Must not allow different beliefs to foster within the military: President

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that different religious and political beliefs must not be allowed to foster within the military.

President made his statements in Bandaara Koshi today during the oath taking ceremony for participants of the 58th basic training course conducted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Defence Institute for Training and Education.

President said that soldiers should have a common faith and that they are: their beliefs in their nation, their native soil, and the enduring desire for the country to achieve good and great things. He said that soldiers should face any attempt to destroy these beliefs with courage and that they should not allow room to weaken the strong bond between that exist between soldiers.

Noting that the citizens are root of all power in a democratic society, the President said that the people have given a great responsibility to the military. He said that it is for them to protect and safeguard the democratic system, and that they must refrain from doing anything that might defect to the system.

“That security force has to be a force that is accountable to the President, the legislative body, and also the court houses. Servants who protect the interests of the nation,” President said.

He said that the country’s army has to be a cohesive entity that works together and said that the military is the last source of defence in any independent nation, which requires the soldiers to be a willing, vigilant, brave group of people with a firm resolve. He said that soldiers must abstain from getting swept along with the waves of the society and above everything else, must prioritize the best interest of the country.

Continuing to say that the soldiers must realize that they have to stay unified especially in a fledgling democracy such as the Maldives, the President said that they must understand the role of the security forces in maintaining the peace and stability needed for other core institutions of a democracy to mature and foster. He said that all of this can be achieved through the existing military code of ethics and called upon all soldiers to resolutely maintain their code of ethics.

The President also said that it is with great grief that he heard of the passing away of Recruit Ismail Habeeb during the 58th basic training course. He prayed for Ismail Habeeb’s soul and encouraged Ismail Habeeb's family to show strength during these hard times.