Do not see the need to withdraw Media Bill: AG Usham

Attorney General Ahmed Usham said today that he does not believe the Media Regulatory Bill introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru should be withdrawn, but he is open to making necessary amendments.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Attorney General’s Office, Usham suggested that the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission should be merged to better regulate the country’s media landscape.

He noted that during his previous term as a Member of Parliament, the Committee on Independent Institutions had worked on a similar initiative. That draft was developed in consultation with the Media Council, Broadcom, and various other stakeholders, and was also shared with the Attorney General’s Office at the time.

"A lot of groundwork has already been done by the AG’s Office," Usham said. "There has been extensive research, including collaboration with NGOs in Maldives and discussions with international experts."

According to Usham, although Hannan’s original bill was introduced in Parliament last year, the Attorney General’s Office had requested that it be withdrawn to allow for further adjustments. However, before this process was completed, Hannan re-submitted the bill.

The current draft is under review, and Usham said it could be further amended based on feedback received. "I don't believe the bill needs to be withdrawn entirely," he reiterated, adding that the Media Council had submitted a similar draft in August 2022, which closely resembles the current version being debated.

One of the main concerns raised by journalists involves the inclusion of presidential appointees on the proposed Media Commission, particularly the appointment of the Commission’s Chair by the President. Usham clarified that the President has expressed no desire to pursue such appointments.

Journalists, however, remain wary. They argue that any member appointed by the President could compromise the independence of the commission. According to Article 4 of the latest draft from the Maldives Media Council (MMC), the commission would consist of seven members, yet this too includes presidential appointments, which has drawn criticism.

“It’s unclear why the MMC draft was acceptable, but this current bill is not,” Usham noted. He also acknowledged that the MMC version includes provisions for significant fines and punitive measures against journalists, which remain a point of concern.

Despite these issues, the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee passed the bill during an extraordinary sitting yesterday, completing the second session of the year. The bill will now be opened for public feedback.

Meanwhile, journalists have been actively protesting the bill. Protests were held near the President's Office and Mulee Aage yesterday, and protests continued this morning near the "Media Fenda" near President's Office.

In response to the growing public concern, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with members of the Maldives Journalists Association and several media professionals at 1:30 PM today to hear their views.

During the meeting, the President assured journalists that it is not his intention to restrict media freedom. He also committed to recommending changes to the bill during the committee review stage.

However, journalists and media organizations remain critical of the bill’s rushed process. Many are calling not for amendments, but for a complete withdrawal of the bill, urging that a new draft be developed in consultation with the press and civil society.