Opposition members have expressed outrage at Parliamentary sitting today, stating that Minister of Defense Ustaz. Mariya Ahmed Didi has degraded the MaldivesNational Defence Force (MNDF). The opposition members at Parliament are from the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Minister Mariya had been summoned to Parliament today, to answer for the comments she made in an interview given to Indian media on an official visit. The Minister had said in the interview that Indian Defense forces could take over Maldives if they so desired.

Speaking at Parliament today, the Minister said that the MNDF officers had fulfilled duties such as constructing Rasrani Park, in the previous administration. She noted that the Defense Force is now a capable and skilled group of officers.

Interim Leader of People’s National Congress (PNC) and MP for Fonadhoo constituency Abdul Raheem Abdulla expressed outrage at Minister Mariya’s comments today. He said that the Minister of Defense, speaking as though the MNDF have not carried out any work of value is saddening. He then claimed that Minister Mariya has completely degraded the MNDF.

MP for Mahibadhoo constituency, Ahmed Thoriq who questioned the Minister today, spoke regarding the matter as well. He said that stating that MNDF officers were of no use other than for the construction of places like Rasfannu or saying that the officers were unaware of most situations is a deeply saddening comment.

The Minister of Defense Uz. Mariya Ahmed Didi said that she had checked upon the situation of the MNDF when she assumed the position as Minister.

She noted that the findings of her research had astounded her and that the MNDF officers had been used inappropriately in the previous administration for conducting various projects.

As such, she said that MNDF officers had only been utilized to construct public locations such as Rasrani Park and various other buildings.

Minister Mariya said that the current Defense Force is composed of well-educated officers who know how to approach a situation strategically. She said that the officers recognize the importance of acquiring assistance from a powerful country to maintain authority. The Minister further said that these officers are aware of their own thought process and are also an educated, progressive and courageous Defense Force.