Male’, Maldives – Abdulla Mahil Shaheem, the 21-year-old son of Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, has been appointed to a senior position at the Maldives High Commission in Malaysia. Despite the Foreign Ministry not officially announcing the appointment, media reports confirm that Mahil was appointed as the Third Secretary of the High Commission of Maldives in Kuala Lumpur last June.

Mahil, who resides in Malaysia with his wife and child, receives a remuneration package of MVR 100,000 per month, which includes salary and allowances. His social media profiles indicate that he graduated from the International Islamic University Malaysia. However, Mahil does not have prior experience in the foreign service, raising questions about his qualifications for the role.

The appointment has sparked controversy, coming at a time when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a halt to such appointments as a measure to cut costs. This decision aims to streamline government spending and reduce the number of political appointees in senior positions.

In addition to Mahil’s recent appointment, earlier this year, Minister Shaheem's wife, Fatimath Afiya, was appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the Male' City Group of Hospitals. These appointments of family members to prominent positions have drawn public scrutiny and debate over the transparency and merit of such decisions.

The Foreign Ministry and other relevant authorities have yet to comment on the rationale behind Mahil’s appointment, particularly in light of the President’s directive to curb political appointments. The situation continues to evolve as citizens and media outlets seek further clarification on the matter.