The government-controlled parliament has been empowered to dismiss members representing journalists in the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
The new commission will be set up as the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) have been dissolved following President Mohamed Muizzu's ratification of the media control bill.
The new commission, with powers to impose fines, revoke licenses and shut down media outlets, has seven members. Four of them will be elected by the media and three, including the Chairperson, will be appointed by the parliament on Muizzu's recommendation.
Article 28 of the law relates to circumstances in which the commission member can be disqualified. Article 28 (a) includes six ways a member will lose their seat while (b) gives the parliament power to dismiss members.
A parliamentary committee may ask for a vote if it finds that a member, including representatives of the media, has done something inappropriate in office or is incapable of performing duties.
The law does not define what constitutes improper conduct or incompetence in performing the duties of office. Members may be removed in any circumstances the parliament sees fit.
The law gives 30 days to elect or appoint new members to fill any vacancies. All matters related to the election will be conducted by the Elections Commission (EC).
Muizzu exploited the government's super majority in the People's Majlis 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 MMC and 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 the Maldives Journalists Association (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.
Muizzu, who is currently campaigning in the atolls for the local council election, issued as stern warning and said he will not allow anyone to challenge laws and disobey.
"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.
