8 Islamic ministry RTI requests left unanswered after information officer resigned

Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said on Sunday that eight right to information (RTI) requests submitted to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs last year remained unanswered due to the resignation of the ministry’s information officer.

The comments follow a decision by the Information Commissioner's Office to fine the Ministry of Islamic Affairs MVR 700 for failing to attend a hearing related to two information requests submitted under the Access to Information Act.

Speaking to the ministry’s media group on Sunday evening, Minister Shaheem said the Ministry of Islamic Affairs prioritises the disclosure of information and operates in line with existing laws. He said the ministry continues to respond to RTI requests in accordance with legal requirements.

The minister said the ministry maintains engagement with media organisations and will continue to do so.

Minister Shaheem also shared statistics on RTI requests submitted to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in 2024 and 2025.

According to the figures provided, the ministry received 60 RTI requests in 2024, all of which were answered. In 2025, the ministry received 41 RTI requests, of which 33 were answered. The remaining eight requests were not addressed following the departure of the information officer.

He said administrative steps are underway to resolve the issue and ensure pending requests are addressed.