Abdulla Jameel, a prominent statesman and former minister, has died at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness. He served the Maldives in various ministerial roles over several decades, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service.
Jameel, the eldest son of Sheikh Mohammed Jameel Didi, held ministerial positions in the Health Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Home Ministry, Fisheries Ministry, Atolls Ministry, Home Affairs, and the Housing Ministry. He also contributed significantly to the President’s Office, serving as the President of the Youth Center and heading the Maafannu ward office.
For more than 30 years, Jameel represented the Raa Atoll in Parliament and was a member of the Special Assembly of the People for 14 years. His outstanding contributions were recognised when he was honoured with the prestigious title of Nishan Izzuddeen, one of the highest-ranking accolades presented by the Maldivian government, on November 10, 2008, after more than 54 years of service to the state.
Jameel leaves behind five children, including former Construction Minister Mauroof Jameel. He was also the brother of two former ministers; the late Fathuhulla Jameel, the longest-serving foreign minister, and Dr. Aminath Jameel.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared three days of national mourning following the passing of the statesman, with the national flag flown at half-mast during the period.
