Government attempted to portray itself as media-friendly, yet even dedicated press club they established no longer exists: Thazmeel

Former Managing Director of MTDC, Thazmeel Abdul Samad, has stated that while the current administration has attempted to portray itself as one that works closely with the media, the promised "Media Hub" specifically designated for journalists remains nowhere to be seen.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Thazmeel characterized the current administration as one built on excessive deception. He stated that the government has reached a point where it can no longer keep track of its own claims, a situation he attributed to a continuous pattern of habitual lying.

Thazmeel stated that the reality of this administration is that all its services to the public are built upon a foundation of deceit. He noted that the government initially attempted to portray itself as the most media-friendly administration to date. He further remarked that although a press area was established in front of the President's Office for this purpose, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and senior government officials could not tolerate its presence. This, he said, was because journalists were using the space to conduct their work and pose questions directly to the President.

Thazmeel stated that the veranda is no longer there and has since been removed from the premises.

The government initially portrayed a close relationship with the media, yet today they have failed to maintain that facade. Instead, they are effectively gagging journalists and obstructing the flow of information to the public. By exploiting their power and shackling our representatives in Parliament, the government is stripping away fundamental rights. Journalists remain one of the most essential components required for the functioning of a government or a state.

Thazmeel Abdul Samad, the former Managing Director of MTDC

Thazmeel stated that journalists are among the most vital contributors to the nation for their role in informing the public, describing them as courageous and hardworking individuals. However, he noted that journalists are being marginalized today, as the current administration seeks to conduct criminal investigations, arrest, and penalize them for the news they report, the opinions they voice, or the articles they write.

He further stated that instead of engaging in such actions, the most honorable course of action would be to hand over the country's administration to another party. Thazmeel also expressed concern over the government's interference with press freedom and the President's efforts to centralize power within his own hands.

He noted that although the Maldives operates under a system of separated powers, with the Constitution explicitly defining the roles of each branch, he is deeply concerned by the President’s ongoing efforts to consolidate these powers under his own control. He further stated that the President has already seized control over the Elections Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the judiciary.