Former Maldivian Ambassador to the UAE Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has been appointed as the Chief Government Spokesperson today. 

The President's Office announced that Mundhu has been given the position at ministerial rank. 

The post was previously filled by Heena Waleed. Heena was yesterday appointed as Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, following which she resigned from the post of spokesperson. 

Mundhu was removed from the post of Maldivian Ambassador to the UAE on April 6.

He is the son of Central Maafannu MP Asma Rasheed.

Mundhu's dismissal came in the wake of a controversy surrounding a leaked phone call where Asma allegedly speaks of how ruling PNC cannot win an election without her. This issue has reportedly been resolved since. 

This is not Mundhu's first time serving as government spokesperson. He previously served as Chief Government Spokesperson from 2005 to 2007, and as Presidential Spokesperson from 2007 to 2008. 

He also played a key role in the establishment of the Strategic Communications Unit at the President's Office. 

He has also previously been Minister of Sports.