The curious case of Mahloof

The current Minister of Youth and Sports, with a prominent focus on football, Ahmed Mahloof has been topping the charts as one of the more controversial scandals of 2021. 

His case is derived from an alleged bribe of USD 33,000, from Yameen’s Tourism Minister and short-lived vice-president, Ahmed Adeeb, handed over to Mahloof, in the year 2014. The suspicion was further cemented when his accounts did not match his explanation of that amount of money being the product of a currency exchange. Further, his stoic stance on being nigh unshakeable to the party whip also lent more light to these accusations.

He then brought up, in the middle of August, a veiled threat aimed at the Prosecutor General and the President of the Anti Corruption Commission. He claimed he had in his possession ‘chat-logs’ that could devastate them, and that he was willing to release them if his case was being treated unfairly. Adding fuel to the fire, he openly claimed that there were undue pressures to get him convicted on corruption charges, yet he would be willing to accept the ruling passed upon him without any resistance.

In the dramas of this year in Maldivian politics, Mahloof has broken the record of recent historical significance by being suspended twice during his tenure as Minister. It was questionable in the face of true justice when he was reinstated in time for the Ooredoo SAFF Championship held in the Maldives, to play his part on the national stage. The case itself became murkier and murkier, and a resolution has still not been reached.

Once a rising star in the world of football, Mahloof encountered a career-ending injury, yet his love for the sport has evidently never waned. After brief stints as sports supervisor in a few schools, he had also tried his hand at working for MPL.

From the years 2000 to 2008, his government service record is nothing but stellar. He joined as an Assistant Programme Officer for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and is reported to have participated in over 30 workshops, camps, and seminars to further develop his skills. His involvement with the UN after the catastrophic tsunami of 2004 further decorates his record, and in 2006 he was awarded the National Youth Award by the government for his outstanding efforts in promoting awareness in the national youth population.

His reach extended internationally as well. In 2007, Mahloof was elected as the Vice Chair (and in 2008, as Chair) of the Asian Regional Youth Caucus of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. He was the first Maldivian to serve in that capacity. In 2007, Mahloof was appointed by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to join an Elections Observer Mission to Sierra Leone, for the country's presidential elections. That was the first occasion a Maldivian had served on an overseas elections monitoring mission. On top of that, Mahloof was on the organising committee of the Commonwealth Youth Forum of 2008. He was also on the eight-member Committee on Youth, Human Rights and Democracy, constituted by Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma.

His foray into politics began with the pluralistic democratic system being introduced in 2008, by first signing on to DRP under the wings of his benefactor, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. Within the year, he was appointed to the Parliament by the President, becoming the youngest parliamentarian, and then successfully contesting and winning his seat for the Galolhu South Constituency of Malé in 2009 with the same record. 

However, by 2010, he was embroiled in the rift that separated PPM and DRP, choosing to follow Maumoon to establish himself in PPM. He was credited with multiple people-first initiatives, including improving the welfare of the people of his constituency through changes in laws and regulations, still carrying forth his original ideals and drive. He then resigned from his parliamentary position on 17 November, 2018, to assume his position as the Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. Which brings things up to speed. 

Would this bribery charge spell the end of one of the very few, almost non-existent, honest and people-first politicians? Mahloof’s unbalanced attention to football has been an issue of annoyance to certain demographics, yet his potential from his already exemplary record is notable. Whether or not he would be a scapegoat for a large scale embezzlement and fraud case, or he is pressured in certain angles by the powers that be, is in the air.

What cannot be denied is his stoic stance, his determination, his attitude in upholding himself and all that he believes in, and his continuous service. This year may not bring the matter to a resolution, but it is a crucial issue that would be reflected in Maldivian politics in the immediate years to come.