Defence Minister Adam Shareef Umar on Friday evening said the security forces will take every necessary measure to defend the elected government.
Speaking at a rally organised by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) in Fuvahmulah, the Defense Minister assured that the defence forces stand ready to utilise every available resource to safeguard the country’s religion, sovereignty, independence and the lawfully elected government.
The Defence Ministry is closely monitoring the political situation in the country, and will take necessary measures to thwart any attempt to overthrow the Government, he said.
Stressing that the only way to change the government is through the ballot box, the Defence Minister noted situations that exist in other countries due to coups.
His comments came two days after a BBC report which said the opposition was plotting to oust President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.