The People's Majlis is yet to announce the time and agenda for a sitting scheduled for today to approve the government-backed media control bill.
The parliamentary committee on independent institutions passed the bill on Monday despite concerns about freedom of expression and speech.
Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad told Adhadhu that the Secretariat has not provided a time and agenda for the sitting today.
"This is not a coffee table meeting. This is the parliament. But MPs have not yet been informed of the time and agenda," said opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group's deputy leader.
"I asked the Secretary General and she confirmed the sitting would take place. But the time and agenda are still a secret," he added.
The media control bill was proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who sits in the Majlis as an independent lawmaker.
The government claims it was not behind the draconian proposal, but has been actively promoting it and pushing for its approval.
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.
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.
