President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that deliberately weakening the elected government for personal and political gain is treason.
Speaking on the occasion of Huravee Day, Muizzu said it is treason to "show strength and power" without regard to the future of the country.
His remarks come at a time when the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is working to make convenient procedures for the impeachment of the President and Vice President.
"Those who plan and carry out things to harm the country and betray the country are weak and small," Muizzu said.
He assured the people that no foreign troops would be stationed in the Maldives adding that the Indian government has agreed to remove its troops.
"High-level discussions are underway between the two countries on the arrangements. The Indian government has assured us that Indian troops will be withdrawn,” Muizzu claimed.
The President said he would fulfill all the promises he made during his presidential campaign in September.
"The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the hypocrites will lie if they speak. If they make a promise, they will break it. By God's will, I assure the Maldivian people that I will be faithful to every promise I have made."
Muizzu also spoke about the government's decision to not continue the hydrography agreement with the Indian government.
He said it was not in the interest of the Maldivian people for "another state to explore and map out the knowledge and secrets" of the Maldivian waters.
Huravee Day is celebrated on the third of the lunar Islamic month of Jumada Al Thani. It was first celebrated on 18th April 1980.
This day is celebrated as a reminder of Sultan Hassan Izzudin who freed Maldives from the South Indian invaders or Malabars.
