The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, warning that it poses a grave threat to press freedom and could bring the country’s media under direct government control.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, MJA said the bill, submitted by Thulaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, “will completely erode the freedom of journalism and media in the Maldives” echoing concerns previously raised over an earlier version of the proposal.
Warning of Centralized Power
MJA argued the bill was designed to concentrate sweeping powers in the hands of the President, allowing the government to intimidate journalists and dictate the media landscape. The association said vague terms in the draft could be “exploited unfairly” enabling punitive fines, forced shutdowns of newspapers, website blocks, and even severe punishments for individual journalists.
“We consider this a complete killing of free journalism” MJA declared, rejecting any regulation by a commission where members are appointed or chaired by the President.
Hidden Agenda Alleged
The group also criticized provisions allowing parliament to dismiss members elected by media outlets, branding it “unreasonable”. It raised further concerns about Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim’s prominent role in the bill’s formulation, suggesting a “hidden agenda” behind the decision to submit it under Hannan’s name.
Call for Self-Regulation
MJA reiterated that media regulation should rest in the hands of journalists themselves through a strong, self-regulatory mechanism, free from government influence. The association reminded that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had previously pledged support for such a system.
“We call upon the member who submitted the bill to withdraw it on behalf of all journalists. We also urge the ruling PNC and majority MPs not to vote for this bill” the statement concluded.
