News Desk
MALÉ, Maldives — In a swift reversal following public outcry, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts has cancelled its decision to allocate MVR 27.9 million to 18 private media outlets under a newly introduced state budgetary assistance scheme. The move comes amid mounting criticism over potential conflicts of interest involving senior ministry officials and the media organizations set to benefit.
The ministry, led by Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward), had announced the funding breakdown earlier this week, with Sangu Online and Sangu TV—a station owned by Asward himself—slated to receive the largest share: MVR 5.1 million. Another outlet, The Press, owned by State Minister Ali Shamman, was earmarked for MVR 1.3 million. The total allocation amounted to MVR 27.9 million, or approximately USD 1.8 million, representing 0.1 percent of the national budget’s estimated revenue.
Among the outlets listed for funding were several with connections to prominent figures in Maldivian business and politics. Media entities affiliated with Sun Siyam Group and Villa Group—companies led by influential businessmen Ahmed Siyam Mohamed and Qasim Ibrahim, respectively—were also slated to receive substantial allocations. While these outlets operate independently, their proximity to powerful interests has raised questions about the impartiality of the funding process. Observers note that the scheme’s rollout lacked transparency, and the concentration of funds among politically adjacent media has fuelled calls for reform.
The announcement triggered immediate backlash from journalists, civil society groups, and opposition figures, who questioned the transparency and fairness of the selection process. Critics argued that the direct involvement of ministry officials in media ownership undermined the integrity of the scheme and risked politicizing press funding.
In response, the ministry issued a gazetted statement on Thursday declaring that all matters related to media financial assistance would henceforth be handled by the newly established Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The commission, according to the ministry, is expected to operate independently and ensure that future allocations are based on merit and clear criteria.
“This is the first time the government has introduced a formal mechanism to support registered private media outlets through the state budget,” the statement read. “To uphold public trust and ensure impartiality, the ministry has decided to cancel its earlier announcements and transfer the responsibility to the commission.”
The funding scheme, part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s broader promise to strengthen media sustainability, was initially welcomed by many in the industry. However, revelations about ownership ties and the lack of a transparent scoring system for eligibility have cast a shadow over the initiative.
While the ministry has not disclosed the criteria used to determine their scores, it emphasized that future disbursements would be contingent on outlets meeting specific requirements and earning a minimum threshold of points.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, still in its formative stages, now faces the task of rebuilding credibility and designing a framework that balances support for independent journalism with safeguards against political influence.
As the country navigates its evolving media landscape, observers say the episode underscores the urgent need for robust governance structures and clearer boundaries between state institutions and private media ownership.
