Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsan has stated that the upcoming year will mark a significant transformation in policing, with the enactment of new laws proposed by the government and the empowerment it brings to national security agencies. The Minister made the remark at an official function held to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service.
Minister Ali Ihsan emphasised that the entire economy of the Maldives depends on the stability of the nation, and that Maldives Police Service plays a central role in maintaining the country’s security, safety and stability. However, he noted that in recent years, there have been challenges to maintaining such an environment, including the rise of drug use among youth and organised criminal groups, which have compromised the society’s harmony.
The Minister highlighted that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, since taking office, gave high precedence to restoring the country’s social order by seeking permanent solution for the issued faced by the society. This included bringing all of the Maldives’ internal security agencies under one umbrella, and the establishment of a dedicated task force led by the police. Special laws have been drafted under the direct supervision of the President to address the issues in the society, and submitted to Parliament for approval, he added.
"In recent years, police-led task forces have achieved significant successes. With the powers assured by the new laws, we expect the coming year to bring tangible and positive changes. The police service will be delivered to the people in a more effective manner with visible results," the Minister said.
Minister Ihsan further stated that in his capacity as the Homeland Security and Technology Minister, his top priority this year is to ensure that police are approachable, compassionate and engaging with the public with warmth. The Minister said the aim is to speed up police investigations using modern technology and bringing about a positive change that the public expects.
Notably, the government has introduced new legislative measures to dismantle criminal groups and address the drug problem faced by the nation.