The Strategic Communications Minister at the President’s Office Ibrahim Khaleel has defended the government's proposed legislation to dismantle the free press in the Maldives.
The veteran journalist insisted that there was no reason to withdraw the bill.
"Why should the bill be withdrawn? The parliament must discuss the legal reforms needed for the country. What benefit can we get from withdrawing the bill?" he told Adhadhu.
Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru proposed the bill without consulting the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA). This is the second time he has proposed the bill.
Khaleel said he believed changes could be made to the bill during the debate and committee stages in the People's Majlis.
"That work is pending. That will happen in the committee and on the parliament floor. There is no space to speak like that in advance," he maintained.
The former head of Public Service Media (PSM) and VMedia also alleged that journalists were carrying out a political movement against the bill.
"You are running a political movement in the name of press freedom," he said.
"I am very concerned that you are using press freedom to politicize this. Those who did not establish press freedom properly when they had the opportunity do not have the right to talk about it today."
Local journalists and international organisations have denounced the bill and called on the government to withdraw the bill.
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.
