Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated her biggest achievement in the first year in office is freeing Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) from political influence and restoring military justice.
Speaking to PSM News on the achievement of MNDF in the first year of the administration, Minister Mariya said the armed forces has been accused of operating under political influence in the past, while there is no such influence now. The minister further said with the establishment of the military justice system, officers can now appeal cases and get legal assistance. Mariya further reassured her belief that MNDF officers will not be engaged in politics. She said MNDF is also fair in its actions without regarding the political affiliation and ideology.
Defence Minister Mariya said sea ambulances will operate to transfer sick people regardless of their parties and MNDF will assist boats in distress. The minister also discussed the situation of the MNDF fleet when the administration assumed power. She remarked that many vehicles and ships were in dire need of repair and the administration has repaired the fleet with the assistance from neighbouring countries. She said the armed forces now has a good stock of lethal and non-lethal weapons, in addition to attaining a petroleum vessel, which she considers a big success.
The defence minister also highlighted the efforts of the force in combatting extremism in Maldives. Mariya said while many feared discussions on extremism, the topic has now been discussed widely and many now have the confidence to speak against it in the open. She said the efforts of the administration on mitigating extremism has been successful so far.