The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has called for the bill to dismantle free press to be withdrawn from the parliament.
MMC members attended a meeting of the parliament committee on independent institutions to discuss the bill on Sunday.
MMC President Hussain Sageef said the bill was drafted without any consultation or research.
He said the bill would restrict freedom of expression and other fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including freedom of the press.
MMC member Nahuda Faiz said the bill would allow political influence to enter the regulatory body.
“The bill provides heavy fines and penalties for journalists, employees working in the media and media organisations, but there is no mention of any protection for journalists," she said.
She noted that more than 20 international organizations have called for the bill to be withdrawn.
