Emergency motion on operation of TV station at building rented for NSPA rejected

Parliament, on Monday, has rejected an emergency motion submitted that raises concern regarding Maldives Media House Private Limited operating a media under the name ‘MMTV’ on two of the floors of a building leased by National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to run its office.

The emergency motion was submitted by main opposition MDP’s North Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.

While opening Monday’s parliamentary sitting, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla noted receiving the emergency motion, however, said the emergency motion would not be accepted as it does not meet the necessary requirements.

Meekail’s emergency motion detailed that Maldives Media House Private Limited was awarded the bid with respect to a June 25^th announcement seeking to rent an office building for NSPA’s operations via National Tender Board.

He referenced the allegations circulating on social media regarding this transaction claiming two floors from four floors of a building leased by NSPA for a five-year term after paying a lump sum of MVR 34.8 million remains in use by Maldives Media House for the operations of its newly launched TV station, MMTV.

Meekail also alleged that some individuals working as journalists and presenters at MMTV are civil servants employed by various government organizations, with their salaries being paid from the state budget.

If true, he said this would amount to a huge theft from the state finances and an act of corruption.

Meekail also claimed that equipment airfreighted for MMTV’s operations was unlawfully cleared from Customs without payment of import duty.

He described this as a huge corruption that has taken place by misusing the government’s procurement system.

Meekail emphasized that NSPA’s funds being misused in this regard pose a huge obstruction for the agency in fulfilling their legally mandated responsibilities. He underscored the possibility of funds allocated for social welfare of the public running out as a result which could bring a stop to aid provided by the government for individuals in need.

Notably, NSPA has filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the allegations against the Agency. While ACC has begun its probe, they have yet to disclose any information on the matter.