Government Media Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Conflict of Interest

A government initiative by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, designed to support private media with MVR 27.9 million, is facing scrutiny amid allegations of conflict of interest involving State Minister Ali Shamaan.

The controversy centres on The Press, an outlet reportedly managed by Shamaan, which was approved to receive MVR 1.34 million. Shamaan is said to have overseen the entire allocation process, including setting the criteria and approving final recipients.

Several other media organisations have claimed their applications were unexpectedly rejected after initial approval, raising concerns that the process may have been manipulated.

Concerns have also been raised over Sangu Television, linked to the current Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed (Asward). The broadcaster received MVR 3.81 million—the largest allocation under the Media Grant Policy—while its online wing, Sangu Online, received additional funding, bringing the total for the two entities to over MVR 5.1 million. According to business records, Sangu is owned by COCONA INTERNATIONAL Pvt Ltd, with shareholders including Leena Hussain, wife of Minister Asward, along with Hussain Waheed and Shahuma Abdhulla.

Media leaders are urging transparency and accountability to safeguard the credibility of the fund, which was established to promote a diverse and independent press in the Maldives.

View the media eligible for the grant here