Defence Minister: A second “Adhiri Andhirin” might be made while we’re unaware of foreigners

Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar has said that a second “Andhiri Andhirin” (historic figure who led the Portuguese occupation of Maldives) could be made while we are in a state of ignorance after charging foreigners to look after our children.

Speaking at the official Martyr’s Day function in Addu City tonight, the Defence Minister said that while there are over 100,000 expatriates in the country, a large portion of the country’s income is spent of them.

“From this what (we) should be most concerned about is, (as the number of) foreigners keep growing, the effects it could have on the country’s good qualities, culture and language.” Minister Adam Shareef Umar said.

The Minister said that if a country loses it’s language, it could have severe ramifications on it’s independence. And he said that we must think about a conflict that could take place among the Maldivian citizens due to a foreign influence.

“How much would we bring foreigners in to our affairs? When our most beloved child is in the care of a foreigner, how much would the child’s education, discipline and faith be affected? Without us thinking about this, while we are ignorant, another “Andhiri Andhirin” being created among us in not something that would not happen.” Minister Adam Shareef said.

The Defence Minister further said that the Maldives being described as a country with potential terrorism could be a danger to the Maldives and we must be mindful of the result of our words and actions today.

“Andhiri Andhirin” was the person who came with the Portuguese from Goa, India and led to conquer the Maldives.

History shows that during the reign of Sultan Kalhu Mohamed Rasgefaanu, Maldivians captured a Portuguese ship that went from Goa, India to Huvadhu Atoll and slaughtered everyone on board except a woman with child. The woman bore the child of Portuguese descent who was named Mohamed before he changed his named to“Andhiri Andhirin”. He grew up and returned to Goa and came back to the Maldives with the Portuguese there.

Martyr’s Day is celebrated in tribute to Sultan Ali VI (Ali Rasgefaanu) who died fighting the Portuguese.