No Need To Legalise Alcohol In Local Islands, Says Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern that comments he made during a recent speech in Kaafu Atoll Maafushi, were misinterpreted by the public, adding that there is no need to legalise alcohol on local islands. 

Speaking at an event in Maafushi last Friday, Nasheed said that certain resort facilities should also be available on local islands. He did not specify which facilities these were. Following the remarks, some members of the public suggested that he was calling for the legalisation of alcohol and pork on local islands, both of which are prohibited by law and forbidden in Islam.

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Dhahkaa vaahaka, saafu saadhaa, mah dhivehi bahun dhahkaa iruves, kanda elhigen idhifushah, dhogu maanayaai tharujamaa eejaadhu kohgen, meesmeehunnah gehlundheyn ulhey kamee kanboduvun huri, nurakkaatheri kameh. Resort faharugai libey, ehenas meehun dhiri ulhey rahrashugai…— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 23, 2025

Responding to the reaction, Nasheed said in a post on X that his comments, delivered in clear Dhivehi, were being deliberately twisted. He accused some individuals of spreading falsehoods and attempting to damage reputations, describing the situation as concerning and dangerous.

“The only things available at resorts but not on local islands are not limited to alcohol and pork,” Nasheed said, without providing further clarification. He added that there was no need to legalise alcohol on local islands.

Nasheed attended the event as a special guest for the launch of the Maafushi brand, “Heart of Maldives”. Maafushi became the first local island to host guesthouse tourism after restrictions were lifted during Nasheed’s presidency, allowing tourist facilities to operate on inhabited islands.