Dominion Network Pvt Ltd, publisher of The Standard Maldives, has stepped forward to demand the immediate suspension of the MVR 27.9 million media grant scheme, calling for fairness, transparency and an independent review of the entire process administered by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts.
The Standard stated that while it did not apply for the grant and was not eligible under the criteria set by the Ministry, it refuses to remain silent as concerns over the program continue to rise across the media industry. The company says this is not a plea for financial benefit, but a stand to protect integrity and public trust in Maldivian journalism.
According to the press release, the most alarming issue is the clear conflict of interest involving State Minister Ali Shamaan. His affiliated outlet, The Press, reportedly received approximately MVR 1.34 million while he played a key role in determining the rules, the evaluation process and the final approvals. The Standard says this creates a serious credibility crisis that cannot be ignored.
The statement from Dominion emphasizes that no transparent scoring mechanism has been disclosed, and the identities of those who decided the winners are hidden from the public. The Standard warns that when state funds touch the media industry, every step must be open to scrutiny. Citizens have the right to know who was favored and why.
To restore confidence, The Standard strongly urges the government to take the following corrective actions:
- Halt all future grant disbursements until the scheme is fully reviewed.
- Launch an independent investigation into the allocation process.
- Appoint a new evaluation committee with no political involvement.
- Release all documentation showing how decisions were made.
