MJA requests four months for analysis of media bill, review of system

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has requested the parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions to grant them a minimum of four months to conduct an analysis of the media bill and a review of the existing regulatory system. 

The committee met with media representatives yesterday regarding the media regulation bill submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru. The meeting stretched for about four hours, during which media representatives shared their reservations about the bill. 

Speaking to press after the meeting, MJA Director Mohamed Junaid said that MPs in the committee had declined from responding to questions posed by media as to why the bill was being rushed through. 

Junaid said that there is no reason or circumstance requiring the bill to be expedited at the cost of proper consultation and review. 

"MJA has requested through a letter to be granted a minimum of four months. This is for conducting an analysis of the proposed bill, a review of the existing regulatory system, and to present recommendations to the committee," Junaid said. 

Junaid urged against hastily pushing the bill through without due process, emphasizing that proper discussion and consultation remain viable and necessary. 

In relation to the bill, the Committee has now met with journalists and media representatives, Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom). All these separate meetings saw attendees voice concerns about the bill, highlighting the lack of consultation and calling for the bill to be rejected. 

Junaid stated that he had no reservations about regulating media. However, he said, the current concern about this bill is that it aims to control media instead of regulating it. Junaid said that the MJA is ready to work with the Attorney General, the parliament and the government to discuss and collaborate on a proper regulatory system. 

Speaking in yesterday's committee meeting, Junaid said that MJA's research had shown that public concerns centered around politicians' influence over media. However, nothing to address this has been included in the bill, he pointed out. 

He further highlighted that no provisions have been included in the bill for journalists' protection, although journalists constantly face threats and even attacks. 

All media present at the committee meeting yesterday noted provisions in the bill that threaten and hinder journalists' work. The majority called for the bill to be withdrawn, and to draft a new bill through proper consultation with media professionals, relevant organizations and institutions.