MJA denounces proposed media bill, launches petition to defend press freedom
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), in partnership with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), has strongly criticized the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill, describing it as a significant threat to press freedom.
The MJA has launched a petition urging parliament to reject the bill, calling on all journalists to join the effort.
The controversial bill, introduced on November 13 by independent MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, seeks to replace the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Broadcasting Commission with a new government-controlled body.
Under the proposed legislation, the new commission would have the power to impose fines, revoke media licenses, and demand formal apologies from journalists and media outlets.
The MJA expressed concern about the bill’s provision for government-appointed members in the commission, with four of the seven members, including the president and vice president, selected by the Maldivian president.
The association warned that such a structure would result in undue government influence on freedom of media and journalists.
In a joint statement released by MJA and IFJ on Friday, the MJA said:
The association believes that the right to regulate the media should be based on a self-regulatory mechanism. Government control over media regulation undermines the principles of a free press and pushes media freedom backwards for many years.
MJA said
The IFJ echoed these sentiments, stating:
This legislation has been submitted with no industry consultation and undermines the vital role of journalists in holding power to account, handing key regulatory decisions to a commission comprised of a government-selected majority.
International Federation of Journalists
The bill also outlines fines for breaches of the media code of conduct, with penalties ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 for media outlets and MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 for individual journalists.
The MJA noted that in the past, government interference had already led to the closure of media outlets and heavy fines for journalists, further eroding press freedom.
Despite widespread criticism, MP Abubakar defended the bill,
I submitted the bill because the nation comes first. There is no intention of withdrawing it.
He stated
During the bill’s first parliamentary hearing, Minister of Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed of the ruling People’s National Congress indicated the party would review the legislation before deciding on its endorsement.
Meanwhile, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to media freedom, emphasizing that civil rights must be upheld.
As part of their campaign against the bill, the MJA ExCom signed the petition along with members of a working group on November 16.
The association invited all journalists to join the initiative by visiting the MJA office.
They also announced that an online version of the petition would be released soon.
The media must hold the government and authorities accountable. Allowing the government to control the body that regulates media is a dangerous step away from democracy and independence
MJA reitersted
The petition is a key component of the MJA’s efforts to safeguard press freedom in the Maldives, with further engagement planned to rally support from stakeholders and the wider public.
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