The ruling PNC is moving to oust Deputy Parliament Speaker Ahmed Nazim, removing him from the key oversight committees – '241' security services committee and public accounts committee – and reassigning him to the less influential environment committee, Dhauru reported. Parliament officials confirmed the changes, but Nazim, who presided over recent sitting, has not announced them. Some PNC members told Dhauru that colleagues, who are dissatisfied with Nazim for allegedly acting against the government's interests in parliament, are pushing to file a no-confidence motion against him. Police have compiled an intelligence report containing serious criminal allegations against the Dhiggaru MP, Adhadhu reported, citing two sources. The nature of the allegations remains unknown. However, PNC parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Falah denied the media reports, dismissing the claims as "lies."
MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem launched his campaign for the MDP chairperson election, backed by former President Solih, party president Abdulla Shahid, and most of the opposition's 12-member parliamentary group. He pledged to run a fair presidential primary and bridge the gap between party leadership and grassroots members. Meekail is running against former President Nasheed and former MP Alhan Fahmy, who announced his bid this week. Addu Mayor Ali Nizar endorsed the Nasheed-Fayyaz alliance, calling former chairman Fayyaz a capable leader for the structural reforms the country needs. The chairperson race appears to be shaping up as a proxy battle over the coveted 2028 presidential ticket with Nasheed backing Fayyaz and Meekail aligned with the Solih faction.
The Human Rights Commission condemned conduct at recent opposition protests in Malé, contending that speeches have incited hatred and damaged reputations in violation of constitutional free speech protections, and urged authorities to take legal action. The commission did not address police use of force during the protests, including injuries sustained by MDP members.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed – who is running for MDP chairman – joined the opposition's nightly protests and warned he will keep them going indefinitely unless President Muizzu agrees to negotiations on reforming the governance structure. Nasheed argues the current constitution has enabled corruption and abuse of power for 18 years and requires fundamental change.
An 18-year-old female student was found dead in her dormitory room at the Maldives National University. MNU said police are investigating the incident, but neither the university nor police have released details on the cause of death or further information about the student.
The Criminal Court sentenced Abdullah Waheed Moosa, 58, of Fuvahmulah to 18 years in prison for sexually assaulting a man with special needs. Convicted under the law on special procedures for sexual offenders, he will serve approximately 16 years and 4 months after time already spent in detention is deducted.
A constitutional case was filed at the Supreme Court seeking to halt a government project to build three 17-storey towers in Villimalé's laurel-wood grove, the only surviving old-growth natural forest in Greater Malé. The petitioners Humaida Abdul Ghafoor and Ahmed Ikram argue the government launched the project without an environmental impact assessment, without public consultation, and in violation of laws protecting trees over 50 years old. They sought a stay order to stop the project and direct authorities to comply with environmental protection laws before any development proceeds.
MDP MP Ameen Faisal sought a parliamentary inquiry into the Maldives Airports Company Limited's alleged MVR 2.4 million (US$ 155,640) monthly wage bill for political appointees who do not report to work and the sponsorship of low-readership media outlets under the guise of advertising. The MP for Kanditheemu called the practices unlawful under anti-corruption and public finance laws. He asked parliament to summon MACL's leadership to a committee hearing.
Bank of Maldives raised the maximum age for loan eligibility from 60 to 75 and extended credit card access to those over 75 with a proven income. CEO Mohamed Shareef also announced a 1.5 percentage point discount for resort workers and Maldivians employed abroad who repay loans in dollars. He said BML has no plans to raise interest rates.
A 21-year-old man drowned while fishing in Laamu Hithadhoo. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the island's health centre, police said.
An oil tanker ran aground on the reef at Athamana (formerly Galhufalhu), where land reclamation is underway for a convention and events centre 2.5km northwest of Malé, Adhadhu reported. Neither police nor MNDF have commented on the incident. The 60-hectare lagoon is being developed under a plan to reclaim 19.8 hectares around its perimeter for the facility, which was originally planned for Hulhumalé.
MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim proposed a constitutional amendment to restore atoll councils, which the ruling PNC effectively abolished through a constitutional change last year. The opposition lawmaker argues the move was made without proper study and lacked public support, pointing to this month's referendum in which 69 percent rejected the government's proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously.
