President claims Information Commissioner is an opposition political figure taking orders from the minority!

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has characterized the Information Commissioner as an "opposition figure" who acts on the orders of the opposition to work against the government.

The President made these remarks while addressing the official ceremony held to mark Independence Day.

Addressing the attendees, the President stated that the Information Commissioner has confirmed all government ministries have now completed the disclosure of all required information. However, the President alleged that the Information Commissioner, Ahid Rasheed, was an appointee of the previous administration and is politically motivated to work against the current government.

The President stated that an individual acting under political orders to oppose the administration would not issue an announcement favorable to the government. Despite the President's remarks, it should be noted that the Information Commissioner is an independent official appointed by successive governments for a specific term as mandated by law.

The Information Commissioner has stated that all government ministries have now completed the disclosure of all required information. It is worth noting that the Information Commission is currently headed by an appointee from the previous administration, who represents the opposition. Surely, an individual who receives orders to act against us politically would not make such an announcement unless it were true.

President Muizzu

The President stated that the announcement demonstrates the administration's commitment to setting a standard for transparency, holding regular press conferences, and responding to Right to Information (RTI) requests. He further emphasized that the government is providing practical proof of its commitment to being an accountable administration.

Despite the President's assertions, the President's Office has faced significant criticism for failing to respond to Right to Information (RTI) requests submitted under the Right to Information Act. The Information Commissioner’s Office recently fined the President's Office MVR 2,000 for its failure to disclose information in accordance with the law.

Furthermore, the Information Commissioner’s Office has issued multiple warnings to the President’s Office regarding its repeated violations of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. It is also noted that government ministries only began disclosing information well after the legally mandated deadlines, following persistent media reporting and public criticism.