Committee approves Zeena Zahir’s appointment to Broadcasting Commission

Parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions has approved the appointment of former Public Service Media (PSM) Managing Director Zeena Zahir to the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom).

Zeena was among 10 candidates nominated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the BroadCom seat left vacant following the resignation of Mohamed Fazeen.

After conducting interviews, the committee awarded five candidates over 75 percent, the minimum threshold for consideration. Zeena received the highest score with 85.13 percent, followed by:

- Aishath Shiyana: 83 percent

- Shimla Ahmed: 82 percent

- Moosa Rilwana; 81 percent

- Zam'ath Ahmed Waheed – 77.5 percent

Zeena previously served as a member of the Broadcasting Commission during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. She was later appointed Managing Director of PSM in November 2023 under President Muizzu’s administration, but resigned shortly afterward without publicly stating a reason.

The five remaining candidates; Ibrahim Ashraf, Ali Yoosuf, Mohamed Shameem, Ahmed Zahir, and Fathimath Zaeema did not meet the 75 percent mark required by the committee.

President Muizzu has also sent a separate list of candidates for another vacant seat on Broadcom. That list includes the top five candidates, along with Ali Yoosuf. Topping the President’s list is Zam’ath Ahmed Waheed, who served in media for many years.