Mr. Muad’s remarkable journey in international politics commenced in 2003 when his commitment to democracy and transparency led to profound consequences; his father and colleagues were unjustly sentenced to life imprisonment for advocating these principles through the Sandhaanu news media platform. Undeterred, at the age of 21, Mr. Muad relocated to England, UK, to pursue studies in International Relations & Security while actively engaging with British members of parliament and the European Union. His noteworthy success in garnering attention from the British government led to his appointment as the youngest head of relations to the UK & EU for the newly established Maldivian Democratic Party led by Mohamed Nasheed.
Under Nasheed’s leadership, Mr. Muad and a small cohort of exiled opposition leaders orchestrated a monumental shift in the Maldives, effectuating a peaceful transition from a one-party 30 year old military dictatorship to a thriving multi-party democracy within five years, following their party’s victory in the 2008 elections.
Continuing his unwavering commitment to democratic principles and human rights, Mr. Muad became an influential voice in the Palestinian human rights lobby, tirelessly advocating for international law compliance concerning the occupation of Palestine. His global advocacy extends across diverse spectrums, championing human rights, transparency, and democracy, while emphasizing the cultural and religious values inherent in each nation.
Since 2018, Mr. Muad has played a pivotal role in bridging cultural gaps between the Maldives and Malaysia, fostering enhanced bilateral relations. Furthermore, his instrumental efforts in catalyzing improved relations between the Maldives and Turkey, despite limited political and trade ties, underscore his diplomatic prowess. Operating from Istanbul, his engagement with politicians and business associations has not only strengthened diplomatic ties but also facilitated a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ history and geopolitical context among Turkish policymakers. These efforts have positioned Turkey as an enticing destination, not only for Maldivian tourists but also for businesses and politicians alike. As a testament to this strengthened relationship, in December 2023, the newly elected Maldivian government announced the opening of a new Embassy of Maldives in Ankara, Turkey.
Mr. Muad’s exceptional expertise in navigating international politics and his acute understanding of cultural nuances and religious sensitivities uniquely position him to lead our extensive Democracy & Transparency Initiative. His leadership will encompass a wide array of initiatives, including election observation missions aimed at ensuring free and fair elections worldwide and numerous other endeavors to promote peace, transparency, and diplomacy across nations.
He is a Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Democracy and Transparency Initiatives at the Asia Middle East Center for Research and Dialogue (AMEC) based in Malaysia