President Mohamed Muizzu has warned that he will not allow anyone to disobey and challenge laws after the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) vowed to defy the unconstitutional media control legislation.
The government exploited its super majority in the parliament last week to approve the draconian legislation which limits the right to freedom of expression guaranteed under the Maldivian constitution.
On Thursday, Muizzu disregarded appeals by the local journalist community and international organizations and ratified the legislation.
The Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) under the previous self-regulatory system is now dissolved and the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be formed with Muizzu's direct involvement.
But MJA vowed to defy the law and boycott the politicized commission. The association announced the formation of the "Free Press Council" which will act as a self regulatory authority for the media.
Speaking in Vaavu Felidhoo on Friday night, Muizzu issued a stern warning to the journalist community and said no one will be allowed to challenge laws.
"I will not allow anyone to challenge, disobey and defy laws here. I don't have a choice. My oath does not allow me to give that opportunity," he said during the campaign visit ahead of the local council elections.
"I will not allow that to happen. I am saying this with a very good understanding of what I am saying and firmly believing in it," he added.
Former Attorney General Dr. Ahmed Ali Sawad earlier warned that those who express opinions displeasing to the government will fall into a "national security category" or a "hate category" when the bill becomes law.
Legal experts have also argued that the law is a violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution.
