Government-aligned MP for Thulhaadhoo Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru has said his bill to dismantle the free press was proposed for the sake of Islam.
During the first reading of the bill in the parliament on Tuesday, Hannan spoke about the importance of telling the truth in Islam.
"Islam believes that every idea or news expressed must be true because it can lead to heartache and disappointment," Hannan said.
"Islam believes in the responsible dissemination of information," he added while reading out a written document.
The new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be established if the bill is approved by the government-controlled People's Majlis and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu.
This means the current Broadcasting Commission of the Maldives (Broadcom) and Maldives Media Council (MMC) will be abolished.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be made up of seven members, three of whom will be appointed by the President.
The other four members will be elected by the media. Media outlets that were registered less than five years ago will be barred from the election.
The bill does not explain why a commission to regulate the media needs members appointed by the President. It further states that the Chairperson of the commission will also be appointed by the President.
The bill gives the new commission substantial powers. These include fines of up to MVR 100,000 for media outlets and temporary cancellation of registration before a case is investigated. The commission can also go to court to revoke a registration.
The commission will also be empowered to issue orders to block a news website or stop a broadcast while it investigates a case.
