Parliament dismisses motion accusing PSM of legal violations

Parliament has today rejected the motion submitted accusing State media PSM of repeatedly violating the law.

The motion was submitted by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for North Galolhu Mohamed Ibrahim.

The motion said that despite the law stating that the State media must work within an independent and objective editorial, PSM is being operated without regard for this.

It said that instead of broadcasting news and information on various national issues, the State media continues to refuse airtime to various individuals and organizations.

"[PSM] grants opportunity to selected persons, and disregard the independent editorial stated in law, and work without fairness and equality to protect the political and personal interests of specific individuals," the motion reads.

The motion said that this would cultivate a culture of disregarding the law.

Only the 12 MDP members voted in favour of accepting the motion, while 45 MPs from ruling People's National Congress (PNC) voted against.