Maldives Media Council (MMC) has called on the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee to withdraw the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulatory Bill, which was recently referred to the Parliament.

The bill was introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar in his personal capacity. Although the ruling PNC parliamentary group has defended the bill, media organisations and affiliates have raised concerns and urged that it be scrapped.

During a meeting with the Independent Institutions Committee today, MMC members expressed strong reservations about the proposed legislation. MMC President Hussain Sageef said the bill had been submitted to Parliament without consulting the council or other relevant authorities, and without adequate research.

He noted that while the bill seeks to merge the Maldives Broadcasting Commission and the MMC, it fails to address the challenges and concerns of the media sector. Instead, he said, it risks undermining press freedom by including several restrictive provisions.

It is pertinent to mention here that the freedom of the press will be curtailed and the values of the press compromised, in addition to clauses that restrict freedom of expression, Sageef told the committee.

MMC Vice-President Ibrahim Mohamed also stressed that the council’s position is to withdraw the bill entirely, rather than amend it. He added that while a law to regulate the media is important, it must be developed through proper consultation with stakeholders.

The MMC wishes to adopt a government-and-society approach if such initiatives are to be carried out in a democratic manner, he said.