Media bill will be improved through amendments: Nazim

Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhigurah MP Ahmed Nazim said last night that with the proposed changes at the committee stage, the Media Regulation Bill will become a “very good bill.”

The bill, introduced by independent Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakuru and supported by all PNC members, has drawn criticism from journalists, who argue it severely restricts press freedom. Many media outlets and associations have called for its complete withdrawal, warning that it contains more problems than can be fixed through gradual amendments.

Speaking on Sangu TV last night, Nazim acknowledged these concerns but insisted the bill could be improved.

“I believe a very good bill will be introduced after the amendments,” he said, adding that he had not yet seen the committee’s report. He said he believed it would reflect the views of the public and relevant state institutions.

Nazim said that Attorney General Ahmed Usham has already submitted 14 proposed amendments. These include removing the clause that allows the Media Commission to suspend the registration of outlets as an administrative measure, and removing provisions that permit action against individual journalists.

However, Nazim criticized journalists for refusing to engage in the amendment process.

“Journalists are showing that the only option is to withdraw the bill without contributing to the amendment. I don’t believe they are sincere and in good faith,” he said.

Despite his remarks, the bill has in fact been reviewed by parliamentary independent bodies, with representatives from the Maldives Media Council, Broadcasting Commission, and more than 30 media outlets appearing before the committee to voice concerns.

Media associations argue that the draft still poses significant threats to journalism, and continue to call for it to be withdrawn and replaced with a new bill developed in consultation with the press and relevant agencies.

Among the key proposed changes is removing the President’s role in appointing and dismissing members of the commission, eliminating penalties for individual journalists, and clarifying the current vague investigative procedures.