Minister of Defence and National Security Adam Shareef Umar has stated the ulterior motive of the continuous efforts of the opposition to topple the lawfully elected government of Maldives is to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
The incidents of February 1, 2018 have a lot in common when compared with historical events, Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar said addressing the official ceremony held to mark Martyrs' Day. He said President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is committed to preserve the independence and sovereignty of the country.
The Defence Minister said the ulterior motive of the continous efforts of the opposition to topple the lawfully elected government of Maldives is to assassinate President Yameen and to unlawfully imprison cabinet ministers and other high ranking government officials. Continuing on, Minister Adam Shareef highlighted the plots fail because of the unity of the administration and the rift between the opposition political leaders. The Minister applauded President Yameen for his strategic steps in foiling the tactics of the opposition.
On conclusion, he noted if the opposition succeeded in toppling the government, there is a high probability that foreign powers will establish military bases, which would pose a threat to the independence and the sovereignty of the country.
Furthermore, Maldivians should always stay vigilant for any threat to the independence of the country and called to refrain from prioritising political interests ahead of nationalism, Minister of Home Affairs Azleen Ahmed said addressing the ceremony.
High ranking officials from the government and a number of parliamentarians participated in the official ceremony held to mark the Martyrs' Day.