Pres: Disclosure of info by ministries marks a significant milestone in ensuring accountability

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Monday, stated that the proactive disclosure of information by all government ministries marks a significant milestone in ensuring accountability.

According to information published by the Information Commissioner’s Office on Sunday, this marks the first time since the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2014 that all ministries have fully complied with the requirements for proactive information disclosure, with all ministries having now published 100 percent of the required information.

In a post on X, President Muizzu noted that information, which was previously unavailable to the public, has now been made accessible with this feat, which he described as a a significant step toward advancing transparency, strengthening public access to information, and increasing accountability.

The President emphasized that his administration recognizes the fundamental right to information as a cornerstone of public trust and democratic governance.

"As we reach this important milestone in our journey toward a more open and accountable government, I commend all institutions and public officials whose dedication made this achievement possible,” he added.

Since the enactment of the RTI Act in 2014, this marks the first time in the history of the Maldives that the President’s Office and all Ministries have achieved 100% compliance with proactive disclosure requirements. Information that had not previously been accessible to the… https://t.co/ILyqSFAk9p

— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) June 8, 2026

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing enhancing public access to government information through digital platforms, ensuring greater civic engagement in government activities and decision-making.

Despite the President's remarks, the refusal of state institutions to provide information upon request remains a persistent issue. Concerns have frequently been raised regarding the President’s Office itself failing to respond to RTI requests.

Statistics released by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICOM) for the past year reveal that out of 712 complaints lodged, 487 pertained to instances where no response was received following an information request. The President's Office was cited as the institution with the highest number of such complaints. It has also been noted that in several cases, information remains undisclosed for extended periods, even after direct orders from ICOM.

Amidst public criticism, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan remarked that processing RTI requests involves significant administrative costs, followed by remarks from Attorney General Ahmed Usham last month, who suggested that the RTI Act is being "abused" under the guise of seeking information. Both officials faced significant criticism for their comments.