In a significant development for media freedom in the Maldives, the controversial Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill, which sought to place significant control over the media in the hands of the government, has been officially withdrawn.
The bill, submitted by independent MP for Thulhadhoo Abdul Hannan Aboo Bakuru, faced widespread criticism from journalists, media organizations, and civil society groups. Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced during today’s sitting that the bill was withdrawn on November 19, following its first hearing.
Parliamentary regulations allow for a bill to be withdrawn before the completion of preliminary debates and a vote on its acceptance. MP Hannan stated that his decision to withdraw the bill was influenced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s public declaration that the proposed legislation was contrary to his administration’s policies.
Additionally, Hannan acknowledged that advancing the bill without support from the ruling coalition was unfeasible. The ruling People’s National Congresshas 75 members. Then there are about 14 members. So this bill cannot be taken forward without government MPs’ support. That is why I’m withdrawing the bill,” Hannan explained.
The bill faced an immediate backlash from journalists and media watchdogs, who expressed concerns that it would undermine press freedom by granting the government sweeping powers over the media.
The Maldives Journalists Association, in collaboration with Transparency Maldives and the Maldives Media Council, launched a robust campaign against the bill. Their efforts included a petition signed by over 100 journalists demanding its withdrawal. The campaign highlighted the dangers of the bill’s provisions, which could have allowed the government to impose hefty fines on media outlets, halt newspaper publications, and block websites.
