FACT-CHECK: Has the President Maintained Transparency with the Press?
Photo: Dhahau Naseem/REUTERS
President Muizzu campaigned for the presidency on a platform promising a transparent government and frequent engagement with the media.
In a statement made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a gathering last year in Laamu Gan on December 25th, the president asserted that citizens and journalists would not struggle to obtain information under his administration, emphasizing the importance of transparency for peace in the country.
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However, an examination of the president’s actions since assuming office raises questions about the extent of government transparency and accessibility to the media.
Claim 1: To Ensure Transparency, Muizzu Met With The Press 5 Times Since Taking Office
Fact Check: Partially True
While Muizzu claimed to have met with journalists five times within the first 11 weeks of his administration, the nature of these engagements varied significantly. According to reports by news media Adhadhu, only two instances involved substantive interactions where the president responded to questions from local journalists.
On December 2, 2023, the president engaged with reporters at Velana International Airport (VIA) upon returning from visits to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Subsequently, on December 5, he held a briefing for journalists following a Cabinet meeting.
Other interactions consist of press statements or brief interviews, such as the press conference held on January 13 following the president’s 5-day visit to China, limiting the depth of information provided to the media and the public.
As such, Muizzu has indeed talked to the press a total of 5 times since taking office, however, these interviews have only been with foreign media outlets. These include:
- October 14, 2023: Interview with Al-Jazeera
- October 23, 2023: Interview with the BBC
- October 27th, 2023: Bloomberg Television
- November 25, 2023: Interview with Singapore-based CNA Insider
- January 16, 2024: Interview with the CGTN – the English-language news channel of state-run China Global Television Network
Another point of contention as of latest reports is that the President’s Office has been without a spokesperson for 73 days. Mohamed Shaheeb, the former senior spokesperson, was removed from the post and transferred to the State Minister of Foreign Affairs position on January 1. The government has not officially announced the reason for Shaheeb’s dismissal.
Despite assurances from Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel that a spokesperson would be appointed, no official announcement has been made regarding the appointment, leaving the public and the media without a designated channel for official communication from the President’s Office.
