PSM Cuts Power and Air Conditioning in Reception, Orders Visitors to Leave During Attempt to Meet Management

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has reported that while a delegation visited Public Service Media (PSM) to express concerns over alleged bias in the state broadcaster's news and content, staff acted in a highly irresponsible manner. According to the party, the staff cut the power, switched off the air conditioning, and ordered the delegation to vacate the reception area.

Representatives from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) visited the Public Service Media (PSM) headquarters on Monday afternoon to meet with its management. Regarding the visit, MDP’s Naifaru Constituency President Abdulla Rasheed stated that although a formal letter requesting a meeting was submitted on Sunday, they had received no response by the time they arrived at the premises on Monday.

Abdulla Rasheed stated that the MDP visited PSM to protest the lack of equitable coverage regarding the referendum on consolidating presidential and parliamentary elections. Specifically, the party sought to file a formal complaint alleging that the broadcaster has excluded voices opposing the move, instead airing content that exclusively aligns with the government's agenda. However, reception staff at PSM informed the delegation that no senior officials were present as it was a public holiday. Despite these claims, the MDP received information that deputy managing directors and other senior executives were in the office at the time. Furthermore, a deputy managing director was reportedly seen leaving the premises while the MDP members were still on-site.

The information we are receiving from the reception here is that no senior officials are present because it is a public holiday. However, we came here to seek answers from the public regarding ongoing matters at the state media. Instead of providing those answers, they have kept us waiting for an extended period without allowing us to meet any management, making the situation very difficult for us. We have been facing significant obstructions here. Therefore, we have no intention of backing down. We will continue our protest at this premises. We will persist in our efforts until these officials meet with us, or until the state media ensures the fair and equal coverage that must be afforded to both sides.

Abdulla Rasheed, the President of the MDP Naifaru Constituency.

While MDP members waited in the reception area of PSM to request a meeting, they were reportedly treated with utter disrespect by the staff. Abdulla Rasheed noted that during the peak heat of Ramadan, the staff cut off the electricity and switched off the air conditioning in the area. Furthermore, he stated that the employees used foul language, repeatedly ordered them to leave, and acted in a highly unprofessional and irresponsible manner.

The MDP stated that as soon as the official closing time of 4:00 p.m. arrived, management attempted to have party members removed from the premises by the police. Abdulla Rasheed noted that although the Managing Director of PSM is currently abroad for the Umrah pilgrimage, the media outlet's operations are ongoing, and they must therefore remain accountable to the public's questions. He further mentioned that while the Deputy Managing Director attempted to hand over a letter dated today while the MDP members were still on-site, they refused to accept it, maintaining that such correspondence must be officially dispatched to the party’s office.

While we were present at the premises, several staff members, including those at the reception, addressed us using highly offensive language. They repeatedly informed us that we were not permitted to be there and claimed our presence was obstructing their work. On several occasions, staff members from the upper floors also ordered us to leave. The conduct of the staff throughout this encounter was both authoritarian and deeply unprofessional.

Abdulla Rasheed, the President of the MDP Naifaru Constituency.

The MDP stated that they met with the Elections Commission a few days ago to share their concerns regarding this issue. Abdulla Rasheed noted that although the Commission promised to find a solution, they have yet to receive a satisfactory response. The MDP further announced that they will take all necessary steps to ensure the state media provides equal opportunities to all parties during the approximately 15 days remaining before the election. They also confirmed that the protest will continue until they are granted a meeting with the management.