As a presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, it has been decided to allocate 0.1% of the state budget, or 27.9 million MVR, as financial aid to private media outlets.
Initially, under the regulations formulated by the Ministry of Information and Arts, it was revealed that Sangu TV and Sangu Online—entities in which Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) has an interest—would receive the highest amount of funding. Following this discovery and significant criticism regarding the inclusion of several online news outlets that spread government propaganda, the initial announcements were canceled.
In response to these criticisms, the first list was voided, and the task was handed over to the newly established Media Commission. The Media Commission published a new set of regulations in the Government Gazette last Thursday, December 25th. The window for applications was opened from that day until 14:00 on December 28, 2025. This is a very short period, encompassing both Friday and Saturday. In other words, media outlets did not receive even one full official working day to source and prepare the necessary documentation. This time, the process appears even more problematic. Under the pretext of the fiscal year ending, it seems to be a rushed attempt—resembling a deliberate scam—to ensure only specific parties can apply. The transparency of this process remains highly questionable.
While stakeholders remained unaware, the announcement was published in the Gazette on Thursday. Knowing that the government, banks, and other institutions would be closed for the weekend, they counted those two days to complete a three-day window and closed the portal at 2:00 PM on Sunday.
Consequently, they can rush the marking process and distribute the funds to their preferred recipients by December 31st. However, when undertaking such a task, ensuring transparency and providing adequate opportunity for complaints are essential requirements for a fair process. Rushing to distribute the money simply because the budget is closing turns this into a major "scam."
Sadir Ali Didi, Chief Operating Officer of Ras Online, stated that notifications regarding media matters should be sent via email or other appropriate means before or during the time they are Gazetted. He noted that while a two-day period was given, those two days were public holidays (the weekend), and Friday is an administrative holiday. He highlighted that the deadline was set for 14:00 on the 28th (Sunday), yet information only became available on the night of the 26th, leaving only Saturday to prepare. Therefore, Sadir mentioned that Saturday was the only day available to find and prepare the required documents. He emphasized that such matters can only be carried out effectively if notices are given well in advance, allowing parties a reasonable opportunity to submit their applications.
"Ras Media became aware of this because it was published in the Gazette on the 25th. I believe the importance of officially notifying media outlets in writing applies not just to disciplinary actions, but also to opportunities opened for media," Sadir said.
Under the new regulations, key criteria include being a registered and operating media outlet since before January 1st of last year and, in the case of broadcasting media, possessing a valid license. Points are awarded based on the number of employees (a maximum of 15 marks for 31+ employees), a business plan (up to 15 marks), having an administrative office, being registered and paying into the pension fund, and having a published code of ethics or editorial policy. The formula for distributing the funds is also included in the regulations.
While providing state financial assistance to media is important, fairness in the formulation of regulations and the time allowed for applications is crucial. Providing such a short duration under a new regulation raises significant questions. Rather than rushing through the process like a "string of firecrackers," the leadership of the Media Commission needs to be more responsible.
Initially, under the regulations formulated by the Ministry of Information and Arts, it was revealed that Sangu TV and Sangu Online—entities in which Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) has an interest—would receive the highest amount of funding. Following this discovery and significant criticism regarding the inclusion of several online news outlets that spread government propaganda, the initial announcements were canceled.
In response to these criticisms, the first list was voided, and the task was handed over to the newly established Media Commission. The Media Commission published a new set of regulations in the Government Gazette last Thursday, December 25th. The window for applications was opened from that day until 14:00 on December 28, 2025. This is a very short period, encompassing both Friday and Saturday. In other words, media outlets did not receive even one full official working day to source and prepare the necessary documentation. This time, the process appears even more problematic. Under the pretext of the fiscal year ending, it seems to be a rushed attempt—resembling a deliberate scam—to ensure only specific parties can apply. The transparency of this process remains highly questionable.
While stakeholders remained unaware, the announcement was published in the Gazette on Thursday. Knowing that the government, banks, and other institutions would be closed for the weekend, they counted those two days to complete a three-day window and closed the portal at 2:00 PM on Sunday.
Consequently, they can rush the marking process and distribute the funds to their preferred recipients by December 31st. However, when undertaking such a task, ensuring transparency and providing adequate opportunity for complaints are essential requirements for a fair process. Rushing to distribute the money simply because the budget is closing turns this into a major "scam."
Sadir Ali Didi, Chief Operating Officer of Ras Online, stated that notifications regarding media matters should be sent via email or other appropriate means before or during the time they are Gazetted. He noted that while a two-day period was given, those two days were public holidays (the weekend), and Friday is an administrative holiday. He highlighted that the deadline was set for 14:00 on the 28th (Sunday), yet information only became available on the night of the 26th, leaving only Saturday to prepare. Therefore, Sadir mentioned that Saturday was the only day available to find and prepare the required documents. He emphasized that such matters can only be carried out effectively if notices are given well in advance, allowing parties a reasonable opportunity to submit their applications.
"Ras Media became aware of this because it was published in the Gazette on the 25th. I believe the importance of officially notifying media outlets in writing applies not just to disciplinary actions, but also to opportunities opened for media," Sadir said.
Under the new regulations, key criteria include being a registered and operating media outlet since before January 1st of last year and, in the case of broadcasting media, possessing a valid license. Points are awarded based on the number of employees (a maximum of 15 marks for 31+ employees), a business plan (up to 15 marks), having an administrative office, being registered and paying into the pension fund, and having a published code of ethics or editorial policy. The formula for distributing the funds is also included in the regulations.
While providing state financial assistance to media is important, fairness in the formulation of regulations and the time allowed for applications is crucial. Providing such a short duration under a new regulation raises significant questions. Rather than rushing through the process like a "string of firecrackers," the leadership of the Media Commission needs to be more responsible.
