President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced tonight that he will remove the “Media Control Bill” from the Parliament, which was proposed by an independent member of the Parliament to fine media outlets and journalists and suspend their licenses.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Social Center to mark the first anniversary of this government, President Dr. Muizzu addressed the bill proposed by the independent member for Thulusdhoo constituency, Abdul Hannan Idrees.
He stated that the bill does not align with his policies. The President said he does not want to control the media but rather wants to empower them and give them more freedom than they currently have.
“We will work to empower the media. To empower the media, for the first time, the budget that is being passed will include allocations from the state budget to provide funds to media outlets. For the first time, as promised,” the President said.
The President also mentioned that the funds for media will be distributed under regulations made by the Youth Ministry. He also said that an office space will be provided in Hulhumale at a reasonable price, and all media outlets that comply with regulations can work there.
According to the President, media offices will be established in the hotel that STO has started building, and TV programs can also be recorded there.
After the ceremony, while greeting supporters, the President responded to a question from a journalist who approached the area, saying that he will remove the bill. The President said this while his PNC party holds a supermajority in the Parliament.
When the journalist asked if the bill would not be accepted, the President replied, “Yes, of course.”
The President said that 91% of the RTI requests submitted to the President’s Office have now been answered. He said that all activities of every ministry are being published on the ‘Government’ website, and 819 questions have been received through the People’s Voice Portal. He also mentioned that 773 of these questions have been answered in detail.
The President stated that ministries have held 73 press conferences, and ministers have given 791 interviews to various media outlets.
President Dr. Muizzu said that journalists also have a responsibility. He said that it is to provide information to people truthfully. He stated that there is no problem with writing anything as long as it is truthful.
Journalists have two main concerns regarding the Media Bill. One concern is that out of the seven members of the new commission, four will be appointed by the President with the approval of the Parliament, and three will be appointed by media outlets. Journalists fear this could lead to government influence over the media.
The bill gives the power to appoint the chairman and vice-chairman of the commission to the President with the approval of the Parliament.
The second concern is that the bill allows for fining journalists and media outlets. Media outlets can be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000 for repeated violations of the code of conduct. Individual journalists can be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000.
