Providing state funding to media is far more justified than allocating funds to political parties: Yameen
8 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:29Former President Yameen has stated that increasing state financial support for the media is more vital than funding political parties. While emphasizing the need for responsible journalism, he urged the media not to view state budget allocations as a gesture of government benevolence, but rather as a fundamental right.
Former President Abdulla Yameen. | Presidents Office
Former President Abdulla Yameen has stated that providing state funding to the media is far more justified than allocating such funds to political parties.
In an interview with a local news outlet, Yameen stated that he does not believe the state budget should be used to fund political parties. He further suggested that instead of allocating funds to political parties, it would be far more beneficial to increase the current level of financial support provided to the media.
Former President Yameen stated that he would be dissatisfied if media outlets felt compromised by viewing government funding as a direct gift from the administration. He emphasized that since the allocation of funds to the media from the state budget is a decision mandated by Parliament, it should not be perceived as an act of personal benevolence from the President.
Currently, political parties receive funding directly from the state budget. However, I do not believe the state should be responsible for financing the operations of political parties. In my view, providing such financial support to the media would be far more justified.Abdulla Yameen
Furthermore, Yameen highlighted a lack of balance in the media, noting that some journalists do nothing but praise the government. He stated that such imbalances would not exist if journalists practiced their profession with greater responsibility.
Yameen stated that while journalism will face various challenges and attacks, press freedom must be exercised within certain boundaries. He emphasized that any published reports must be verifiable and based on facts. He further urged that if information cannot be substantiated, it should not be published as news; instead, such claims should be expressed as opinions through other channels.
The government has, for the first time, formulated and published a policy to provide financial assistance from the state budget to registered private media outlets, effective August 19, 2025. Furthermore, the People’s Majlis has approved the allocation of funds to media organizations equivalent to 0.1 percent of the state’s estimated revenue.
