Information Commissioner Ahmed Ahid Rasheed has stated he aims to improve the mechanism by which citizens receive information.
In his statement on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, Commissioner Ahid said the right to receive information is important for holding the government accountable and participating in state affairs. As such, Ahid said he aims to guarantee the right to information to citizens by concluding the cases submitted to the Information Commissioner's Office of the Maldives (ICOM).
He also said he aims to introduce modern methods and technologies in order to make it easier for citizens to receive information.
Commissioner Ahid said an online portal is being developed to allow citizens to submit inquiries and for institutions to publish information. He said maintaining a culture of secrecy only leads to a decrease in public trust and paves way for corruption, adding changing to a culture of secrecy to a culture of transparency might not occur quickly. He expressed disappointment to see some institutions holding views that are contradictory to established laws on transparency.
Furthermore, Commissioner Ahid said the crucial work of the ICOM had been neglected during the period when the position had been left vacant. However, the commissioner said the ICOM has concluded 12 cases during the 23 days he has been in office.
He also urged all institutions to abide by the laws and regulations that uphold the public's right to information.