Military officials did not inform president of any lack of capacity or equipment among their divers; had they done so, those resources would have been facilitated: Shareef

Government spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has stated that during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the site to receive updates on the search for the missing divers, the military personnel present did not inform the President of any lack of capability within the Maldives National Defence Force to conduct such operations.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Saturday, Shareef stated that when the President visited the area to receive an update on the search for the missing divers, the military personnel on-site did not inform him of any lack of such capabilities within the Maldives National Defence Force.

Shareef stated that had such actions been taken, he would have facilitated them.

He shared the latest information, but he did not state that they lacked the capacity or equipment. Had he mentioned such a need, the government would have been more than happy to facilitate it.

Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef.

However, questions have been raised as to why the President remains unaware of matters concerning military capabilities and key defense policies, despite serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force. When questioned by a journalist regarding this matter, Shareef initially stated that although the President holds the title of Commander-in-Chief, he is not the individual responsible for issuing direct operational orders to the military.

However, when questioned as to why the President would not issue such an order given that the Military Act grants him the legal authority to do so, Shareef asserted that despite having the power, the President would refrain from exercising it in that manner. He further elaborated on his stance by referencing the practices and precedents set by previous administrations.