President’s Office Claims Full Compliance With All Valid Information Requests

The President’s Office has announced that it has fulfilled all Right to Information (RTI) requests, excluding cases specifically exempt under national law. Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef confirmed the update during the most recent 'Presser with the Spox' session, addressing inquiries regarding the constitutional right to access government data. Shareef emphasized that the administration is not only maintaining these standards within the President's Office but is actively encouraging other ministries and state institutions to follow suit. To facilitate this, the government is providing necessary resources and assistance to help state bodies expedite their response times and improve transparency. According to the spokesperson, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu aims for 100 percent compliance with Section 37 of the RTI Act. This specific legal provision mandates the proactive disclosure of information by state authorities, shifting the burden from the citizen requesting data to the government providing it automatically. Beyond transparency efforts, the session touched upon the Maldives' strategic response to geopolitical instability in the Middle East and the Gulf. Shareef detailed the work of a Special Cabinet Committee tasked with safeguarding the nation's supply chains amidst ongoing conflicts. Specifically, the committee is focusing on securing alternative cargo routes and adjusting supply chains from the United Arab Emirates. These strategic shifts are intended to mitigate the risk of commodity shortages and ensure the steady flow of essential goods, particularly as shipping disruptions persist through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime artery for global trade.