Parliament approves Muhamma, Sarahath for BroadCom membership

The Parliament on Thursday approved two candidates for appointment to the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom); Mohamed Abdulla (Muhamma) – a former parliamentarian and actor – and Aminath Sarahath Izzath – who previously also served as a member of the commission.

Muhamma and Sarahath were nominated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to replace the commission’s former president Mariyam Waheeda and member Ali Yoosuf, after their term expired on December 5.

The Parliament voted on Muhamma and Sarahath at an extraordinary sitting held on Thursday. Sarahath – who received 89 percent points by the Independent Institutions Committee which vetted the candidates – received 68 votes.

Meanwhile, Muhamma, who received 79 percent points from the committee – the third highest points – received 58 votes.

However, Shifza Mustafa, who passed the vetting process with the second highest points of 84 percent, was rejected by the Parliament with a vote of 50.

Former President’s Office spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali had been on the top of the list of candidates submitted to the Parliament – which is ranked based on the President’s preference. However, Muaz failed to pass the committee interview. Sarahath, who received the highest points and the highest votes, had been ranked sixth on the list.

The BroadCom currently has five members; Aminath Ameena, Mohamed Fazeen, Shifla Ibrahim, Safa Shafeeq, and Aminath Nuzuha.