Majlis committee votes to dismiss Zeena from Broadcom

Parliament’s committee on independent institutions has decided to move forward with a no-confidence motion against Zeena Zahir, a member of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom).

The committee made the decision at a meeting held on Monday, with five out of the nine MPs in attendance voting in favour of her dismissal.

The motion against Zeena was previously reviewed by the committee as well, along with other former members of the commission accused of targeting and penalising certain media channels during the previous administration, but the work was halted as she was on maternity leave. The work resumed back in August.

Zeena was the assistant manager at the Maldives Ports Limited prior to being appointed to Broadcom in April 2016.

Shortly after the 19th parliament began work in May 2019, it launched investigations into the claims against Broadcom.

Three members resigned from the commission during the investigation period; Vice President Abdulla Sofwan and member Hassan Nabah, as well as President Ibrahim Shaheeb.

Both Shaheeb and Sofwan resigned after the committee voted to remove them from the commission, while Fathmath Zaina was impeached through a parliamentary vote in October last year.

New members have since been appointed; Broadcom comprises of seven members.