzu kicked off a four-day tour of 13 inhabited islands across Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal atolls. In Hirimaradhoo, he announced the relocation of the island's 200 residents to Hanimaadhoo within 18 months, pledging a new house for every household.
If a widely-condemned bill to create a new media regulator with sweeping punitive powers is passed, MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail vowed to repeal the law if the party returns to power. Ruling PNC MP Abdulla Rifaau said he “will vote" for the bill after posting a photo of a Channel 13 news article about the majority leader threatening ruling party lawmakers. Rifaau defended the proposed law as necessary to regulate the media and restrain online outlets from "defaming and spreading lies." Parliament is meanwhile planning to hold an extraordinary sitting during recess, Dhauru reported.
Working together with institutions such as the Maldives Qualification Authority, police started investigating multiple cases of forged academic certificates used to secure jobs.
The criminal court remanded a pregnant Dutch national to 30 days in custody after 5kg of drugs were found in her baggage.
