Ahmed Naish

Corruption probe widens beyond US$23 million police housing scandal

A whistleblower alleged "widespread corruption" beyond the housing project.

Highlights of President Muizzu's state of the nation address

Muizzu delivered his second state of the nation address at the official opening of the People’s Majlis for 2025.

The Missing Years: 2020-2025

Here’s a timeline of the major events and key stories during our five-year hiatus.

Previous administration gave sovereign guarantees worth US$1.3 billion

US$660 million was disbursed to 24 companies.

President Solih meets ambassadors and foreign dignitaries

The new ambassador of the United States presented her letter of credence to the president.

Witness testimony continues in Rilwan abduction trial

A prosecution witness, whose voice was altered for anonymity, told the court he had heard screams near journalist Ahmed Rilwan’s apartment the night he was abducted.

Foreign freeholds will not threaten Indian Ocean security, assures President Yameen

After ratifying the second amendment to the constitution today, President Yameen sought to allay fears over foreign ownership of land in the Maldives, assuring the public that freeholds will not threat Indian Ocean security or lead to “enslavement” and scarcity of land.

Nine hour power cut in Malé caused by damaged switch gear

The State Electricity Company (STELCO) has said that a power outage in the Galolhu ward of Malé around 1:00am last night was caused by a damaged switch gear at a distribution centre in Lily Magu. The power cut lasted more than nine hours and followed STELCO warning of intermittent cuts in the capital after one of two main 8MW generators at the power plant was damaged.

Majlis approves foreign freeholds in second amendment to constitution

Some 70 MPs voted to allow foreigners to own land in the Maldives. Opposing MPs expressed concern over lack of public debate and say the amendments paves the way for Chinese military expansion in the Maldives. The second constitutional amendment was approved within 24 hours of it being submitted to the Majlis.

Second amendment on foreign land ownership likely to pass

Some 64 MPs voted to consider the constitutional amendment and sent it to a special committee for review. Minority leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said the government must consider Indian Ocean security in awarding land to foreign parties. A final vote is expected on Wednesday afternoon.

Parliament impeaches Vice President Dr Jameel in absentia

PPM MPs slam Commonwealth ‘bullying’ as opposition MPs warn against isolation

President Abdulla Yameen had sought parliament’s counsel on the country’s membership of the Commonwealth following lobbying efforts for an assessment of Maldives’ alleged violations of the organisation’s principles with the imprisonment of opposition politicians, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Bill proposes criminalizing ‘expressions contrary to national interest and Islamic tenets’

A draft freedom of expression legislation – obtained by Minivan News – states that four types of “expressions contrary to national interest” will constitute criminal offences: encouraging harm to a person or damage to private party, calling for the illegal overthrow of the government, threatening the country’s independence, sovereignty, and security, and accusing a person of committing a hadd offence without conclusive evidence.

Cabinet reassesses Maldives’ membership in Commonwealth as UK welcomes talks

The cabinet has decided to reassess the Maldives’ membership in the Commonwealth following repeated threats to leave the inter-governmental organization. British MPs are meanwhile continuing to urge their government to monitor the situation in the Maldives.

With Chinese grants and loans Malé-Hulhulé bridge inches closer to reality

The Malé-Hulhumalé bridge will cost an estimated US$300 million, finance minister Abdulla Jihad revealed today. In addition to US$100 million in grant aid, the Chinese government will also provide a US$170 million loan at a two percent interest rate.

New national integrity commission will ‘cure PIC toothlessness’

The government has submitted a bill to replace the Police Integrity Commission and the Customs Integrity Commission with a single ‘national integrity commission’ with greater powers.

Defence minister summoned over Chinese submarine ‘incursion into Maldivian waters’

Defence minister Moosa Ali Jaleel has been summoned to parliament to answer whether a Chinese Yuan class 335 submarine entered Maldivian territorial waters between March 31 and May 22. MDP MP Eva Abdulla submitted the question to parliament yesterday to summon the retired major general for minister’s question time.

Jailed ex MP admitted at hospital for tests

Imprisoned former ruling party MP Ahmed Nazim has been admitted at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to conduct tests.

PPM seeks to limit elected councils to populous islands

PPM MP Abdulla Khaleel has also proposed extensive changes to the composition of local councils. Apart from the president and vice president of island, atoll, and city councils, the ruling party lawmaker proposed making other councillors part-time members who would not be involved in day-to-day activities.

MDP warns against politicisation of national university

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has warned that changes proposed to the national university law for the president to appoint nine members to its council will compromise the university’s independence and politicise the institution.