Former Sports Minister Mahloof Appointed as Ambassador to Japan

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Ahmed Mahloof as the Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to Japan.

Mahloof was appointed to the position at a ceremony held at the President’s Office this morning.

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Parliament had approved Mahloof’s nomination, following his selection by President Muizzu and review by the legislature’s Foreign Relations Committee. During yesterday’s parliamentary sitting, 60 MPs voted in favour of his appointment, confirming him to the diplomatic post in line with standard procedure for ambassadorial nominations. The committee had examined the president’s proposal before submitting its report to the full chamber for debate.

Mahloof’s confirmation comes after he joined the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) on 14 November, leaving the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He previously served as Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment in the MDP-led administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Following his departure from the MDP, Mahloof described the decision as difficult, citing limited participation in party activities since the 2023 presidential election. Although he had previously criticised President Muizzu’s administration on social media, he was later seen with the president at a public event.