President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said political and religious division within the armed forces must not be permitted. He made this statement while speaking at the oath taking ceremony of the graduates of the 58th basic training course conducted by the Defence Institute for Training of MNDF. The ceremony was held this morning.
He said the armed forces have only one ideology and that is patriotic ideology. He added that the armed forces must be prepared to face attempts to shatter their patriotic spirit.
In his speech, President Waheed said the MNDF personnel should always demonstrate a high sense of integrity and moral character in their profession. Moreover, he said the armed forces must always put national interest ahead of all else.
Highlighting the importance of having a strong armed force in such a young democracy as the Maldives, President said it was also necessary to recognize the role of MNDF in maintaining a safe environment for other democratic, independent institutions to thrive.
He also encouraged them to always remember the code of ethics of MNDF and to stay steadfast in strong moral principles.
The President paid tribute to late Ismail Habeeb who died during the 58th basic training course and sent condolence to the members of the bereaved family.
