President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has submitted the name of former Information Commissioner Abdul Azeez Jamaal Abu-Bakur to the Parliament for appointment as Information Commissioner.
Abdul Azeez Jamaal Abu-Bakur's name has been submitted for appointment as Information Commissioner as the term of the current Information Commissioner, Ahmed Ahid Rasheed, is due to expire next month.
The letter from the President’s Office seeking the Parliament’s consideration and decision on Abdul Azeez Jamaal Abu-Bakur’s appointment was read out at the parliamentary sitting. The matter has subsequently been referred to the Committee on Independent Institutions for consideration.
Abdul Azeez Jamaal Abu-Bakur was the first Information Commissioner appointed following the enactment of the Right to Information Act. He was appointed to the position on 22 July 2014 and served until 22 July 2019.
In addition to serving as a member of the Parliament, He has held several positions and provided extensive service in the field of language. He currently serves as a State Minister at the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage.
The Information Commissioner is an independent official directly accountable to the Parliament for carrying out the responsibilities mandated under the Right to Information Act and other relevant laws and regulations.
The Office of the Information Commissioner was established on 13 July 2014 to carry out the responsibilities of the Information Commissioner, who is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Parliament under the Right to Information Act.