President says against media control amid new commission bill

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Wednesday that he does not support controlling the media, responding to concerns surrounding a new bill introduced in parliament proposing the establishment of a government-led media commission.

In a post on X, President Muizzu emphasised his stance against limiting media freedom, stating, “I do not believe in controlling newspapers and media. Every citizen has the right to exercise their freedom within the sovereign territory of the country, as long as it does not violate the holy religion of Islam and the constitution.”

The bill, titled The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill, was introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan, an independent member who supports the government.

The proposed legislation aims to create a Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission with the authority to impose fines on journalists and media outlets.

The structure of the commission would give the government a majority presence, consisting of seven members, with four appointed by the president pending parliament’s approval and three members elected by the media.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and the main opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have expressed concerns over the bill, citing potential risks to press freedom.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed, whose office oversees media policy, stated that the bill reflects the views of its sponsor and that he is currently reviewing its contents.