President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated providing access to information is an obligation which must be fulfilled by all state institutions.
Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, President Solih said providing information on the work and finances involved in state institutions is not optional. The president said all state institutions must cooperate with the Information Commissioner’s Office in order to provide information in a transparent manner and protect the Right to Information as specified the Constitution of the Maldives. He noted the Information Commissioner’s Office was established specifically to protect the Right to Information.
The president further stated the integrity of an institution will significantly be raised upon ensuring transparency. Noting all powers granted to the state in the constitution begins and ends with the people, he said rights such as the Right to Information, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press are fundamental rights which cannot be compromised.
In his message, the president also highlighted the importance of a free press to hold state institutions accountable and to eliminate corruption and deceit within the government. He said the policy of his government is to ensure an unobstructed path to information and maximise transparency in all state institutions.