National flag to be flown at half-mast for three days, following death of Abdulla Jameel

The national flag of Maldives is to be flown at half-mast in honor of late Abdulla Jameel.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced the decision on Sunday.

As such, it has been declared that the national flag will be flown at half-mast from June 12 – 15, in mourning for the late former Minister of Tourism.

The government also announced the decision to host a state funeral for the late public servant, who has a remarkable record of public services and dedication to the country.

The state funeral was held at the Islamic Center on Sunday afternoon, following Asr prayer.

The long-serving state dignitary passed away at the age of 87, on Sunday morning.

He was awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.) On 10 November 2008. He began his extensive career in the government on 6 May 1953 as an observer at the Ministry of Communications.

Jameel served the government for more than 54 years, throughout which he held multiple positions at several government offices and state institutions.

Some of the institutions he served include the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Coir and Cowries Advisory Board, where he represented Haa Alif and Thaa atolls.

The late state dignitary also served in managerial roles at the Cinema Company and as the business manager at the National Company, having gone on to hold many important positions during former President Ibrahim Nasir's administration.

As such, he served as a Special Lawyer at the Ministry of Education following his appointment to the post on 13 November 1968 and went on to serve as a lawyer at the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Public Maintenance Division, the Control of Communicable Diseases Division, the Shipping Department, and the Head of the Audit Office.

The late public servant went on to hold several positions during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's tenure as well.

Appointed the president's private secretary in 1978, Jameel later became executive secretary within the same year.

He assumed the role of Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in 1982 and went on to serve as a minister at six ministries throughout his tenure.

Jameel was appointed Minister of Health upon former President Gayoom’s re-election for a second presidential tenure in 1983.

During Gayoom’s third term, Jameel served as Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.

Other ministerial positions he filled include Minister of Atoll Administration, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister at the President's Office and Minister of Home Affairs and Housing.

During his long career, Jameel also filled the position of President of the Youth Centre and Head of the Maafannu Ward Office and made several remarkable contributions to the development and progress of these constituencies, which warranted special recognition.

Having served for more than 30 years in the People’s Majlis, Jameel’s distinguished career in parliament saw him representing Thaa atoll constituency spanning more than 14 years.

Recognized for his public service, Jameel was conferred the Public Service Award commemorating the 25th Independence Day.