President Dr Mohamed Muizzu conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, the Maldives’ highest civilian honour, on three individuals whose careers have significantly shaped the nation’s legal, economic, and social institutions. The awards were presented at a ceremony held in observance of Independence Day.
The recipients, Chief Justice (Retired) Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Hassan Sobir, and Qasim Ibrahim, were recognised for their decades of public service and leadership. Qasim, notably, had previously been awarded the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Muleege Dynasty. The honours were conferred pursuant to Article 115 of the Constitution and the Maldives Prestige Act, which empower the president to bestow titles, medals, and decorations in recognition of exceptional contributions to the state.
The first of the three honourees, Muthasim Adnan, was acknowledged for his enduring impact on the judiciary and foreign affairs.
Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, who retired this month as Chief Justice of the Maldives, was honoured for his contributions to strengthening the judiciary and advancing the country’s legal and diplomatic frameworks. His efforts to promote fairness and justice within the judicial system were particularly commended.
Muthasim Adnan was among the first Maldivians to serve as legal counsel at the foreign affairs ministry, where he provided legal assistance to Maldivians living abroad, negotiated international treaties, and represented the Maldives in global forums.
His judicial career began on 15 August 2010, when he was appointed as a Justice of the first permanent Supreme Court established under the 2008 constitution. He served in that capacity until 14 December 2014. On 8 December 2019, he was appointed chief justice, a position he held until his retirement on 21 July 2025, upon reaching the age of 60. His tenure is the longest of any chief justice under the current constitutional framework.
In addition to his judicial and diplomatic service, Muthasim Adnan held several other key roles, including membership in the Maldives Law Commission, the inaugural Human Rights Commission of Maldives established in 2003, the Foreign Investment Board, and the Board of Maldives National Ship Management Limited. He also twice served on the advisory committee to the Elections Commissioner.
Hassan Sobir, whose career spanned nearly four decades, was similarly recognised for his transformative role in economic planning and public service.
Hassan Sobir was honoured for his leadership in national development planning and his contributions to the Maldives’ economic sectors, particularly fisheries and tourism. His daughter, Aishath Raniya Sabir, accepted the award on behalf of the family.
Sobir began his public service in 1978 as a statistical survey officer at the National Planning Agency, established during the administration of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He played a central role in the 1985 census, which marked the introduction of the first computer in the Maldives. He was appointed lead master craftsman for the project, with a directive to prioritise Maldivian expertise.
As the fisheries and agriculture minister, Sobir oversaw the establishment of a 1,500-tonne fish freezing facility in Kooddoo and launched a nationwide programme to plant one million trees. His ministry also initiated the leasing of uninhabited islands for agricultural development.
During his tenure as the tourism minister, he advanced the sector through capacity-building initiatives and the launch of the “Sunny Side of Life” branding campaign. He also served as Member of Parliament for Alifu Atoll from 24 February 2000 to 27 February 2005. His efforts to secure international aid following the 2004 tsunami were widely acknowledged. Over the course of 38 years, Sobir served the Maldivian state across multiple sectors with distinction.
The final recipient, Qasim Ibrahim, was honoured for his philanthropic leadership and contributions to commerce and education.
Qasim Ibrahim was recognised for his extensive contributions to the Maldivian people and to the nation’s economic, social, and educational development.
Through the Villa Foundation, Qasim facilitated medical treatment for thousands of Maldivians, providing critical support and improving access to healthcare. His philanthropic work has had a lasting impact across the nation.
In the business sector, Qasim played a central role in strengthening the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), serving in leadership positions as both vice president and president. His longstanding commitment to education has also been widely commended, with his initiatives continuing to benefit students and institutions nationwide.