Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi on Wednesday condemned Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim's remarks about Maldivian soldiers being barred from entering certain places in the country.
Qasim said at a JP campaign rally in Haa Dhaal Nolhivaram that he had heard that some places were off-limits to Maldivian soldiers.
Briefing the press in her capacity as President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's campaign spokeswoman, Mariya said soldiers of all ranks have been expressing displeasure about such remarks made at political rallies.
"Even though I'm here as President Solih's spokesperson, my portfolio is the Ministry of Defense. Soldiers are coming to me from everywhere, from various ranks, and expressing displeasure about all the soldiers who are there now being called third-grade soldiers at political podiums. I condemn that in very harsh terms," Mariya said.
President Solih's administration has spent unprecedented amounts during the past five years to increase the capacity of the military, she said.
"So I just have to say, come on, keep soldiers out of this," Mariya said.
She appealed against politicizing the police and military.
