The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called for the immediate withdrawal of a bill that threatens media freedom. In a statement released today, the MDP expressed grave concerns regarding the proposed abolition of the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom), set to be replaced by a new commission with expanded regulatory powers.
The MDP criticized the bill, introduced in Parliament by a private member, noting it follows an earlier announcement by the Attorney General on plans to merge MMC and Broadcom. The MDP contends that the bill, introduced “under the guise of government intention,” is an attempt to bury media freedom.
One of the party’s main objections is to the composition of the proposed commission. The MDP expressed concern over the provision allowing the President to appoint four members, with only three members elected by the media. Additionally, the President would hold the authority to appoint the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, a move the MDP argues would erode media self-regulation and open avenues for government control.
According to the MDP, the bill’s provisions to impose fines on media outlets and journalists aim to curtail the freedom of speech and press guaranteed by the Constitution, inhibiting journalists and the media from effectively serving as the fourth pillar of democracy.
The MDP emphasized that the media’s primary role is to monitor and hold the government accountable, affirming they would oppose any legislation threatening this freedom. The party further criticized the bill for facilitating the registration of newspapers and magazines under restrictive new standards, asserting that such measures would further limit journalistic freedom.
The MDP concluded its statement by calling on the government to withdraw the bill and halt all plans to obstruct media operations.
The MDP criticized the bill, introduced in Parliament by a private member, noting it follows an earlier announcement by the Attorney General on plans to merge MMC and Broadcom. The MDP contends that the bill, introduced “under the guise of government intention,” is an attempt to bury media freedom.
One of the party’s main objections is to the composition of the proposed commission. The MDP expressed concern over the provision allowing the President to appoint four members, with only three members elected by the media. Additionally, the President would hold the authority to appoint the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, a move the MDP argues would erode media self-regulation and open avenues for government control.
According to the MDP, the bill’s provisions to impose fines on media outlets and journalists aim to curtail the freedom of speech and press guaranteed by the Constitution, inhibiting journalists and the media from effectively serving as the fourth pillar of democracy.
The MDP emphasized that the media’s primary role is to monitor and hold the government accountable, affirming they would oppose any legislation threatening this freedom. The party further criticized the bill for facilitating the registration of newspapers and magazines under restrictive new standards, asserting that such measures would further limit journalistic freedom.
The MDP concluded its statement by calling on the government to withdraw the bill and halt all plans to obstruct media operations.
