The Attorney General’s Office has proposed several amendments to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulatory Bill, including the removal of provisions that allow the cancellation of media outlet registrations.

In a post on X today, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said the government has recommended revoking Article 66(f), which gives the Maldives Media Commission (MMC) the authority to temporarily suspend media registrations as an administrative measure while cases are investigated.

The AG’s Office also proposed changes to Article 28, which would allow members to vote to dismiss a commission member if they fail to meet membership criteria. Amendments to Articles 17, 19, and 20 have also been put forward to prevent the President from having any role in appointing the President of the MMC.

Further amendments would strengthen the commission’s disciplinary code of conduct, requiring truthful reporting, fair dissemination of information, and respect for personal freedoms. Media outlets would also be required to meet specific standards set by the commission to ensure the quality of content provided to the public.

Additionally, the AG’s Office has suggested removing Article 67, which allows action against individual journalists and media workers. The bill also proposes expanding the definitions of public systems, national security, and electronic media.

The proposed changes aim to address concerns raised by media outlets and journalists while ensuring accountability and transparency in media regulation.