Leaked documents obtained by Minivan have revealed that the President’s social security and welfare’ fund will pay hundreds of thousands of ruffia to pro-regime newspapers in 2006.
Documents from the 2006 budget reveal that three newspapers, Haveeru, Aafathis and Miadu papers staunchly supportive of the president will receive Rf. 300,000 ($21,000) next year if the budget is approved. Minivan, the only daily newspaper critical of the government, will not receive any funds.
Minivan’s editor, Aminath Najeeb, has questioned whether the payments are tantamount to bribes by the president for positive news coverage.
"It is the prerogative of the despotic leader to buy journalists and the management of newspapers. In most such nations this is done in the guise of a grant the despot awards to newspapers," she said.
The President’s Office plans to grant Rf 60,000 to Haveeru, Rf 60,000 to Aafathis and Rf 180,000 to Miadhu.
Responding to a question by Minivan regarding the effects to the newspaper such a donation would produce, trustee Abbas Ibrahim of Aafathis said that such donations have been awarded by the President’s Office for many years. Previously this money had been given at the rate of Rf 5000 per month, he said.
Haveeru also confirmed that Rf 5000 was given to them every month by the President’s Office every year. Adam Abdullah of Miadhu management refused to confirm if Miadhu would receive a donation next year.
After deducing the amount to newspapers, from the remaining Rf 4,300,000 in Gayoom’s welfare fund, the Honorary Counsel in Egypt is to receive Rf 31,200, future damage control that might be sustained by the government Rf 300,000, miscellaneous aid Rf 20,000, as allowance to people appointed newly to the post of Atoll Chief, Rf 150,000, allowance to committees Rf 60,000, President’s educational scholarship fund Rf 36,000, other expenditure Rf 50,000, and aid money for damages by natural disasters Rf 400,000.
