Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has said the government has shown patience despite protests by journalists against the Media Commission Bill.

Journalists have been holding demonstrations, chanting slogans, and voicing concerns that the media bill would restrict press freedom.

In a post on X, Minister Saeed said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was leading the country with a strong commitment to democratic values, unlike previous administrations. He noted that the President was elected with overwhelming public support, while the government is also dealing with what he described as the biggest financial crisis in the nation’s history, caused by the previous administration.

Minister Saeed argued that the current demands for media freedom were politically motivated. He also shared a video of President Dr Muizzu engaging with journalists at the President’s Office, which he described as evidence of openness.

According to the minister, journalists have been freely protesting in Malé’s green zone throughout the day. He added that Information Minister Ibrahim Waheed and Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel had met with the protesters to hear their concerns.

Saeed said the government had opened a ten-day window for journalists to propose changes to the bill. He added that Attorney General Ahmed Usham had addressed journalists’ questions at a live press conference, while protests were also permitted to continue.

The minister stressed that even when journalists confronted the President during his travels, the government had responded with restraint and patience.