President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Sunday appointed former human rights commission member Shafeeq “Histo” Mufeedh as a state minister at the home ministry.
Mufeedh had resigned from the human rights commission on his own accord last Thursday.
He had previously served as a member of the parliament for a Fuvahmulah constituency, and worked with opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) as well.
Mufeedh had later defected from MDP and aligned with now-opposition Jumhoory Party, before joining the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Mufeedh is a popular political figure, and is best known for his spirited speeches at political rallies.