Attorney General Ahmed Usham has announced that the government has put forward a series of amendments to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill aimed at addressing concerns raised by journalists, media organisations, and the public.

Speaking on State media, he said the changes seek to balance press freedom with accountability, particularly in tackling the spread of false information. Fourteen amendments have been submitted to the parliamentary committee, covering the key issues highlighted by stakeholders.

One of the most notable revisions is the removal of a clause that would have allowed action to be taken against individual journalists. Another significant change is the removal of the President’s authority to appoint or dismiss members of the media regulatory body. Instead, appointments will be made independently through parliament.

The bill, originally submitted by independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, has been reviewed by the government to bring it in line with policy. Among the proposals is the merger of the Media Council and Broadcasting Commission into a single body, with funding allocated from the state budget to ensure its independence and stability.

Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Minister Ibrahim Waheed also appeared on the programme, stating that the government never intended to pass the bill in its original form. He said many of the early criticisms stemmed from misinterpretations, and stressed that the amended version would establish a fairer and more effective system.

According to the Attorney General, the changes will not only resolve concerns within the media sector but also provide a stronger regulatory framework, safeguarding individual dignity while promoting responsible journalism.