The “Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation” bill has been passed by the committee with numerous amendments addressing the concerns raised. The bill was passed with the support of the members present at the committee. As no member voted against passing the bill in the committee, it was unanimously approved. The “Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation” bill was initially submitted to the People’s Majlis by the member for Thulusdhoo constituency, Abdul Hannan Abubakur. The Independent Institutions Committee, which reviewed the bill, has made significant amendments to it. The government’s amendments to address concerns in the bill were proposed by the member for Kelaa constituency, Abdullah Shareef. The member for Galolhu South constituency, Mickail Naseem, also proposed amendments to the bill. However, these amendments were not passed by the committee.
Among the important amendments proposed by Shareef and passed include changes to Articles 17, 19, and 20, removing any role for the President in appointing and dismissing commission members, as well as in appointing the commission’s chairperson. Article 18, which outlines the qualifications for members, was amended to prohibit membership in a political party instead of holding a position in a political party. Article 41, which deals with the disclosure of personal information, was amended to emphasize respect for individual privacy rather than prohibiting unwarranted intrusion into personal freedom.
Article 67, which allowed for action against individual journalists and media workers, was removed. Additionally, the provision in Article 66(f) that gave the commission power to temporarily revoke a media outlet’s registration as an administrative measure while investigating a case was also removed during the committee stage. Many other articles that raised concerns were also amended during the committee stage. The bill is described as aiming to advance and develop press freedom in the Maldives, maintain freedom of the press, prevent the spread of false news, and ensure responsible use of constitutional rights by establishing guidelines for media outlets and journalists.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated on various occasions that media should be able to operate independently. Media outlets were among the first groups he met after assuming office. During that meeting, he began working on addressing and resolving the concerns of the media. As a result, a specific percentage of the state budget has now been allocated for media outlets. The government has also initiated the development of a media village to address the space constraints faced by media organizations.
