President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he has instructed the members of parliament representing PNC not to pass the bill submitted to the People’s Majlis under the name of Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation in a way that gives him control. Speaking at a meeting held to meet the people of Nolhivaramu, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that controlling the media is not something he has ever done, nor is it something he is interested in. However, the President said that all parties need to work responsibly.
“I am informed that an independent member has submitted a media-related bill. I have already told the members of the government party that I do not want this to be done in a way that gives me any control. The bill proposes that the president of the commission that will be formed when the bill becomes law will be a member appointed by the President. I will not do this. I have already said that if it goes to an amendment stage, the president should be someone elected by voting within the commission,” said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The President said he wants the president to be elected by the seven members of the commission through voting. The President said he does not want to be someone who influences the media in any way and that the media should be able to operate independently. The President said he believes all parties will work responsibly.
“I do not want any control of mine in any way, neither in regulating the media nor in overseeing it. I believe it should be completely independent,” said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The President said that everyone has responsibilities in fully carrying out the country’s affairs. In this regard, he said that while carrying out the projects undertaken by the government, all other parties also have responsibilities to fulfill.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation bill was submitted to the People’s Majlis by the independent member for Thulusdhoo constituency, Abdul Hannan Abubakur. The bill includes provisions for taking severe measures against media outlets and individual journalists. According to the bill, journalists and media outlets that violate the code of conduct set by the Media Commission can be fined heavily and their registrations can also be revoked.
