Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq has said that parliament will take into account the concerns of journalists before passing the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.
The bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, was debated in parliament today as journalists protested in the chamber by covering their mouths to symbolize what they described as an attempt to silence independent reporting.
In a post on X, Azaan Marzooq acknowledged concerns about fines, vague wording, and penalties in the bill, stressing that such issues should not be ignored. However, he noted that the proposed legislation introduces significant changes to the regulatory framework.
According to Azaan Marzooq, the bill consolidates the regulation of both print and broadcast media under a single commission, replacing the current two separate bodies. Unlike the existing Broadcasting Commission, which is fully appointed by the President and approved by parliament, the new seven-member commission would have four members elected by the media and three nominated by the government. The chair would only cast a vote in the event of a tie, ensuring media representation remains the majority.
The bill also establishes a permanent adjudication committee of four members elected from the media to investigate cases of false information. In addition, responsibility for media registration, currently handled by a government ministry, would be transferred to the new commission.
Azaan Marzooq said parliament would listen to the concerns of the media community before the bill is passed.
The bill, introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, was debated in parliament today as journalists protested in the chamber by covering their mouths to symbolize what they described as an attempt to silence independent reporting.
In a post on X, Azaan Marzooq acknowledged concerns about fines, vague wording, and penalties in the bill, stressing that such issues should not be ignored. However, he noted that the proposed legislation introduces significant changes to the regulatory framework.
The concerns raised by journalists about the Media Regulatory Bill are important. Questions about fines, vague wording that could be misused, and the way penalties are applied should not be ignored.
— Ahmed Azaan (@axanner) August 19, 2025
At the same time, the bill introduces significant changes. It brings…
According to Azaan Marzooq, the bill consolidates the regulation of both print and broadcast media under a single commission, replacing the current two separate bodies. Unlike the existing Broadcasting Commission, which is fully appointed by the President and approved by parliament, the new seven-member commission would have four members elected by the media and three nominated by the government. The chair would only cast a vote in the event of a tie, ensuring media representation remains the majority.
The bill also establishes a permanent adjudication committee of four members elected from the media to investigate cases of false information. In addition, responsibility for media registration, currently handled by a government ministry, would be transferred to the new commission.
Azaan Marzooq said parliament would listen to the concerns of the media community before the bill is passed.
