President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended condolences upon passing of long-serving statesman the late Umar Zahir.

During a phone call with the daughter of the late state dignitary, Aminath Samiha Zahir, President Solih conveyed his sincerest condolences to the bereaved family.

He expressed deep sorrow in hearing the news of the late Umar Zahir’s passing and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the members of the mourning family.

The president described Zahir as a state dignitary who made significant contributions to the development and progress of the Maldives.

Honoree of the highest-ranking Maldivian honor, the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, Zahir has succumbed to complications of Covid-19 on Monday.

Zahir, who provided sincere services to the state for longer than 50 years, passed away at 84 years of age while receiving treatment for coronavirus at Dharumavantha Hospital. Doctors pronounced him dead at 2:02pm.

He was a celebrated long-serving statesman has proven to be a great example for engagement in matters of social and national importance.

Born on 26 October 1936, Zahir had also played an active role on the frontlines of efforts to bring national sovereignty and freedom in the 60s.

The late Zahir also served as the first Sports Minister of the Maldives. He served as the Minister of Home Affairs and Social Services from 1983 to 1988. After social services were removed from the ministry’s mandate in 1988, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Home Affairs and Sports up until 1993.

The honorable Zahir began his national services to the country as early as 1950 and since then up until the 70s, Zahir served in numerous positions including positions linked to the military, Headmaster of Majeediyya School, owner of Radio Maldives, Deputy Minister of Education, Deputy Minister of Home Ministry as well as Manager of Bandos Maldives Resort.

Afterwards, he served as the President of Malé Municipality from 1980 to 1993. Other positions he filled include Minister of Construction and Public Works as well as Senior Minister at the President’s Office. He was also a Malé constituency Member of Parliament, Special Advisor to the President, and Senior Minister in the President's Office.

The most distinguished national award, the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin was conferred to the late statesman in honor of his outstanding national services, during 2008. He was renowned for his resilience and contributions in the services to the public.

Some significant projects were initiated under his leadership including the reclamation of Thilafushi Island, contributions during the initial reclamation phase of Hulhumalé, and various phases of the road development project in Malé City.

The government of Maldives has since announced the decision to fly the national flag half-mast for a period of three days.

The flag will be flown half-mast from December 21 – 23.