The media bill submitted to Parliament to merge Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission into a single body, called the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, has been withdrawn.

Independent MP Abdul Hannan, who introduced the bill to the Parliament, said retraction comes following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s comments on November 17 suggesting that the bill will not receive PNC support.

MP Hannan said withdrawing the bill would save Parliament’s time.

The bill aimed to promote press freedom while ensuring responsible media practices. As such, the proposed bill suggested composing a seven-member commission of which four members are directly appointed by the President and three elected media representatives.

Key provisions in the bill included that:

  • Only media organisations and journalists registered for at least five years could vote in commission elections.
  • Commission members would serve five-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
  • Newspapers inactive for 12 months could be deregistered.
  • Violations by broadcasters could result in fines up to 10% of annual revenue, suspension of programming, or licence cancellation for serious offences like content threatening Islam, national security, or public health.

The bill also included penalties for media violations, such as fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 and possible confiscation of equipment.