President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that disparaging the police institution collectively due to the conduct of a few irresponsible members, is unhelpful to genuine reform efforts.
The President delivered a press conference Tuesday evening at the President’s Office, outlining the Government’s plans to help the country recover and rebuild after COVID-19. During his remarks the President also commented on police reform, an issue that has gained traction both nationally and in the international context.
In his remarks, President Solih said the police and army officers are a crucial part of maintaining national peace and security and that they are providing an invaluable service. He acknowledged that as with many other institutions, the country’s security services are in need of reform, and assured that the government is committed to bringing about reform through constructive dialogue and legislative measures.
The president's comments come at a time when main-ruling Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has been heavily criticizing the police while debating the police service bill at the parliament. While debating on the bill, the members of MDP voiced strongly against delegating power to the police. Recently, Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed announced plans to introduce taser guns to deescalate violence, an issue heavily debated at the parliament.
