Mahloof’s fourth party leap pays off with Japan ambassadorship

After serving five years as Youth Minister in the previous government of the now main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Ahmed Mahloof, who recently signed with the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) is now set to be appointed ambassador to a foreign country.

As a reward for his party switch, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday decided to forward Mahloof’s nomination to the People’s Majlis for the post of Maldives Ambassador to Japan.

Speculation about Mahloof receiving an ambassadorial posting had already been circulating from the moment he joined PNC.

Mahloof formally entered the ruling party during a large PNC rally held in Malé City on 14 November 2025. Before that, he had left MDP, declaring an intention to serve in a state position, a move that drew substantial criticism from MDP members and supporters, many of whom accused him of disloyalty and switching sides for personal political advantage.

Mahloof first entered politics through the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), founded by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He was elected to the first People’s Majlis convened under the current constitution, representing South Galolhu constituency on a DRP ticket.

Amid internal rifts within DRP, he moved to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) when it was established in 2011, holding key positions there. However, he later distanced himself from PPM after disagreements with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Even during Yameen’s administration, Mahloof continued to work with MDP.

He formally joined MDP during the transition following the 2018 presidential election and went on to serve as Youth Minister in the MDP administration. After that administration’s term ended, and after distancing himself from party activities, Mahloof has since signed with PNC. Muizzu’s PNC has become the fourth political party Mahloof has joined.