Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to appoint senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former minister M K Muneer as the chairman of the Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission. The state Cabinet took the decision on Wednesday, and Muneer is expected to assume charge in the coming days once the official order is issued. As chairman, he will enjoy Cabinet rank and will be provided with personal staff and an official residence.
The IUML had earlier sought the chairman’s post as the second-largest constituent of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF). Muneer represented the Koduvally Assembly constituency from 2021 to 2026 but was not given a party ticket for the April 2026 Assembly elections, with the party citing his deteriorating health.
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The son of veteran IUML leader and former Kerala Chief Minister C H Mohammed Koya, Muneer has served as Public Works Minister and Minister for Local Self Government and Social Welfare in UDF governments led by A K Antony and Oommen Chandy. He also served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from April 2017 to May 2021.
The appointment is being viewed as the IUML’s move to accommodate one of its senior leaders in a prominent position. The Administrative Reforms Commission was formed to recommend measures to improve the efficiency of the state administration. During the first term of the LDF government led by Pinarayi Vijayan, former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan served as its chairman. The post remained vacant during the LDF government’s second term from 2021 to 2026.
IUML leader Sayyid Munavvarali Shihab Thangal welcomed Muneer’s appointment, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of his experience and public service. He praised Muneer’s efficiency and dedication and wished him success in his new responsibility.
