Youth Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) has acknowledged that there are disagreements in the Media Bill currently before Parliament and said he will address them during the committee stage.
Speaking to reporters outside the President’s Office today, Asward, a former journalist, said he has a deep respect for journalism but noted that there are aspects of the bill he cannot agree with. He stressed that it would be his responsibility to correct the mistakes in the bill, though he did not provide details at this stage.
Asward confirmed that he intends to participate in Parliament’s discussions on the bill to ensure concerns are addressed. He also clarified that the controversial statement made during yesterday’s parliamentary session, where Parliament Majority Leader and PNC MP Falah called for the execution of journalists, was not his remark.
Meanwhile, the Independent Institutions Committee, which is reviewing the bill, has decided to seek input from the Maldives Media Council (MMC), the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC), the Human Rights Commission, the Youth Ministry, and registered media outlets. The committee also resolved to complete its work on the bill and pass it before the 15th of next month.
Speaking to reporters outside the President’s Office today, Asward, a former journalist, said he has a deep respect for journalism but noted that there are aspects of the bill he cannot agree with. He stressed that it would be his responsibility to correct the mistakes in the bill, though he did not provide details at this stage.
Asward confirmed that he intends to participate in Parliament’s discussions on the bill to ensure concerns are addressed. He also clarified that the controversial statement made during yesterday’s parliamentary session, where Parliament Majority Leader and PNC MP Falah called for the execution of journalists, was not his remark.
Meanwhile, the Independent Institutions Committee, which is reviewing the bill, has decided to seek input from the Maldives Media Council (MMC), the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC), the Human Rights Commission, the Youth Ministry, and registered media outlets. The committee also resolved to complete its work on the bill and pass it before the 15th of next month.
