The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has repeated its call on the government to withdraw the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru.
In a press release, the MDP said it would not support the establishment of a commission comprising a chairperson and members appointed by the President to control the media.
“We do not support any proposed legislation that imposes heavy fines on broadcasters, temporarily suspends part of the program schedule or stops content and revokes broadcasting licenses by filing a court application, undermining media freedom,” the MDP said.
The party highlighted that freedom of expression was guaranteed as the fourth pillar of democracy through street protests and hard work and condemned the government-aligned MP for proposing the bill.
“The media should always remain an independent force that has the greatest responsibility to monitor and hold the government accountable,” the MDP said.
The party noted that passing a bill to shut down the media and impose heavy penalties for disclosing information is a protection for those who embezzle state property and money.
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.
