MMBC President Mohamed Farushath Resigns Citing ‘Insurmountable Challenges’

The President of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC), Mohamed Farushath, has resigned from both his leadership post and membership of the regulatory body, citing “insurmountable challenges” in executing the commission’s statutory mandate fairly and impartially.

In a formal resignation letter tendered to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, a copy of which was obtained by MV+, Farushath stated that his departure takes effect immediately.

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“Due to insurmountable challenges in carrying out the Commission’s work comprehensively and administering affairs with equality and fairness toward all media outlets, I hereby submit my resignation from the posts of Commission President and Commission Member, effective today,” the letter read.

Reflecting on the regulatory landscape, Farushath noted that as the Maldives continues its transition toward a fully democratic system, he hopes national media entities will act as responsible custodians of public rights. 

He emphasised that media outlets must be able to operate in an independent environment supported by professional knowledge, financial viability, and institutional maturity.

Farushath further urged the regulatory body and its members to adhere strictly to statutory provisions, maintain professional standards and the media code of ethics, and discharge regulatory duties with equity and impartiality.

The regulatory body was established under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on September 18, which dissolved the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and incorporated the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) into the unified framework.

Under the legislation, the commission comprises seven members: three appointed with parliamentary approval and four elected by the media sector. However, the media representatives were appointed without a competitive vote after an insufficient number of eligible candidates applied, precluding the Elections Commission from staging an election. 

The commission’s president is directly appointed by the President of the Republic.