No intention of retracting Media Commission bill: Hannan

Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr, the sponsor of the controversial Media Commission Bill, has said that he has no plans to withdraw it despite heavy criticism.

Regarding the bill that would fine journalists and media outlets as well as revoke their licenses if passed, Hannan told local media outlet 'Mihaaru' that the bill was drafted by he and his team. He said that the team did not include other MPs, but held off on giving any further information.

However, Hannan, who is an independent member at the Parliament, said that the bill was not sponsored by another party.

"[I] submitted the bill because the nation comes first. There is no intention of withdrawing it," Hannan said.

According to the bill, the code of conduct to be followed by broadcasters includes upholding the principles of maintaining the rule of law.

It also says that the Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission are to be dissolved and replaced by a commission of seven members; four members appointed by the President and approved by the Parliament, and three members elected by the media. If the commission is formed in this way, the parliament and the government will have the opportunity to decide the cases as they wish.

The bill gives the power to appoint the President and Vice-President of the Commission to the President, however, with the approval of the Parliament.

Following concerns and criticism regarding the bill, Hannan said he acknowledges the concerns of journalists and would take them into account in the committee discussions on the bill.

"I want it because it seems important to stabilize what is happening in the country. There are a lot of stories being posted by various media, newspapers and magazines which ... how do I say it ... lies, just lies, in simple words, purely false news," he explained.

According to the bill, media outlets will be fined anywhere between MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 for violating the code of conduct while individual journalists may be subject to MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 fines. The bill, if passed, would also grant the commission the right to withhold media licenses.