Politics.

On September 30, 2026, heated debates took place between the government and various political figures regarding the Rasmale project, with differing viewpoints expressed on the matter. While senior government officials highlighted the importance of the project and the conveniences it would bring to citizens, political opposition figures raised questions about concerns regarding the project's execution as well as its financial and implementation challenges. Amidst these exchanges between both sides, the direction of this mega-project and its potential impact on the public were extensively debated in the political arena, bringing varied perspectives to the fore.

Preparations and organizational arrangements required to hold the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Congress were initiated and carried out on September 30, 2026. As part of this work, the congress agenda is to be formulated, and administrative arrangements for conducting the sessions are to be finalized. Furthermore, relevant authorities are working to organize arrangements for delegates participating from various constituencies across the Maldives and to coordinate all logistics for this meeting, which is being held to make decisions regarding party policies.

In this issue that came to light on September 30, 2026, Member of Parliament Fathimath Sauda stated that she does not wish to disclose who provided the alleged 2.4 million Rufiyaa loan she took. Major questions have been raised in connection with this matter, regarding the figures in the financial statement submitted by Sauda and the details of the funds in her account. Furthermore, amid growing concerns surrounding this loan transaction, many are noting that this is a serious matter requiring legal and financial examination.

In news that emerged on 30 September 2026, important information regarding the financial statements of Saleem and Qasim was disclosed. In this regard, details of the property and assets owned by them, as well as their financial transactions, have drawn attention in connection with these statements. Various reports were published in the media regarding these statements, which were submitted in accordance with regulations on the disclosure of financial affairs of individuals holding state positions. Furthermore, efforts underway to clarify additional information concerning these financial statements and to enhance financial transparency were highlighted.

At a press conference held at the President's Office on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, information was shared regarding important government policies and various ongoing initiatives. During the conference, the government clarified to the media the targets set for public-related matters and details of efforts progressing through the governance system. Furthermore, questions posed by journalists regarding various government policies were answered, highlighting the government's commitment to conducting state affairs transparently.

An issue regarding a port development company allegedly created in secret has been submitted to the People's Majlis for review and investigation. The matter was submitted to the parliament after noting a lack of transparency and elements of secrecy in the formation of the company, alongside concerns regarding its ownership and financing. Additionally, the relevant committee of the parliament was requested to investigate the purpose behind establishing such a large company without public disclosure, as well as the details of the financial transactions involved. In connection with this issue, questions were raised on the parliament floor and in the political sphere regarding the government's transparency policy, and efforts to hold the relevant authorities accountable have commenced.

An issue surfaced on 30 September 2026 where penthouses of the "Niam Residence" project being developed by the Maldives Hajj Corporation were given to former senior officials of the corporation at significantly reduced prices; reports state that these apartments were given to those parties at prices lower than the general market rate. Following this matter coming to public attention, questions were raised and severe criticism was directed toward the agreements and transactions made to sell units to the corporation's employees and former executives. Furthermore, in connection with this issue, work has also commenced to cancel the agreements entered into regarding the sale of the apartments in Niam Residence.

As 10 years have passed since the murder of 14-year-old Fathir Mohamed Ali, who was brutally killed in a violent assault in Male', memories of the incident have been revived once again. Even as a decade has elapsed through efforts to establish justice and through judicial proceedings in this tragic case where the life of a young child was lost, the family remains waiting for justice. This case is an important incident that serves as a reminder of the necessity of measures that must be taken to prevent dangerous crimes and gang violence perpetrated by children and youth in society. The importance of delivering appropriately swift results from the legal sector regarding this incident, which occurred ten years ago, is still noted among the public.

The hearings conducted at the Criminal Court to retry the murder case of blogger Yameen Rasheed were fully concluded on 30 September 2026, moving the case forward to sentencing. In the final hearing of this trial, which was conducted at the Criminal Court following the High Court's order for a retrial concerning Ismail Rasheed and Difran, in addition to Haisham and Zihan who are implicated in the case, closing statements were delivered. After both sides concluded their closing statements, the presiding judge announced that the next proceeding would be the hearing to deliver the verdict in this case.

The trial against Isha has been scheduled to begin next Monday. While the hearings of this case are arranged to formally commence in court, important legal procedures pertaining to the case will be carried out during the trial session. Furthermore, the relevant authorities are completing all necessary administrative preparations to commence this trial. With this hearing beginning next Monday, it is anticipated that further details of the case will become clearer in the trial court.

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has stated that the national airline, Maldivian, fell heavily into debt due to the previous MDP administration. The Minister noted that decisions made during the MDP rule and the management policies implemented severely deteriorated the company's financial condition, forcing it to shoulder heavy financial burdens. He also stated that this has posed major challenges to the company's operations and long-term growth.

A special report was published on 30 September 2026 stating that the Attorney General is accountable not just to a specific party or solely to the government, but to the entire nation. The report highlighted that, as the state's chief legal advisor, the Attorney General's responsibility in upholding the Constitution and laws is directly linked to the interests of the people and the nation. Furthermore, the report emphasized that ensuring state accountability with fairness under all circumstances to protect public interest and uphold the rule of law is an imperative national duty of the Attorney General.

A special 'Baaru Hathareh' program was held on 30 September 2026 featuring Male' City Council's Hulhumale' North constituency Councillor Fathimath Zahiyya. During the program, the councillor shared information regarding key issues related to the residents of the Hulhumale' North constituency, as well as efforts underway for the development of the constituency and the welfare of its people. The program also highlighted extensively the various concerns faced by the constituency's residents and the initiatives undertaken by the council to address them.