Author

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.

127 articles
Artwork: Dosain

Maldives data crisis: citizens' personal information sold for US$ 9,700

Scams exploiting stolen data cost US$ 90,000 in one month.

08 Jun 2025, 13:07

Episode 4: Malé Rahvehinge Jamiyya (MRJ) board members on Gedhoruveriya and Binveriya scheme

Episode 4: Malé Rahvehinge Jamiyya (MRJ) board members on Gedhoruveriya and Binveriya scheme

Our latest Ithuru Vaahaka podcast explores the concerns of Binveriya and Gedhoruveriya scheme applicants, following last week's finalisation of the Gulhifalhu Land Use Plan and drawing of new lots.

06 Jun 2025, 19:41

Artwork: Dosain

Right to information “in the red” as Maldives government’s secrecy deepens

Not a single ministry met minimum requirements.

05 Jun 2025, 15:38

Artwork: Dosain

Police formally seek fall victim's statement as family denies obstruction

But Yumn is not medically fit to speak, says her family.

27 May 2025, 17:18

Episode 3: Information Commissioner Ahidh Rasheed and RTI and environment advocate Afrah Ismail

Episode 3: Information Commissioner Ahidh Rasheed and RTI and environment advocate Afrah Ismail

Our latest Ithuru Vaahaka podcast explores the Right to Information Act with Information Commissioner Ahidh Rasheed and advocate Afrah Ismail, examining how the law works in theory and where it falls short in practice.

24 May 2025, 19:13

Artwork: Dosain

Broadcasting regulator staff revolt against commission leadership

All staff walked out in an unprecedented strike.

22 May 2025, 17:26

‘Vaanuvaa’: is justice delayed justice denied?

‘Vaanuvaa’: is justice delayed justice denied?

Our Ithuru Vaahaka podcast looks into the Maldives’ pre-trial detention problem which has left some defendants waiting up to a decade for their cases to be resolved.

15 May 2025, 19:15

Episode 2: Criminal lawyer Hamza Latheef on Vaanuvaa

Episode 2: Criminal lawyer Hamza Latheef on Vaanuvaa

Our latest Ithuru Vaahaka podcast investigates Maldives’ pre-trial detention crisis, where some suspects have waited up to nine years without conviction. Criminal lawyer Hamza Latheef joins us to unpack why it’s happening, how courts are failing, and what reforms could fix it.

15 May 2025, 17:41

Episode 1: Shimon - #JusticeforYumn protest organiser

Episode 1: Shimon - #JusticeforYumn protest organiser

A chat with one of the leading organisers of #DhulehNukuraanan #JusticeforYumn

13 May 2025, 18:00

Artwork: Dosain

Nasheed bombing trial remains stalled four years after failed assassination

Four years after the attempt on former President Nasheed's life, the trial drags on with no convictions, multiple delays, and shifting judge panels.

06 May 2025, 19:03

Thalassemia patients still waiting for results of “quick corrective action”

Thalassemia patients still waiting for results of “quick corrective action”

Thalassemia patients report ongoing medicine shortages and delays despite promised reforms.

04 May 2025, 00:54

Artwork: Dosain

Threat to probe presidential retreat query creates "dangerous precedent"

The threat came in response to an RTI request.

13 Apr 2025, 15:10

Artwork: Dosain

The lost traditions of Hithi days: a glimpse into Maldives’ Ramadan festivities before the 1960s

A royal Ramadan tradition rooted in Sufi practices, lost to reform and modernisation.

29 Mar 2025, 17:00

What's in a name: Maldives throughout millennia

What's in a name: Maldives throughout millennia

A chronicle of designations from ancient Sanskrit to modern times.

28 Mar 2025, 16:45

Artwork: Dosain

An irresponsible “solution”: Malé City Council’s obsession with uprooting trees

Where shade once stood, only sun-baked concrete remains.

27 Mar 2025, 19:41

Money printing will trigger inflation crisis, warns ex-central bank governor

Money printing will trigger inflation crisis, warns ex-central bank governor

"No injections will be made without fiscal space," deputy speaker assures.

13 Mar 2025, 19:38

Government promises "quick intervention" to control Ramadan food prices

Government promises "quick intervention" to control Ramadan food prices

Monitoring system targets 141 Ramadan staples.

27 Feb 2025, 19:00

Fenaka buckles under MVR 3.8 billion debt and arrears

Fenaka buckles under MVR 3.8 billion debt and arrears

The state utility owes billions to lenders and private contractors.

17 Feb 2025, 16:21

Corruption probe widens beyond US$23 million police housing scandal

Corruption probe widens beyond US$23 million police housing scandal

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

16 Feb 2025, 16:00

Broadcom threatens Raajje TV with punitive action over protest song

Broadcom threatens Raajje TV with punitive action over protest song

The regulator decided to apply news reporting standards for its inquiry.

13 Feb 2025, 14:00

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