Abdul Aziz Jamal Abubakur reappointed information commissioner

Abdul Aziz Jamal Abubakur, the Maldives’ first information commissioner, was reappointed to the post Sunday despite concerns over his previous tenure.

He succeeds Ahmed Ahid Rasheed, whose five-year term has ended.

President Mohamed Muizzu submitted only Abdul Aziz’s name to Parliament from among those who applied for the position. Parliament approved the nomination despite complaints lodged during the period opened for public submissions.

Concerns about his return centred on the dismissal of numerous cases and the holding of hearings behind closed doors during his first term. Transparency Maldives was among the civil society organisations that raised objections.

Abdul Aziz served as a state minister at the Heritage Ministry until his appointment. He first held the information commissioner’s post under former president Abdulla Yameen, becoming the first person appointed following the office’s establishment.

He previously worked with the Progressive Party of Maldives and served as MP for Maavah.

Abdul Aziz received a national award in 2020 for his contribution to Dhivehi language and literature. His work includes research into the language and writing based on that research. He has also served in education for more than 22 years.