Government-aligned independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru of Thulhaadhoo constituency has withdrawn his media control bill.
The bill was proposed on November 12, but the Parliament did not take a vote to accept it. The bill allowed the government to impose fines on journalists and news outlets.
Hannan told Adhadhu that the bill had been withdrawn.
"Since I feel that 75 MPs will not support the bill [I have withdrawn it]. The bill was introduced without any consultation. However, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also said that he does not support the bill," he said.
Journalists and politicians have repeatedly accused the government of introducing the bill through an independent MP.
Speaking at Sunday night's rally to mark the government's first anniversary, Muizzu said he has no intention of controlling the media.
"The current proposed media bill does not have policies that I believe in. I have no intention of controlling the media. I am not trying to control the media. I want to give them even more freedom," he claimed.
Muizzu insisted that he would work to empower the media by providing government funding and providing space for their work.
