The National Awards Committee has stated Ahmed Hishan was presented with the National Award of Recognition in 2014 after a meticulous vetting process.
Speaking to the media, Chairman Aneesa Ahmed stated the National Awards Committee saw it as its duty to clarify to the public, and other relevant authorities, questions regarding the presenting of the award to the individual in question. In this regard, Aneesa confirmed the committee shortlisted Hishan as a recipient for the award in 2014 after no criminal records were discovered during the vetting process. She further explained in addition to inquiring with the Maldives Police Service and through the court system, the committee also held interviews with relevant parties and persons before shortlisting recipients.
Aneesa further noted the committee publishes the guidelines and criterion for recipients of the awards in the Gazette every year, which also includes conditions where an individual could be stripped of the award.
The National Awards Committee came forward with the statement following claims that Hishan was granted the Honorary Disability Ambassadorship although relevant authorities were aware of the serious allegations made against him.