The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concerned over a bill proposed to Parliament seeking the abolition of the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) and subsequent creation of a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
A bill proposed by Thulhaadhoo Member of Parliament (MP) Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru [Independent] seeks to merge the MMC and Broadcom into a single regulator for media and journalism.
Despite serious reservations concerning the bill, Aboobakuru told the media that he does not intend to withdraw it.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the MDP said that sneaking in the legislation through an independent MP when the Attorney General had previously outlined the Mohamed Muizzu administration’s intention to merge the MMC and Broadcom exposes the administration’s “heinous nature.”
“This is a bill that has been introduced to Parliament, with the administration [clearly] behind it, to bury media freedom,” the statement said.
The bill proposes for the new commission to be composed of seven members in total, with four appointed by the President and three elected by the media, while also giving the President the power to appoint the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
The MDP said the bill was designed to close the door on the media’s ability to self-regulate and would allow the executive to exercise unlimited influence over them.
In addition, according to the MDP, the provisions in the bill penalising agencies and journalists are intended to hinder the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution and to prevent the work of journalists and media agencies as the fourth estate of democracy.
The MDP went on to highlight that the media has the primary responsibility of monitoring and holding the state to account.
“The Maldivian Democratic Party calls on the administration to withdraw the bill and stop all plans to obstruct the media,” the party said.
