The best example officials serving in the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) can show the people is by serving the nation free of political influence, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president made this remark in his speech at the Oath Taking and Arms Presentation ceremony held for the graduates of the 67th Basic Training Course of MNDF, hosted at the military base, Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi, on Thursday night.

As such, he noted that the best example officers of the armed forces can show to the nation is through diligent and courageous work, free of political influence. The country’s constitution and Armed Forces Act will pave a path for officers to adhere to this importance service.

Urging MNDF officials to bring forth their best conduct when addressing the difficulties and challenges the country faces, the president said that it is necessary that armed forces remain courageous and resilient in their commitment to protect the Maldives and faith of Islam.

Describing the role of MNDF officers as “far more” than just the armed forces shielding the country, President Solih added that they have the responsibility to serve civic duties and rising to save the day whenever their aid is needed by the Maldivian communities and government.

It is the duty of MNDF officials to protect the legal administration from any threats or harm to the system, said the president, who noted that the highest priority of every individual in the armed forced should be to defend the independence and sovereignty of the nation, all the while shielding the people and the constitution of the country.

The president went on to note that the batch from MNDF’s recent training course was recruited at a time the country, as well as the globe, is in the face of many challenges both regionally and internationally. Mainly in the form of extremism and terrorism. The country has been immersed in fears of extremism spreading steadily across the nation, with recent attacks and threats to national security. As such, the Speaker of Parliament and former President Mohamed Nasheed was targeted in an IED blast in the heart of the capital Malé City in early May.

In this regard, President Solih stated that it is important for MNDF officers to be fully aware of such challenges, rooting from different perspectives. He added that the armed forces need to be ready to face such situations.

Further, the president went on to update the public on capacity building efforts within the defense system, and efforts underway to recognize the threats terrorism poses to the island nation.

Shedding light on the services of the armed forces, the president stated that it is “not just a job” rather a “sacrifice” made in the name of the nation.

In addition, the president listed fundamental characteristics of good MNDF officers to be vigilance, being an example to the people, avoiding adverse communities, serving the people without bias as well as genuineness and being courteous.

The ceremony was joined by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi, Chief of Defense Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal and other senior officials of MNDF.