Government blocks RTI disclosures to evade accountability: Fiyaz

The Right to Information (RTI) is the most powerful tool citizens possess to hold the government accountable, yet obstacles are being placed in the way of information disclosure specifically to obstruct that accountability, stated Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, CEO of the "Adhadhu" news outlet.

Speaking during RaajjeTV’s special Independence Day coverage, Fiyaz stated that a significant number of citizens are seeking to clarify the total number of political appointees within the current administration. Fiyaz noted that although the Information Commissioner’s Office granted the President’s Office a 14-day window to respond to Right to Information (RTI) requests regarding this data, the subsequent MVR 2,000 fine imposed for non-compliance is unlikely to yield the desired outcome or ensure transparency.

The controversy surrounding the President's Office's failure to respond to Right to Information (RTI) requests filed under the Right to Information Act has intensified significantly. Fiyaz stated that these issues do not stem from negligence by the President's Office's Information Officer, but rather from senior officials withholding information at the direction of the President. He further noted that there is no legal justification for concealing such data, particularly since the salaries of political appointees are funded by public tax money.

Fiyaz stated that the President's Office has failed to respond to numerous inquiries, including those regarding the total number of political appointees. He further noted that the government’s refusal to disclose such information stems from a desire to obstruct state accountability and a fear that their mistakes will be exposed to the public.

What is the next course of action? The second stage under the Right to Information Act is to appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office. However, even after filing a case there, the information is still not being disclosed. So, what remains? The final step is to take the matter to court. Yet, most people are reluctant to pursue legal action, as it is both a costly and time-consuming process. In reality, the refusal to provide information is a deliberate attempt to obstruct state accountability. It is a calculated move to prevent their mistakes and wrongdoings from coming to light.

Hussain Fiyaz Moosa

There have been persistent complaints that the current administration fails to respond to Right to Information (RTI) requests submitted by the public. However, President Muizzu maintains that his government is setting a benchmark for transparency through information disclosure, regular press briefings, and timely responses to RTI inquiries. He further asserts that the administration is demonstrating its commitment to accountability through practical action.

However, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICOM) has issued multiple warnings to the President’s Office for repeated violations of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Following these unheeded warnings, ICOM has now fined the President’s Office MVR 2,000 for failing to rectify the issues. Ministries under the current administration have also only begun disclosing information well after the legally mandated deadlines. These disclosures typically follow persistent media reporting and mounting public criticism regarding the delays.