Abdulla Jameel, a long-serving public employee honoured with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.), passed away Sunday morning. He was 87.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih issued a directive ordering that the national flag be flown at half-mast for three days, starting at 1 p.m. on June 12, 2023, following the death of the late Abdulla Jameel. The government will hold a state funeral at the Islamic Centre this afternoon, following Asr prayers.
Abdulla Jameel, whose service to the government spanned over 54 years, began his career on May 6, 1953, as an observer at the Ministry of Communications. Throughout his tenure, he held various positions at government offices and institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Coir and Cowries Advisory Board, where he represented Haa Alifu and Thaa Atolls. He also served in managerial roles at the Cinema Company and as the business manager at the National Company.
The late Jameel held significant positions during former President Ibrahim Nasir's administration. He was appointed Special Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education on November 13, 1968. He then served as Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, the Public Maintenance Division, the Control of Communicable Diseases Division, the Shipping Department, and the Head of the Audit Office.
The late Jameel held positions during former President Uz Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's tenure. He was appointed the president's private secretary in 1978, and this role was later changed to executive secretary within the same year. In 1982, Abdulla Jameel became the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.
Additionally, he served as minister at six ministries. When President Gayoom was elected for a second term in 1983, the late Jameel was appointed Minister of Health. He was appointed Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture during President Gayoom's third term. He later served as the Minister of Atoll Administration, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Home Affairs and Housing. He has also served as a Minister in the President's Office.
The late Jameel has also served as President of the Youth Centre and Head of the Maafannu Ward Office. During his long career, he made noteworthy contributions to the development and progress of these constituencies, which warrant special recognition.
Abdulla Jameel also had a distinguished career in Parliament, serving for over 30 years and representing the Thaa Atoll constituency in the People's Special Majlis for over 14 years.
Abdulla Jameel was recognised for his public service and conferred the Public Service Award commemorating the 25th Independence Day. He was also conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (O.D.R.I.) on November 10, 2008.