Mohamed Saif Fathih
Saif Fathih is a columnist at the Maldives Independent and a serving member of the Malé City Council for Galolhu North. With his educational background in communications, international studies and public policy, he previously worked as a journalist, editor and public policy advisor, with roles including senior policy director at the ministry of national planning and editor of Ocean Weekly Magazine. Saif began his career as a radio producer and presenter at Minivan Radio, writer for Minivan Daily, and translator for the British High Commission and the European Union Mission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He is also the host of Ithuru Vaahaka, the Maldives Independent podcast.
Not just flowers and photo-ops: what Malé’ needs from its mayor
Mayor Adam Azim is campaigning for a second term, but what does it take to lead the country’s capital?
02 Dec, 4:51 PM
Public plots for garbage collection: Malé's land giveaway exposed
President Muizzu handed out Malé's land almost for free.
23 Nov, 1:24 PM
More than a line on an ID card: the permanent address dilemma
Solving one injustice could create another.
06 Nov, 5:15 PM
Episode 13: Breaking up Addu – what's at stake in the referendum
Ahead of tomorrow’s referendum, Addu leaders are divided over whether the atoll should remain a city or return to individual island councils.
24 Oct, 3:45 PM
When is democracy undemocratic? Addu's referendum and the autonomy dilemma
Does local autonomy trump collective will?
22 Oct, 5:29 PM
Beyond rhetoric: four reforms that would genuinely strengthen local governance
City councillors earn MVR 35,000 with no defined duties.
15 Oct, 4:05 PM
Episode 12: Shiman's lawyer recounts procedural chaos after private photo leak
The opposition activist's photo was leaked hours after police seized her phone.
13 Oct, 2:16 PM
Isolate and manipulate: abolishing atoll councils fragments collective power
One island rewarded, another punished for dissent.
08 Oct, 3:20 PM
The opposition that can't oppose: MDP burdened by its own elite
Silence on the Adeeb Files speaks volumes.
30 Sep, 5:29 PM
The fall of Mayor Azim’s bid committee
Why would the mayor form a legally dubious evaluation committee dominated by his political rivals?
24 Sep, 3:54 PM
Episode 11: Dredging threatens Maldives’ precious Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve
Policy changes that fast-track environmental approvals threaten centuries-old reefs. Coral advocates sound the alarm.
05 Sep, 4:38 PM
Adduans still measure development against abandoned British base
"Nothing pledged has panned out for us."
01 Sep, 4:31 PM
Episode 10: Live from the journalists’ protest site
Journalists warn the bill curbs free speech, challenging the president and walking out on the AG.
29 Aug, 5:20 PM
Episode 9: Youth-led research challenges Addu’s development narrative
Project ThimaaVeshi sheds light on Addu’s competing visions of growth and conservation.
22 Aug, 2:54 PM
Government locks down local council powers in final year before 2026 elections
Island councils have blasted the government’s hypocritical undermining of their powers, as a bid for control during election years.
17 Aug, 3:29 PM
Episode 8: Defending decentralised governance with Hussain Shafiu
Baa Atoll Kihaadhoo Council President Hussain Shafiu on the rushed changes to the Decentralisation Act that strip powers from local councils in their final year.
15 Aug, 2:20 PM
Captured by a spreadsheet: how one man controls Maldives' anti-corruption system
The watchdog shields the powerful and denies justice through digital gatekeeping.
10 Aug, 12:11 PM
Nobody knows who owns Malé's land – and that's not an accident
Public land, private deals, zero transparency.
03 Aug, 3:56 PM
Stop the bulldozers: the fight to save Malé's last graveyards
A fatwa came too late for the Maafannu cemetery.
28 Jul, 12:36 PM
"The worst-run football association in the world"
FIFA was forced to intervene last year.
20 Jul, 3:35 PM
