MJA calls to withdraw bill narrowing media rights

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has called for the new Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill to be withdrawn, stating that it poses a direct threat to press freedom.

MJA voiced concerns that the bill seeks to place the media directly under the control of the government, placing large regulatory powers in the hands of the President. They said that the bill is framed in a manner that will create an environment of fear and intimidation for media personnel.

The MJA noted that several provisions in the bill aimed at penalizing journalists are ambiguously worded, raising concerns over potential misuse to restrict press freedom. The inclusion of heavy fines, media shutdown and other severe penalties are highly concerning, they said.

"This [bill] would kill press freedom," MJA's statement reads.

MJA said that it is unacceptable to have media regulated by a commission in which members are appointed by the President and the President of the Commission is also appointed by the President. The association further argued that it is illogical for commission members who are elected to be subject to removal via parliamentary no-confidence motions.

The MJA stated that the lack of media consultation prior to drafting and submitting the bill raises serious doubts about the integrity of its underlying intentions.

The MJA alleged that, to their knowledge, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim had been spearheading efforts related to the bill. They further claimed that its submission by an independent MP reinforces concerns about a potentially harmful agenda behind the initiative.

MJA conceded that the current system needs revision, but asserted that the new system set in place must be free of government influence, and be instead self-regulatory, allowing media to set policies and regulation in a bid to further enhance press freedom. They reminded that establishing such a system is a presidential pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

LGA stated that they oppose the bill and called the government-majority parliament to withdraw the bill.

The bill was submitted to parliament by independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru (Thulhaadhoo), the same MP who had previously submitted the bill as well. The similar bill he previously submitted to parliament was later withdrawn after facing heavy pushback from journalists and media representatives.

The bill states that three of the seven members on the commission will be appointed by the President, with the remaining four to be elected by the media.