President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom, declaring the government to be "100 percent pro-media" during a meeting with the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and representatives from various media outlets on Thursday afternoon.

According to the President’s Office, the meeting was convened at the MJA’s request to address concerns over the proposed Media Regulatory Bill.

The discussion, which lasted nearly ninety minutes, provided journalists with a platform to directly share their views and criticisms with the President.

emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fostering a free and supportive environment for the press.

President Dr. Muizzu clarified that his government has no interest in exerting control over media regulation or influencing appointments to regulatory bodies.

He assured that specific amendments would be proposed to address issues raised regarding individual provisions of the bill.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Attorney General Ahmed Usham said he does not believe the bill, introduced by Thiradhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru should be withdrawn but stressed that the government remains open to revising and improving it.

He further reiterated that the proposed merger of the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission continues to be the government’s preferred model for media regulation.