Maniku, 80, passed away late Saturday evening while receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. In a statement, the foreign ministry said the book of condolence would be placed at the ministry from Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. The foreign ministry said a separate book of condolence would be placed at the Maldivian high commission in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, Wednesday and coming Monday from 10am to 4pm. Another book would be kept at the Maldivian embassy in Singapore from Tuesday to Thursday from 10.30am to 12pm, and 2pm to 4pm in the afternoon, it added. Following Maniku’s passing, the president declared three days of mourning and ordered the national flag be flown at half mast till Tuesday. Maniku’s funeral is scheduled to be held Monday evening. Home minister Umar Naseer is to attend the funeral as the special envoy of the president. Maniku began his employment in the government on July 13, 1958 as Secretary to the Head of the Foreign Ambassador’s Office. He then served as the Special lawyer in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Trade Ambassador from the Maldivian government, and the Minister of Shipping. He has served the government for more than 50 years. Maniku headed the development of the Maldives main airport in Hulhule. In 1972 when tourism was introduced to the Maldives, Maniku was selected by President Ibrahim Nasir as a member of the special committee to promote tourism. His services included the development of the communication network and communication services in Maldives and the inauguration of satellite communication services, telephone, telex and fax. Additionally, he contributed to the inauguration of the first television station in the Maldives. During President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s presidency, Maniku notably served as Special Advisor to the President for 26 years. While the late Ali Umar Manik’s several contributions served to strengthen and bolster the Maldivian economy, his contributions in inaugurating the Maldivian shipping line and training personnel in the field is particularly noteworthy. He introduced and managed Maldives National Shipping Limited (MNSL) and brought notable changes to the Maldivian shipping industry. In 1979, he was awarded the Special Honorary Award for his exceptional contributions to the country in the field of Economics. Maniku was known for his philanthropic activities and his efforts to elevate personal and societal well-being; one of the most notable being his financial contributions to redevelop the infrastructure of the “Islaahiyya” built by the government in Maafushi. In addition, he has built several schools and provided financial aid to others. In 1982 he received a special award for his philanthropic work. Additionally, he was awarded the “Aanmu Hidhumathuge Inaam – National Award of Recognition” at the Silver Jubilee of Independence. Maniku played a vital role in the implementation of several developmental efforts during President Gayoom’s presidency. His contributions were significant in the conversion of the Airport to an International Airport, the building of Islamic Centre, and the development of the trade harbor. Additionally, he actively participated in developing the Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) and the development of Hulhumale while acting as advisor to President on several issues of great importance. Having resigned from his official government post in 2008, Maniku moved to Singapore where he had spent much of his life since then.