Mahloof appointed Ambassador to Japan weeks after party switch

Former Minister of Youth Ahmed Mahloof has been appointed as the Maldives’ Ambassador to Japan, receiving his letter of appointment less than a month after shifting political parties in yet another move that underscores the rapid evolution of his political career.

The President’s Office announced that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu formally appointed Ahmed Mahloof to the post on Thursday.

The appointment ceremony, held that morning at the President’s Office, marked his swift elevation to a diplomatic role following his recent entry into the ruling party.

Mahloof, who previously served as Minister of Youth during the now opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration and was long known for his vocal criticism of the current government, officially joined the People’s National Congress (PNC) on November 14. His entry into the party took place at a major rally organized by the PNC, signaling a striking shift for a politician who had, until recently, positioned himself in opposition to the current leadership.

Prior to joining PNC, he resigned from MDP, claiming he wished to serve in a state position. His departure triggered substantial backlash from within MDP, where many accused him of disloyalty and of repeatedly shifting political allegiances to secure personal political advantage.

The criticism reflected broader frustrations within the party about his abrupt disengagement and subsequent realignment with the ruling side.

Mahloof’s political journey began with the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), the party founded by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He first entered national politics through DRP and was elected to the inaugural People’s Majlis established under the current constitution, representing Galolhu South. His early rise within DRP positioned him as a young and prominent figure within Gayoom’s political movement.

Following internal conflicts within DRP, Mahloof moved to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which was founded in 2011. Within PPM, he served in multiple key positions and built a reputation as a dynamic and visible political operative.

However, disagreements with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom led him to distance himself from PPM.

During Yameen’s administration, he instead aligned himself with MDP, participating in their political efforts despite having previously worked with Gayoom’s factions.

Mahloof formally joined MDP during the transitional period after the 2018 presidential election and went on to serve as Minister of Youth in the MDP government.

After the MDP administration came to an end, he withdrew from active involvement in party activities and remained politically quiet for some time. His eventual decision to join PNC marked yet another pivotal turn in a career defined by movement across the political spectrum.

With his appointment by President Muizzu, PNC becomes the fourth political party Mahloof has been affiliated with.