Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan stated that police integrity and enforcing the law without taking any sides are important factors in the public accepting the police institution.

While speaking at the ceremony marking Maldives Police Service Day as a guest of honour, Minister Ihusaan said that the biggest consolation for police over the last 22 years should be from how the public views the police institution.

Ihusaan said that enforcing the law without picking sides is a widely accepted quality and if things were to happen otherwise, the people would see it.

"Our professionalism, discipline and the integrity of a police officer is being able to enforce the law without taking any sides, and are qualities that are accepted by the public. If things were to happen otherwise, the people will see it," said the minister.

Ihusaan appealed to the police to not disproportionately use force and to not commit acts that can facilitate corruption.

The minister said from a national security point of view, the relationship between other administrations needs to be strengthened, information regarding services on integrated systems need to be changed and in light of that information, they must continue to quickly and kindly serve the public.

Ihusaan went on to say that before a crime occurs in a community, it is important the police goes to and engages at the scene in order to lower crime rates. He also said that a person who is arrested will be facing difficult times and because of that, the police's efforts need to be designed so that such a situation does not occur and to prioritize crime prevention instead.

The minister also appealed to the police to work towards closing the door on Maldivian youth falling into the hands of drugs, and to work closely together with them so that they can be put on the right path. He continued by stating that the police should do whatever they can to turn them into good people the country needs.