Ali Maniku
Ali Umar Maniku, , popularly known as Koli Ali Maniku was a Maldivian civil servant, cabinet minister and Vice President of the Maldives.
Early life
Maniku was sent to Colombo with the assistance of prime minister Mohamed Amin Didi when he was nine years old for a treatment. He later stayed in Colombo and was educated at Sosun Villa. During his time studying, he shared dorms with Ibrahim Nasir.Career
He started working in public service in 1958. He also worked as trade ambassador. He worked on the development of Hulhulé Airport and the promotion of tourism in the Maldives. He also headed Maldives Shipping Limited.Maniku was appointed as one of the Vice Presidents in the administration of former President Ibrahim Nasir appointed by Nasir after the arrest of former prime minister Ahmed Zaki and following a constitutional revision. He was one of the Vice Presidents from October 1975 to May 1977. He also held other cabinet positions such as Minister of Tourism and Trade in 1970s.
During the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Maniku served as special advisor to the president for 26 years. He was minister of shipping in Maumoon's cabinet in the end of 1970s.
In 1979, Maniku received the Public Service Award for his contributions to the Maldivian economy.
In 1982, Maniku received the Public Service Award for his contributions to the Maldivian community.
Maniku received Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin in 2008.
Maniku wrote a narration of his 50 years of experience in both Dhivehi and English.