The government has classified as confidential the letters sent by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to several world leaders during mid-2024, a time when the Maldives faced severe financial constraints. The letters, delivered by then-Foreign Minister and current Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, were addressed to leaders of China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
According to the Foreign Ministry, President Muizzu sent five letters, including two to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The others were addressed to King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. These letters, dated between July and September 2024, were handed over to senior officials during Zameer’s official visits.
Financial Crisis and Letters to World Leaders
This correspondence occurred during one of the most challenging economic periods in recent Maldivian history. The Maldives Monetary Authority’s usable reserves had hit record lows, foreign currency was scarce, and international credit rating agencies had downgraded the country’s rating.
In early September, several requests were submitted under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to access the letters’ contents. The President’s Office rejected the requests, citing Article 31 of the RTI Act, which allows the government to withhold information if disclosure could interfere with policy-making or implementation.
Despite this, appeals have been submitted to the President’s Office, arguing that the public interest outweighs the confidentiality invoked. The RTI Act contains a clause allowing exceptions to such secrecy if the information is deemed crucial for public awareness.
A Precedent for Disclosure
The government’s decision to classify these letters as confidential contrasts with its earlier stance on transparency. In December 2023, Dr. Muizzu’s administration publicly released a letter sent by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to the Prime Minister of Mauritius.
At the time, the administration alleged that the letter contained a secret agreement to “give away” the Chagos region. However, the released document disproved these claims, reaffirming that the Maldives had not altered its stance on the maritime dispute.
Public Interest vs. Confidentiality
The decision to classify President Muizzu’s letters raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency. Critics argue that the administration’s refusal to disclose the contents undermines public trust, especially during a period of economic uncertainty when foreign relations and financial strategies were pivotal.
The ongoing appeals seek to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity in government actions. Whether the public interest argument will prevail remains to be seen, but the issue underscores the delicate balance between state confidentiality and citizens’ right to information.
