News

Opposition seeks Broadcom member removal over party links

Opposition has presented motion for the removal of Broadcasting Commission member Fathimath Zaina from her designation at parliament.

The case was presented to parliament floor by North-Maafannu constituency lawmaker Imthiyaz Fahmy and Addu-Meedhoo constituency member Rozaina Adam; both of whom represent the committee of independent commissions.

In a letter sent to parliament by the aforementioned lawmakers, they had specified that Zaina Adam, who represents an independent commission was seen at Monday night's ceremony at Rasfannu Beach. The ceremony was arranged for the Presidency couple to meet and greet senior citizens, and Ms. Adam's had spearheaded the arrangement of the event.

The MPs had pointed her involvement as a breach to the independent and transparent nature of Broadcasting Commission since members of the commission are expected to refrain from involving in political assemblies and gatherings.

The letter had also raised questions about the integrity of Ms. Adam who had, prior to getting elected to the commission, been an active participant and organizer of several PPM (ruling party) led camps and rallies.

"Zaina's recent involvement in a political assembly cements the carried out allegations from the public about the biased nature of Broadcasting Commission that had been concluding cases favoring a certain side," the contents of the letter by MPs sent to parliament read.

Zaina was criticized for her involvement in politically associated functions when her duty to commission dictates to keep a neutral stance, thus the lawmakers had called out for the immediate termination of the scrutinized member from her duties.

Earlier Raajje TV had broadcasted footage showing the Broadcom member actively participating in the ushering arrangements of Monday night's function by the Presidency couple. The video had since picked up its spread in social media platforms, attracting several criticism and banter from public about her apparent bias stand.

Interestingly the Monday night function on behalf of President Abdulla Yameen and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim, was presented by board member and Managing Director of Public Service Media (PSM) Ikram Abdul Latheef.