Vice President Faisal Naseem has urged police officers to be fair and impartial while upholding the law and respecting Islamic values while exercising their duties. He made the statement while speaking at the oath-taking ceremony for police officers following the enactment of the newly ratified Police Service Act.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President highlighted the police's role in protecting Maldivian citizens' fundamental rights and safeguarding peace in the country. He described the enactment of the new Police Service Act as a fresh start for Maldivian citizens towards safe and dignified lives.
Vice President Faisal Naseem stated that passing laws is not enough, highlighting the importance of enforcing these laws. The Vice President highlighted the changes promoting community-based policing in the new law, where island councils, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other relevant bodies engage with the police in maintaining harmony. He urged the public to assist the police in keeping the peace. He also recapped the value accorded to equity in Islam and reminded the officers to preserve the peoples' dignity as they perform their duties.
The Police Service Act establishes the fundamental principles, guidelines, roles and other aspects concerning police officers, aiming to streamline policing. Police officers are mandated to ensure the public's safety—without discrimination or influence—and in line with human rights best practices. The law promotes professional standards within the police force and paves the way towards community-oriented policing under a decentralised governance system.
The Vice President was accompanied at the ceremony by Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed, and senior officials of government offices and Maldives Police Service (MPS).