The parliament committee on independent institutions did not change the provisions on controlling social media and imposing strict penalties before passing the government-backed media control bill.
The bill was passed by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC)'s supermajority in the committee on Monday, after locking out journalists and opposition MPs, despite appeals for its withdrawal.
A major concern raised by the journalist community was that the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission to be formed under the bill would have members appointed by the President.
Three members of the seven-member commission will be appointed by the President. The other four members will be elected by the media. Media outlets that have been operating for more than five years can field candidates and vote in the election.
In addition to media outlets, journalists can also vote in the election. This means the state broadcaster controlled by the government, Public Service Media (PSM), is likely to take control of the election.
The commission will have the power to regulate social media, and hefty fines can be imposed on media outlets. But a provision which allowed fines on individual journalists was removed from the bill.
Some provisions also allow the commission to cancel the registration of media outlets, while the commission has the power to determine what is true and what is false.
The bill sets out the rules for media ethics and empowers the commission to determine what information endangers public interest.
Among the provisions added to the bill are the procedures for appointing members to investigate complaints submitted to the commission. It was amended to allow the selection of members outside the commission to inquire into cases.
Journalists are protesting and conducting a massive campaign on social media to pressure the government to withdraw the bill. A petition has also been submitted to the People's Majlis and the President's Office.
However, the parliamentary committee on independent institutions passed the bill on Monday without addressing the concerns highlighted in the petition. It is expected to be approved by the parliament on Tuesday's sitting.
