President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has clarified that he does not support controlling the media, stating, "Controlling the media is not the same thing I believe in."

His remarks followed criticism of the government's proposed bill to abolish the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with the 'Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.' The bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan, aims to promote press freedom in the Maldives while ensuring that journalists and media professionals exercise their rights responsibly.

Under the proposed bill, the new commission would consist of seven members—four appointed by the president with parliamentary approval and three elected by the media.

Addressing concerns, President Muizzu emphasized in a post on X that as long as the Constitution and Islam are respected, every individual has the right to exercise their freedom within the sovereignty of the state. He reiterated, "I don’t believe in controlling newspapers and media."