The late Abdulla Jameel was a dedicated public servant who always put the country and people first, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

On Tuesday, the president met with the family of the late Abdulla Jameel to offer his condolences and sympathies.

The meeting held at the President's Office was joined by Vice President Faisal Naseem.

Paying tribute to the late state dignitary, President Solih expressed the nation's deep sorrow at the loss of such a dedicated public servant.

He went on to offer his deepest condolences to the late public servant’s family.

The meeting saw the family expressing gratitude for the government's recognition of the late state dignitary’s service.

President Solih and VP Naseem signed the book of condolence opened at the President's Office in memory of the late Jameel, after the meeting.

The Maldivian leader praised the late Abdulla Jameel for his contributions to the nation's parliamentary system and described him to be a dedicated public servant who always put the country and its citizens first during his long and distinguished career in public service.

Reiterating these sentiments, VP Naseem wrote that Jameel had an extensive history of significant service to the country.

The book of condolences in the honor of the late state dignitary has been placed at the President’s Office and visitors may sign the book between 10am to 1pm from June 13 – 15.

The recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.) was laid to rest following Asr prayer. The last rites of the state funeral were held at the Islamic Center on Sunday afternoon.

The long-serving state dignitary passed away at the age of 87, on 12 June 2023.

The funeral prayer was attended by President Solih, VP Naseem as well as senior government officials, former members of parliament and cabinet ministers.

President Solih announced the decision to fly the country’s national flag at half-mast in honor of late Jameel, from June 12 – 15, in mourning.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast from 1pm Monday to 1pm Thursday.

The late public servant had a remarkable record of public services and dedication to the country.

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.