Parliament rejects petition alleging bias in state media
MP Mohamed Ibrahim claimed that repeated legal violations by state media contribute to a broader environment of lawlessness.
Parliament on Tuesday dismissed a petition submitted by MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim, which alleged that state-owned or publicly funded media in the Maldives are violating the law by operating under political influence and failing to maintain fairness and impartiality.
The petition was rejected by a vote of 45 out of the 57 members present in the session. Twelve members voted in favour of debating the matter.
In his submission, MP Mohamed Ibrahim claimed that repeated legal violations by state media contribute to a broader environment of lawlessness. He alleged that state media entities prioritise the political or personal interests of certain groups over the public’s right to balanced reporting.
The petition cited the mandate outlined in the Public Service Media Act, which requires the establishment of a national media entity—referred to in the petition as publicly-funded media—to operate independently and serve all regions of the country. The law mandates editorial independence and prohibits any form of political, financial, or administrative influence.
The petition included the following key points:
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State media is required to promote awareness on religious, economic, social, political, and other issues of national relevance.
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The law obligates state media to ensure equality in access and opportunity for individuals and groups.
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There must be space for the exchange of constructive and new ideas beneficial to society.
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All stakeholders must work to preserve the media’s independence from external influence.
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It is prohibited by law for anyone with political, financial, or administrative authority to influence the media’s operations, either directly or indirectly.
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The law also bars media from deviating from principles of fairness to protect the interests of specific individuals or parties.
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During elections, campaign advertisements may only be published under a system that guarantees equal access to all competing parties through a paid model.
The petition claimed that these provisions are not being upheld in practice. It alleged that state media operates under political influence, selectively provides coverage, and limits editorial independence.
The majority in Parliament opted not to proceed with a debate or further review of the petition.
