The Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill, which places control over media in the hands of the government, has been officially withdrawn.
The Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill, which places control over media in the hands of the government, has been officially withdrawn.
The bill was submitted by independent MP for Thulhadhoo Abdul Hannan Aboo Bakuru.
Commencing today's sitting, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that the bill was withdrawn on November 19.
As per the parliament regulations, a bill can be withdrawn before the preliminary debate is completed and a vote is taken to accept the bill by the parliament.
The bill was withdrawn after the first hearing, while it was scheduled for preliminary debate.
Hannan has previously said that he is withdrawing the bill because President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that the bill stands against his policies.
"...ruling PNC [People's National Congress] has 75 members. Then there are about 14 members. So this bill cannot be taken forward without government MPs support. That is why I'm withdrawing the bill," Hannan previously said.
Journalists and media organizations held many reservations against the bill. Maldives Journalists Association, along with Transparency Maldives and Maldives Media Council, began a campaign against the bill as well. Under this, a petition asking for the withdrawal of the bill was signed by over 100 journalists.
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