Government Mulls Confidentiality Act Amid Drone Procurement Scrutiny

Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon called for a confidentiality act to safeguard government secrets, addressing scrutiny over the MNDF's drone procurement. Appearing before Parliament on Monday, Ghassan initially answered questions about Indian naval boarding of fishing boats but pivoted to the drone acquisition. The MNDF's UAV service was commissioned by President Mohamed Muizzu on 15 March 2024. Some drones were purchased, others received as a grant from Türkiye. Ghassan argued that a confidentiality act would legally categorise state secrets and make divulging them a criminal offence. He discussed this with the parliament security services committee (241 committee). The exact number of drones remains undisclosed. President Muizzu has defended the secrecy on national security grounds.

Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon called for a confidentiality act to safeguard government secrets, addressing scrutiny over the MNDF's drone procurement. Appearing before Parliament on Monday, Ghassan initially answered questions about Indian naval boarding of fishing boats but pivoted to the drone acquisition. The MNDF's UAV service was commissioned by President Mohamed Muizzu on 15 March 2024. Some drones were purchased, others received as a grant from Türkiye. Ghassan argued that a confidentiality act would legally categorise state secrets and make divulging them a criminal offence. He discussed this with the parliament security services committee (241 committee). The exact number of drones remains undisclosed. President Muizzu has defended the secrecy on national security grounds.

Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon called for a confidentiality act to safeguard government secrets, addressing scrutiny over the MNDF's drone procurement. Appearing before Parliament on Monday, Ghassan initially answered questions about Indian naval boarding of fishing boats but pivoted to the drone acquisition. The MNDF's UAV service was commissioned by President Mohamed Muizzu on 15 March 2024. Some drones were purchased, others received as a grant from Türkiye. Ghassan argued that a confidentiality act would legally categorise state secrets and make divulging them a criminal offence. He discussed this with the parliament security services committee (241 committee). The exact number of drones remains undisclosed. President Muizzu has defended the secrecy on national security grounds.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of transparency / defense.