Ministry of Tourism has revealed the information sought by Maldives Trade Union was withheld as it was related to ongoing investigations.
In a statement, the tourism ministry stated Maldives Trade Union requested to clarify the number of islands given to Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC). Government and investigate authorities are investigating a corruption scandal involving MMPRC which took place during the previous administration.
The statement by the tourism ministry said an institution can withhold information requested, should the information be legally valid and related to an ongoing investigation, under the Right to Information Act. The statement further detailed the information requested is related to an investigation currently conducted by Presidential Commission on Corruption and Asset Recovery and hence, it cannot reveal the information requested by Maldives Trade Union. The statement said the decision had been communicated with the union earlier.
The Information Commissioner's Office has also held an open hearing regarding the case. Although the information officer from the ministry did not attend the meeting, the Information Commissioner Hussain Fiyaz Moosa decided to request the ministry to provide the information. Fiyaz also condemned the absence of the officer and described the act as undemocratic.
In response to the statements from Fiyaz, the ministry said the tourism minister and policy level staff will be responsible for their decisions. The response further stated the ministry had shared the case with the Information Commissioner's Office. The ministry said further information regarding the case will be provided at the respective parliamentary committee or a court hearing.
The ministry also claimed it has developed transparent policies to share information and has been practicing it since the change of government. The ministry also assured to continue protecting the rights and interest of the public and investors.