Citizens of the Maldives have been urged to draw inspiration and lessons from the exemplary life of the late state dignitary, Umar Zahir.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih urged citizens to do so during his speech at the National Unity Day reception held at the Republic Square on Sunday evening.

As such, highlighting that the late statesman was devoted to preserving national unity and recalled his virtues and invaluable contributions to national development.

Zahir was described by the president as an inspiration for all in fostering national unity.

President Solih praised his invaluable contributions to the nation and continued to describe the late honorable Zahir as a cornerstone of the modern infrastructural development the country sees and reaps the benefits of currently.

A special video report on the exemplary services of the late honoree of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin was also featured at the function.

Honoree of the highest-ranking Maldivian honor, the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, Zahir succumbed to complications of Covid-19 on December 20. The honorable late Umar Zahir was laid to rest the same day.

Zahir, who provided sincere services to the state for longer than 50 years, passed away at 85 years of age while receiving treatment for coronavirus at Dharumavantha Hospital.

He was a celebrated long-serving statesman who proved 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 announced the decision to fly the national flag half-mast for a period of three days.

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