Emergency motion over operation of TV station in building rented for NSPA, rejected

The emergency motion submitted regarding the operation of a TV station in the building rented for the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has been rejected.

The emergency motion was submitted to the People's Majlis expressing concern about Maldives Media House Private Limited operating a media outlet called "MMTV" on two floors of the building rented for the NSPA office. The motion was submitted on Monday.

The emergency motion was rejected after it was determined that it did not meet the required conditions.

The emergency motion was submitted by MP for South Galolhu constituency representing the main-opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Meekail Ahmed Naseem.

Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla noted that although the motion was received, it did not meet the required conditions. Therefore, he said it could not be accepted.

The emergency motion stated that following a tender announcement made through the National Tender Board on June 25 for renting a building to operate the NSPA office, the bid was awarded to a company called Maldives Media House Private Limited from among the bidders. It was also stated that this was done against the proper procedures.

The emergency motion highlighted that the company rented four floors of the building for five years, paying MVR 34.8 million upfront as rent. It was mentioned in the emergency motion that it is being alleged on social media and multiple platforms that two of these floors have been given to the company to operate MMTV without any rent.