Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, has said that to build a free and empowered society in the country, the media has to be free and empowered.

The Minister made the statement at the UNESCO conference at Hotel Jen yesterday to celebrate the World Press Freedom Day.

In his address, Minister Maleeh said that to develop democracy, media has to be developed. Highlighting that the media is undoubtedly the fourth estate of democracy, Minister Maleeh said that the government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would restore the position of the media.

Minister Maleeh said that as the technology progresses, the media has to develop with it and welcome new technologies.

And in the era of digital media, laws have to be made on par with new technologies along with those concerning cyber and social media, digital transactions and data protection.

He said that he is working to make it happen soon to protect the Maldivian media with such laws.