The following is a translation of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's farewell speech, delivered on November 10, 2008, the last day of his 30-year presidency over the Maldives.
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon His trustworthy Messenger.
Dear beloved and friendly citizens of the Maldives:
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
I offer my deepest and most humble praise and gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting me the noble opportunity, support, and steadfastness to serve the Maldivian nation and people for the past 30 years from the honourable position of President. I repeat and reiterate this praise and gratitude.
When I was first elected as President of the Maldives in 1978, it was by a very high majority of you, the beloved Maldivian people. Subsequently, you gave me the opportunity to complete 6 consecutive terms as President, again by very high majorities.
Therefore, today, as I prepare to step down from my responsibilities as the president and leave this office, I express my heartfelt gratitude from the depths of my heart, with love, for the supreme support and cooperation you, the beloved people, have given me in carrying out the heavy responsibilities of this position.
I sincerely thank you for the love, respect and honour you have bestowed upon me.
I have been able to successfully complete 6 presidential terms with the help and guidance of Allah, and because many sincere individuals worked alongside me. Many people loyally assisted me in serving the nation.
Therefore, I sincerely thank those who served as my ministers for various periods. I sincerely thank those who served in other senior state positions.
I sincerely thank those who served in the Maldivian Military and the Maldivian Police. I sincerely thank those who served in the various offices of the Maldivian government.
I sincerely thank those who served in Maldivian state companies. I sincerely thank those who provided advice, support and guidance to the Maldivian government and myself.
For those among them who are still in this world, I wish all happiness. For those who have departed this world, I pray for all mercy.
Dear Maldivian people:
Tomorrow, someone else will meet with you, the beloved Maldivian people, as President of the Maldivian nation. He will address the nation. He will present a vision for the future direction of the country.
The person taking charge of the nation tomorrow is a leader who is assuming the high office of President after achieving a historic victory in the first multi-party presidential election held in the Maldives.
Just like each and every one of you, I too extend all good wishes and congratulations to our country's President-elect for tomorrow, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, and wish him all success and prosperity.
I know that a very large number of Maldivian people who supported me in the presidential election are still in sorrow and disappointment. I know their eyes have not dried of tears. This was clearly evident from the faces and eyes of the thousands of Maldivian people who came to greet me and meet me in various ways over the past three or four days.
The message I have for all those beloved people is a very clear and straightforward one.
Accepting the results of the presidential election, respecting it, congratulating the winning party, and giving him the opportunity to take charge of the government and run it is something that must absolutely be done according to democratic principles.
More than being disappointed at not winning the presidential election, what should be prioritized is love for the country and respect for the country's democracy.
No matter how many attacks were exchanged between the two sides during the presidential election campaign, no matter how intense the passion and fervour became, the example we Maldivians should set is to save the country from division and find a quick cure for the wounds that have been inflicted.
To make Maldivian democracy a democracy that Maldivians are proud of. To make the Maldivian nation one where power transfers peacefully from one government to another.
Even if political ideologies are divided in elections, when elections end, to align Maldivian ranks behind one leader.
For Maldivians to remain as one unit. To focus on the country instead of targeting individuals.
Dear Maldivian people:
In this long historic journey I have made with the Maldivian people while in this position, by the grace of Allah, we have successfully accomplished many things.
The Maldives I am leaving behind as I depart this office is a much more advanced, much more developed, much more prosperous country than when I took charge of the nation's affairs.
The Maldives, which was an impoverished, destitute country unknown to most of the world for many hundreds of years, is now a country known to most of the world and praised globally.
We have achieved many other successes in this long historic journey.
Fully protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.
Strengthening the country's Islamic identity. Increasing the love and respect for the noble religion of Islam in Maldivians' hearts.
Building mosques. Establishing schools. Creating offices. Providing basic education. Universalizing primary education. Conducting secondary and higher secondary education. Laying the foundations for higher education.
Elevating the status of Maldivian women and obtaining women's full participation in nation building. Providing education, employment and opportunities for youth to advance in their chosen fields.
Advancing health services and introducing new services. Creating economic activity. Creating new generations of fishermen.
Expanding and developing the tourism industry. Making the Maldives one of the world's most popular and attractive tourist destinations.
Properly conducting and advancing agriculture. Developing sea and air transportation. Making Maldivians knowledgeable, aware and informed people.
Establishing international airports in the Maldives. Opening up the Maldives to the world. Making the world interested in our Maldives.
Making this country one with opportunities for youth who courageously face challenges to achieve their hopes.
By Allah's grace, and with the generous support of you beloved people, sound policies have been implemented over the past years. Many issues have been resolved. Many things have been successfully accomplished.
The country was completely transformed. The country became active. People's hopes were raised. Many hopes were fulfilled. Just as many dreams became reality.
We achieved the honour of the Maldives emerging from the list of least developed countries and transitioning to a developing country.
In short, by the grace of Allah, we have achieved the highest and most colorful heights of development possible given our circumstances and resources.
I was able to accomplish things in line with your beloved people's hopes through Allah's guidance, the sincere work of those who worked with me, and your beloved people's help and cooperation.
Even though the country's sources of income did not increase as much as we wanted, people's hopes and needs increased day by day.
Therefore, we had to set priorities for national affairs. I tried to divide every rufiyaa of national income many ways to fulfill people's wishes as much as possible. I hope the people will understand this.
As the President of the Maldives, every decision I made, every document I signed, every law I ratified, every policy I introduced was with the vision of sustainably developing the nation.
With the vision of protecting the highest national interests. With the vision of making the country's future hopeful. With the vision of increasing economic prosperity. With the vision of maintaining national unity.
Despite working hard to do these things, if any Maldivian citizen has had to endure any sorrow, distress, or pain unjustly due to a policy I set, a decision I made, or because I failed to pay proper attention, I regret that. And if any citizen has faced such a situation, I humbly ask for generous forgiveness from that citizen.
Dear Maldivian citizens:
I hope that the people will accept the democratic openness and reforms we see today as a very high pillar established in nation-building.
When a learned society was born, social awareness took root, and economic prosperity increased, I considered democratic reforms and political reforms to be the most needed area next, and I activated that area.
And with the help of Allah, a large part of that area has been successfully achieved. As it happened, I have to part with you today while those efforts are not yet fully completed.
However, my hope is that in the coming days, under the new Maldivian leadership, those things will be achieved for the people.
Complete separation of executive power, legislative power, and judicial power.
Strengthening of established independent institutions. For those institutions to function as responsible institutions working in defense of the Maldivian people.
Dear Maldivian citizens:
As I stand here today addressing you beloved citizens, I have many hopes for the future of the country.
The protection of the noble faith of Islam in the Maldives. For this beloved nation to always remain a 100% Muslim country. Protection of the independence and sovereignty of the Maldivian homeland. For Maldivian families to always be united in close bonds. Advancement in knowledge. Increase in the country's economic prosperity and Maldivians' financial well-being. No shaking of Maldivian unity and solidarity. Especially no bloodshed in the country.
Gaining the ability to tolerate differences of opinion and thought through the beautiful principles of democracy. Learning to coexist even with different thinking and different ideologies. Welcoming new things and new people, and learning to accept those things and people. Learning to respect and take pride in previous people and previous things.
Every expenditure for health becoming entirely a government-provided expenditure. The inauguration of the Maldives National University. Demonstrating to the world that even on small island nations scattered in the vast Indian Ocean, a rich country can be successfully built and developed into a place where prosperous citizens live.
Strengthening of the spirit of democracy in the Maldives. Protection of human rights. The Maldives always receiving respect from the world.
The Maldives becoming a model democracy for Muslim countries in the world. The Maldives always being safe from global shocks.
Through our political leaders, through our laws, through our hearts, for all of us Maldivians to remain living with dignity and justice, proud of the qualities that make Maldivians Maldivian, not harming or abusing others, standing on our own feet with steadfastness.
Always remembering that the things that unite us and make us one are more numerous than the things that divide us and weaken us.
Dear Maldivian citizens:
Although my term as President has ended, I do not consider the opportunity to serve the nation to have ended at this point.
I am leaving this position with a much more hopeful heart than the day I came to this position. Believing that the most prosperous days of the Maldives are still ahead.
Accepting that being a Maldivian citizen, the title of Maldivian citizenship given to me, is my greatest joy and my greatest pride.
With a strong determination to remain, with Allah's help, in the service of the nation and in the service of the people.
Before concluding, I repeatedly express my deepest gratitude for the love, respect, and honour given to me by the Maldivian people.
I will always remain as a Maldivian who loves the Maldivian nation.
With the sincere determination to spend life where the fluttering of the noble Maldivian flag can be seen on this beloved soil.
Considering it my supreme fortune if the hearts of the people are made favourable towards me.
I reiterate my sincere welcome to Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, who will assume the position of President tomorrow, and to his government.
I wish for unity of the nation and full success in moving forward with the country.
I wish for a happy future and prosperous days for the beloved Maldivian people.
I pray that this beloved homeland always be in Allah's good mercy.
Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.
Wassalam Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon His trustworthy Messenger.
Dear beloved and friendly citizens of the Maldives:
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
I offer my deepest and most humble praise and gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting me the noble opportunity, support, and steadfastness to serve the Maldivian nation and people for the past 30 years from the honourable position of President. I repeat and reiterate this praise and gratitude.
When I was first elected as President of the Maldives in 1978, it was by a very high majority of you, the beloved Maldivian people. Subsequently, you gave me the opportunity to complete 6 consecutive terms as President, again by very high majorities.
Therefore, today, as I prepare to step down from my responsibilities as the president and leave this office, I express my heartfelt gratitude from the depths of my heart, with love, for the supreme support and cooperation you, the beloved people, have given me in carrying out the heavy responsibilities of this position.
I sincerely thank you for the love, respect and honour you have bestowed upon me.
I have been able to successfully complete 6 presidential terms with the help and guidance of Allah, and because many sincere individuals worked alongside me. Many people loyally assisted me in serving the nation.
Therefore, I sincerely thank those who served as my ministers for various periods. I sincerely thank those who served in other senior state positions.
I sincerely thank those who served in the Maldivian Military and the Maldivian Police. I sincerely thank those who served in the various offices of the Maldivian government.
I sincerely thank those who served in Maldivian state companies. I sincerely thank those who provided advice, support and guidance to the Maldivian government and myself.
For those among them who are still in this world, I wish all happiness. For those who have departed this world, I pray for all mercy.
Dear Maldivian people:
Tomorrow, someone else will meet with you, the beloved Maldivian people, as President of the Maldivian nation. He will address the nation. He will present a vision for the future direction of the country.
The person taking charge of the nation tomorrow is a leader who is assuming the high office of President after achieving a historic victory in the first multi-party presidential election held in the Maldives.
Just like each and every one of you, I too extend all good wishes and congratulations to our country's President-elect for tomorrow, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, and wish him all success and prosperity.
I know that a very large number of Maldivian people who supported me in the presidential election are still in sorrow and disappointment. I know their eyes have not dried of tears. This was clearly evident from the faces and eyes of the thousands of Maldivian people who came to greet me and meet me in various ways over the past three or four days.
The message I have for all those beloved people is a very clear and straightforward one.
Accepting the results of the presidential election, respecting it, congratulating the winning party, and giving him the opportunity to take charge of the government and run it is something that must absolutely be done according to democratic principles.
More than being disappointed at not winning the presidential election, what should be prioritized is love for the country and respect for the country's democracy.
No matter how many attacks were exchanged between the two sides during the presidential election campaign, no matter how intense the passion and fervour became, the example we Maldivians should set is to save the country from division and find a quick cure for the wounds that have been inflicted.
To make Maldivian democracy a democracy that Maldivians are proud of. To make the Maldivian nation one where power transfers peacefully from one government to another.
Even if political ideologies are divided in elections, when elections end, to align Maldivian ranks behind one leader.
For Maldivians to remain as one unit. To focus on the country instead of targeting individuals.
Dear Maldivian people:
In this long historic journey I have made with the Maldivian people while in this position, by the grace of Allah, we have successfully accomplished many things.
The Maldives I am leaving behind as I depart this office is a much more advanced, much more developed, much more prosperous country than when I took charge of the nation's affairs.
The Maldives, which was an impoverished, destitute country unknown to most of the world for many hundreds of years, is now a country known to most of the world and praised globally.
We have achieved many other successes in this long historic journey.
Fully protecting the country's independence and sovereignty.
Strengthening the country's Islamic identity. Increasing the love and respect for the noble religion of Islam in Maldivians' hearts.
Building mosques. Establishing schools. Creating offices. Providing basic education. Universalizing primary education. Conducting secondary and higher secondary education. Laying the foundations for higher education.
Elevating the status of Maldivian women and obtaining women's full participation in nation building. Providing education, employment and opportunities for youth to advance in their chosen fields.
Advancing health services and introducing new services. Creating economic activity. Creating new generations of fishermen.
Expanding and developing the tourism industry. Making the Maldives one of the world's most popular and attractive tourist destinations.
Properly conducting and advancing agriculture. Developing sea and air transportation. Making Maldivians knowledgeable, aware and informed people.
Establishing international airports in the Maldives. Opening up the Maldives to the world. Making the world interested in our Maldives.
Making this country one with opportunities for youth who courageously face challenges to achieve their hopes.
By Allah's grace, and with the generous support of you beloved people, sound policies have been implemented over the past years. Many issues have been resolved. Many things have been successfully accomplished.
The country was completely transformed. The country became active. People's hopes were raised. Many hopes were fulfilled. Just as many dreams became reality.
We achieved the honour of the Maldives emerging from the list of least developed countries and transitioning to a developing country.
In short, by the grace of Allah, we have achieved the highest and most colorful heights of development possible given our circumstances and resources.
I was able to accomplish things in line with your beloved people's hopes through Allah's guidance, the sincere work of those who worked with me, and your beloved people's help and cooperation.
Even though the country's sources of income did not increase as much as we wanted, people's hopes and needs increased day by day.
Therefore, we had to set priorities for national affairs. I tried to divide every rufiyaa of national income many ways to fulfill people's wishes as much as possible. I hope the people will understand this.
As the President of the Maldives, every decision I made, every document I signed, every law I ratified, every policy I introduced was with the vision of sustainably developing the nation.
With the vision of protecting the highest national interests. With the vision of making the country's future hopeful. With the vision of increasing economic prosperity. With the vision of maintaining national unity.
Despite working hard to do these things, if any Maldivian citizen has had to endure any sorrow, distress, or pain unjustly due to a policy I set, a decision I made, or because I failed to pay proper attention, I regret that. And if any citizen has faced such a situation, I humbly ask for generous forgiveness from that citizen.
Dear Maldivian citizens:
I hope that the people will accept the democratic openness and reforms we see today as a very high pillar established in nation-building.
When a learned society was born, social awareness took root, and economic prosperity increased, I considered democratic reforms and political reforms to be the most needed area next, and I activated that area.
And with the help of Allah, a large part of that area has been successfully achieved. As it happened, I have to part with you today while those efforts are not yet fully completed.
However, my hope is that in the coming days, under the new Maldivian leadership, those things will be achieved for the people.
Complete separation of executive power, legislative power, and judicial power.
Strengthening of established independent institutions. For those institutions to function as responsible institutions working in defense of the Maldivian people.
Dear Maldivian citizens:
As I stand here today addressing you beloved citizens, I have many hopes for the future of the country.
The protection of the noble faith of Islam in the Maldives. For this beloved nation to always remain a 100% Muslim country. Protection of the independence and sovereignty of the Maldivian homeland. For Maldivian families to always be united in close bonds. Advancement in knowledge. Increase in the country's economic prosperity and Maldivians' financial well-being. No shaking of Maldivian unity and solidarity. Especially no bloodshed in the country.
Gaining the ability to tolerate differences of opinion and thought through the beautiful principles of democracy. Learning to coexist even with different thinking and different ideologies. Welcoming new things and new people, and learning to accept those things and people. Learning to respect and take pride in previous people and previous things.
Every expenditure for health becoming entirely a government-provided expenditure. The inauguration of the Maldives National University. Demonstrating to the world that even on small island nations scattered in the vast Indian Ocean, a rich country can be successfully built and developed into a place where prosperous citizens live.
Strengthening of the spirit of democracy in the Maldives. Protection of human rights. The Maldives always receiving respect from the world.
The Maldives becoming a model democracy for Muslim countries in the world. The Maldives always being safe from global shocks.
Through our political leaders, through our laws, through our hearts, for all of us Maldivians to remain living with dignity and justice, proud of the qualities that make Maldivians Maldivian, not harming or abusing others, standing on our own feet with steadfastness.
Always remembering that the things that unite us and make us one are more numerous than the things that divide us and weaken us.
Dear Maldivian citizens:
Although my term as President has ended, I do not consider the opportunity to serve the nation to have ended at this point.
I am leaving this position with a much more hopeful heart than the day I came to this position. Believing that the most prosperous days of the Maldives are still ahead.
Accepting that being a Maldivian citizen, the title of Maldivian citizenship given to me, is my greatest joy and my greatest pride.
With a strong determination to remain, with Allah's help, in the service of the nation and in the service of the people.
Before concluding, I repeatedly express my deepest gratitude for the love, respect, and honour given to me by the Maldivian people.
I will always remain as a Maldivian who loves the Maldivian nation.
With the sincere determination to spend life where the fluttering of the noble Maldivian flag can be seen on this beloved soil.
Considering it my supreme fortune if the hearts of the people are made favourable towards me.
I reiterate my sincere welcome to Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, who will assume the position of President tomorrow, and to his government.
I wish for unity of the nation and full success in moving forward with the country.
I wish for a happy future and prosperous days for the beloved Maldivian people.
I pray that this beloved homeland always be in Allah's good mercy.
Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.
Wassalam Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
