Recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin and former Minister Umar Zahir has passed away aged 85.
He passed away today at Dharumavantha Hospital while receiving treatment for COVID-19.
Health Protection Agency HPA had confirmed that an 85-year-old local man admitted at Dharumavantha Hospital DH11 had passed away due to COVID-19. HPA added that this was the 260th COVID-19 death in the Maldives since April 2020.
The former Minister was tested positive for COVID-19 on the 11th of this month after he had wrapped up a trip to Fuvuahmulah City to open a mosque he had funded.
It was reported that Umar Zahir had been ill during the trip to Southern City and had been admitted at Dharumavantha Hospital following complications upon his return.
Since 1950, Umar Zahir had been serving the country in different capacities including Headmaster of Majeedhiyaa School, Head of Radio Maldives as well as fulfilling several government posts.
Late Umar Zahir is one of the most long-serving and royal Ministers of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's long tenure. From 1983 to 1988 he was the Home Minister and from 1988 till 1993 he fulfilled the post of Minister of Home Affairs and Sports.
