Abdul Azeez appointed as Information Commissioner despite widespread calls urging against it
6 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 14:39Despite concerns raised by Transparency Maldives and opposition members regarding his competence, Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu-Bakur has been appointed as the Information Commissioner. Although critics called for the withdrawal of his nomination over fears that he might obstruct the right to information, the government-aligned majority in Parliament proceeded to grant him approval for the post.
Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu-Bakur has been appointed as the Information Commissioner. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu-Bakur as the Information Commissioner.
The President's Office announced on Sunday that the President has appointed him to the position.
Despite calls from Transparency Maldives and various members of the public to withhold the appointment, and a formal request by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) to withdraw the nomination, the PNC-led supermajority in Parliament has approved Azeez for the position, disregarding all objections.
On August 23, 2026, Transparency Maldives also sent a formal letter addressed to Hussain Riza Adam, the Chairperson of the Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions. In the letter, the organization asserted that during Abdul Azeez’s previous tenure as Commissioner, he had failed to fully enforce the law.
Transparency Maldives stated that the Right to Information (RTI) request forms designed during Abdul Azeez’s tenure were structured in a manner that obstructed the exercise of that right. The organization further noted that despite their efforts to address these concerns, the issues were disregarded. According to Transparency Maldives, the Information Commissioner’s Office held its first legally mandated public hearing only after Abdul Azeez vacated the post and a second Information Commissioner was appointed.
Transparency Maldives has stated that Abdul Azeez is not the most qualified candidate for the position of Information Commissioner, urging the Parliament to reopen the application process for new nominations.
Furthermore, in a press statement issued by Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), the Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency, he emphasized that the right to information is the most fundamental power granted to citizens to monitor the expenditure of public funds and the decision-making processes of the state. He noted that this right is essential for ensuring government accountability, warning that without full access to information, corruption would flourish and the ability to hold state institutions answerable would be severely diminished.
Member Kudu has called for the withdrawal of Abdul Azeez’s nomination, warning that appointing an individual who advocates for a return to previous practices of secrecy would undermine the entire system and severely restrict the public's right to information.
