Ali Arif has stepped down from his position as Minister at the President’s Office of the Maldives, with his resignation taking effect on Monday.

The President’s Office confirmed that Ali Arif, who served as Minister for Presidential Affairs, submitted his resignation earlier in the day.

No official reason was provided for his departure.

Ali Arif is related to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Prior to his role in the current administration, Ali Arif was involved in parliamentary representation, having served the Vaikaradhoo and Kelaa constituencies.

Politically, he initially aligned himself with Gasim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhooree Party, during the first round of the most recent presidential election.

He later shifted his support to President Dr. Muizzu in the second round.

During the early months of the current administration, Ali Arif also faced public scrutiny over remarks that were widely perceived as controversial.