Heena Waleed

Heena Waleed
Spokesperson of the President's Office
Incumbent
Assumed office
23 April 2024
PresidentMohamed Muizzu
Preceded byMohamed Shahyb
Managing Director of the National Social Protection Agency
Incumbent
Assumed office
29 November 2023
PresidentMohamed Muizzu
Journalist at Television Maldives (TVM)
Personal details
BornMalé, Maldives

Heena Waleed (Dhivehi: ހީނާ ވަލީދް) is the spokesperson for the President's Office.[1] She is the Spokesperson of Progressive Party of Maldives and People's National Congress. She is the managing director for the National Social Protection Agency as well.[2][3]

Career

Heena previously served as a Council member for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) before she became a Spokesperson for PPM's partner, People's National Congress (PNC).[2] She was also a journalist and had filled positions such as deputy editor and news executive editor at Television Maldives (TVM), and has served several high ranking positions such as Head of News at P.S.M.[1][2] She also served as the Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2023, she was appointed as the Managing Director of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).[4]

Corruption Allegations

In 2024, Heena Waleed faced corruption allegations as Managing Director of the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). Protests demanded her resignation, citing mismanagement and difficulties in accessing social services under her leadership. [5]

A key allegation involved leasing office space for NSPA through Maldives Media House, linked to President Mohamed Muizzu. NSPA reportedly agreed to pay MVR 580,000 per month, totaling MVR 34.8 million over five years, raising concerns about transparency and misuse of funds. [6]

Reports revealed that the funds were used to establish MMTV, a TV channel allegedly created to promote President Muizzu. Maldives Media House, which leased the building, was linked to Muizzu through Abdulla Zahir, a family member managing his residence [7] Two floors were rented to NSPA while the other floors housed the TV station.

The contract was only terminated after public criticism following its exposure on social media by @hkurusee (28 November 2024). "Breaking News: Nspa Corruption" (Tweet) – via Twitter.. The case is still under investigation, and no actions have been taken against those involved. Heena Waleed continues to hold her position.

Public and Political Reactions

Supporters of the People's National Congress (PNC) have defended Heena Waleed, attempting to downplay the allegations and frame the issue as politically motivated. Among her supporters are individuals who previously participated with her in the PNC/ PPM "India Out" protests, including Zahid Rameez, her third cousin @xahidcreator (19 June 2024). "Great to see my 3rd cousin HeenaWaleedafter 5 years!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.


References

  1. ^ a b "The President appoints Heena Waleed as Chief Spokesperson at the President's Office". The President's Office. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Ali, Humaam (29 April 2019). "Heena Waleed appointed PNC spokesperson". Raajje TV. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Managing directors appointed to 21 state companies". Atoll Times. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Heena named NSPA's CEO". Avas. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  5. ^ Zalif, Zunana (26 December 2024). "Protesters demand resignation of NSPA CEO". Raajje_TV. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  6. ^ "NSPA denies corruption in renting office building". Adhadhu. 30 November 2024. Retrieved 28 December 2024.
  7. ^ Zalif, Zunana (26 December 2024). "Each day Heena remains in position strengthens allegations that NSPA theft was ordered by pres". Raajje_TV. Retrieved 28 December 2024.

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