The President’s Office has responded to 233 Right to Information (RTI) requests submitted over the past year under the Right to Information Act, the Chief Government Spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, has revealed.

Speaking during the “Presser with the Spox” programme, Shareef shared details regarding RTI requests submitted to various Government ministries and institutions seeking public information.

Shareef noted that many RTI requests are submitted anonymously and are often directed to institutions unrelated to the information being sought. He also stated that some requests are framed in a specific manner to achieve particular objectives, which can create difficulties in providing the requested information.

He said the President’s Office continues to respond to RTI requests received by the institution. The statistics shared revealed that 182 RTI requests were received between May and December last year, of which 170 were answered. Since January this year, 106 RTI requests have been submitted, with responses provided to 63 requests so far.

“In total, 288 RTI requests were received by the President’s Office during this period, and responses have been provided to 233 requests, leaving 55 pending,” Shareef said.

The spokesperson also explained that certain categories of information cannot be disclosed under the RTI framework. These include confidential information related to foreign relations, classified details contained in some financial agreements, and matters concerning national security.

During the press conference, Shareef also shared expenditure details relating to some of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s overseas visits.