Ahmed Mahloof has been appointed as the Maldives Ambassador to Japan after formally joining the ruling PNC last month.

The appointment took place on Thursday at a ceremony at the President’s Office. Mahloof served as Youth Minister in the previous MDP government.

He entered politics through the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), founded by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He later moved to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Mahloof joined the MDP after the 2018 presidential election, which the party won. He signed up for the PNC on 14 November.

His move to the PNC drew public criticism, with many accusing him of switching parties whenever power shifts.