MNDF Vessels Used In Private Media Company's Production As A "Social Service": MNDF Spokesperson

The MNDF have stated that allowing the use of its vessels for the shooting of a reality-show being produced by RaajjeTV, a private cable-television channel, was a "social service".

A large number of MNDF servicepeople and military vessels have been used in the production of the reality-show, titled "Celebrity Race", which is slated to air in Ramadan. The shooting took place between January 9 and 17 in uninhabited islands near Dh. Gemendhoo.

Six MNDF vessels had been totally set-aside for RaajjeTV's use for those eight days. Among the vessels are the Coast Guard vessel, Nooruddin, and a military landing-craft. In addition are a launch, a radar vessel, and one of the two helicopters being operated in the Maldives by the Indian military.

The MNDF spokesperson, answering a question posed by The Maldives Journal, stated that if the public, private individuals, organizations, media companies, local councils, schools request the MNDF's participation in the events and activities they organize, the MNDF does indeed help them.

The MNDF participates in these events and activities in such a way that the participation does not negatively impact ongoing military operations, based on the resources that the MNDF has to spare for such participation, according to the Spokesperson. It is worth noting that the MNDF has not previously donated its resources to the commercial activities of a private media outlet in the past.

The Spokesperson claimed that such donation of the military's time and resources helped with improving the public's trust and confidence in the military.