While spokesperson stated that 233 RTI requests were answered within a year, they were unable to clarify how many of those responses were provided within legally mandated timeframe
The government claims to have responded to 233 out of 288 Right to Information (RTI) requests submitted to the President's Office over the past year, though the official spokesperson was unable to clarify how many were addressed within the legally mandated timeframe. While the administration has accused some of exploiting the RTI process, the Information Commissioner emphasized that the failure of state institutions to fulfill their legal obligations remains a more significant concern, noting that no government ministry currently meets even the minimum standards for proactive information disclosure.
Government Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu). | Raajje MV
Although the President's Office Spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), stated that responses were provided for all 233 Right to Information (RTI) requests submitted over the past year, he was unable to specify how many of those responses were issued within the legally mandated 21-day timeframe.
Speaking to the press on the 7th of this month, Shareef stated that out of the 182 Right to Information (RTI) requests received between May and December last year, 170 have been answered. He further noted that of the 106 RTI requests received since January this year, 63 have been addressed so far.
Shareef stated that out of a total of 288 RTI requests received by the President's Office over the past year, 233 have been answered. He further noted that 55 requests remained pending at that time.
In relation to this matter, RaajjeTV submitted an inquiry on the 8th of this month, seeking clarification on a statement made by Shareef . While Shareef claimed that the President's Office had responded to 233 out of 288 RTI requests, the news outlet questioned exactly how many of those responses were provided within the legally mandated 21-day period. Shareef provided a response to that specific inquiry on the 22nd of this month, 14 days after the initial question was posed.
Shareef stated that he was unaware of the exact number of Right to Information (RTI) requests that had been answered within the legally mandated 21-day period. Noting that retrieving this specific data would be a difficult task, he further explained that obtaining such information would require reconvening all relevant parties for further discussions.
Declining to elaborate further on the matter, Shareef emphasized that the more significant achievement was the successful completion and response to all 55 previously mentioned Right to Information (RTI) requests.
In response to remarks made by Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef regarding Right to Information (RTI) requests, Information Commissioner Ahid Rasheed stated that not a single government ministry has met even the minimum legal standards for proactive disclosure of information. He further noted that, to date, 76 percent of inquiries submitted to the government remain unanswered.
While Shareef has alleged that some individuals requesting information are not "real people," Ahid responded by noting that the Right to Information (RTI) Act clearly defines the specific circumstances under which a request for information can be denied. He further clarified that if such a situation arises, the relevant party must be notified within the legally mandated timeframe. Ahid emphasized that even if there are doubts regarding the identity of the requester, remaining silent and failing to provide a response is not a legally permissible option.
Attorney General Ahmed Usham has also alleged that the Right to Information (RTI) Act is being exploited. He stated that the high volume of requests is placing an undue burden on state institutions.
Responding to these concerns, Information Commissioner Ahid stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the law is being systematically exploited. He further noted that a more significant issue is the failure of state institutions to fulfill their legal obligations regarding the disclosure of information.
