Information Commissioner Hussain Fiyaz Moosa has stated the year 2020 will see increased raises in voice for the Right to Information.
Speaking to PSM News, the newly appointed Information Commissioner said the Right to Information Act that was ratified in Maldives in 2014 is a well-drafted act compared to other countries in the world. However, he said the Information Commissioner's Office (ICOM) had failed to carry out the responsibilities assigned to it by the Act. In this regard, Fiyaz noted the lack of monitoring and reporting by the ICOM, adding there are many tasks to be completed by the institution.
The Information Commissioner also stated public awareness is still lacking with regard to the Right to Information Act. Fiyaz said ICOM has now begun public awareness programs across different social media platforms. He said the year 2020 will see an increased raises in voice for the right to information and called on all authorities to prepare for a more aware public next year.
The Information Commissioner stated the awards for the best institutions in releasing information will be revamped for next year, with increased categories. He also said ICOM will work on acquiring more funds to fully implement the policies stated under the Right to Information Act.