Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has said that journalists in the Maldives have a level of freedom not available in any other country in the world, despite ongoing concerns about media regulation.
His remarks came amid protests by journalists over the Maldives Media Regulatory Bill, recently introduced in Parliament. Journalists followed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to Muliaage, the official residence of the President, to ask questions, prompting debate over media professionalism and government tolerance.
Saeed said the government has shown patience in allowing journalists to protest and raise concerns. He highlighted that the Information Minister and the President’s Office Communications Minister personally met with journalists, and that the President engaged directly with the Maldives Journalists Association to hear their views.
The Economic Minister also noted that journalists have 10 days to submit comments and proposed amendments to the bill. He emphasized that the Attorney General addressed journalists’ questions during a live press conference, framing it as evidence of the government’s commitment to press freedom, despite ongoing criticism.
His remarks came amid protests by journalists over the Maldives Media Regulatory Bill, recently introduced in Parliament. Journalists followed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to Muliaage, the official residence of the President, to ask questions, prompting debate over media professionalism and government tolerance.
Saeed said the government has shown patience in allowing journalists to protest and raise concerns. He highlighted that the Information Minister and the President’s Office Communications Minister personally met with journalists, and that the President engaged directly with the Maldives Journalists Association to hear their views.
The Economic Minister also noted that journalists have 10 days to submit comments and proposed amendments to the bill. He emphasized that the Attorney General addressed journalists’ questions during a live press conference, framing it as evidence of the government’s commitment to press freedom, despite ongoing criticism.
