Advertisement

Ex-President Maumoon: Ibrahim Manik is a genuine national legend

Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik (Samarey) gives exclusive interview to Sun. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Asif)

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, on Thursday, described former Information Minister, Summer Blue Ibrahim Manik (Samarey) who was recently bestowed Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award that passed away on Wednesday as a genuine national legend.

Ibrahim Manik passed away on Wednesday morning, at the age of 72, whilst being treated at a hospital in Bangalore, India. He had been ill for a long time prior to this.

Maumoon sent condolences via a tweet on Thursday which described Ibrahim Manik as a genuine national legend who was a man of vision and courage.

“He revolutionized radio broadcasting in Maldives and popularized music and singing to an unbelievable extent,” he added.

Maumoon added that Ibrahim Manik would live in the hearts and minds of Maldivians for a long time.

Ibrahim Manik dedicated most of his life to the broadcasting industry. He worked as the English secretary, program planner, and producer for Radio Maldives. In DRA, he served as a program producer, assistant director, deputy director, and director.

During his 27-year career in the industry, he also served as the director general of broadcasting at the Department of Information and Broadcasting.

He served as the Minister of Information, Arts, and Culture from November 11, 1993, to September 13, 2004.

During his 35-year-long career in government, he also served as the Minister of Youth, Development, and Sports. He started his career in government on January 19, 1971.

In 1996, Ibrahim Manik was presented with the National Award for Recognition to celebrate his contributions to promoting music. He also received the "Minivan 25" Award for Public Service and special recognition awards in 1999, 2000, and 2001 for his contributions to promoting Dhivehi literature.

In 2022, he received the Broadcast Lifetime Achievement Award conferred by BroadCom for his invaluable services to the industry.

He is survived by three children. His wife, Fareesha Ibrahim, passed away a couple of years earlier.

Advertisement
Comment