President Nominates Former Minister Ahmed Mahloof as Ambassador to Japan
Former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof pictured with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the closing ceremony of the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open 2025 Badminton Tournament, held on 6 September. | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has nominated former Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof as Maldives’ next ambassador to Japan.
The nomination has been forwarded to the Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee for review, in line with standard procedure before any diplomatic appointment is confirmed.
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Mahloof’s proposed appointment comes shortly after his decision to join the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on 14 November, following his departure from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He had served as youth minister under the MDP-led administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Announcing his exit from the MDP earlier this month, Mahloof described the move as a difficult decision. He said that some figures within the party were aware of the reasons behind his departure and noted that he had been largely absent from party activities since the MDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.
Although he had been a vocal critic of President Muizzu’s administration on social media, Mahloof was recently seen alongside the president at a public event, prompting speculation about his political trajectory and possible alignment with the current government.
In a social media post, Mahloof said it had been two years since he last spoke from a political podium, appeared on television, or took part in organised political activity. He expressed gratitude to those who had supported his recent decision, while apologising to those who opposed it.
He also said that much of the criticism he now faces comes from individuals who, according to him, had previously attempted to undermine the MDP government. Mahloof argued that no political party in the Maldives maintains a consistent set of policies, and that political leaders do not strictly adhere to any single ideology. He reflected that people who once praised him are now among his detractors.
Mahloof first entered national politics through the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) during the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He later represented South Galolhu as a member of parliament for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). While still serving as an MP in 2015, he began working with the opposition, and formally joined the MDP in 2018 when the party and its coalition partners won the presidential election.
