Parliament has rejected an emergency motion submitted by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on the Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill stating it is in breach of regulations.
Parliament has rejected an emergency motion submitted by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on the Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill stating it is in breach of regulations.
The emergency motion was submitted by MDP's South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.
Rejecting the motion, Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla stated that it did not align with Article 197 (h) and (j) of the parliament regulations.
As per these articles, an emergency motion cannot be submitted to voice ahead an opinion about a matter that will be later debated in parliament, or on ongoing debate.
The motion said that the Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill is framed in such a way as to place regulation of media directly under the government, with the inclusion of members appointed by the President himself.
Meekail further raised concerns that the bill gives the government the power to levy large fines against media outlets and journalists, as well as to shut down newspapers and media outlets.
Meekail called on the parliament and the government to refrain from passing what he called 'an uncivilized bill' such as this.
Media leaders and the Maldives Journalists Association has also voiced similar concerns about the bill.
In a post on X last night, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu stated that the government has no intention of controlling media.
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