Parliament defers debate on media regulation bill to next term

The Parliament has decided to postpone further debate on the new bill to regulate the media and journalists until the next term.

The bill, titled Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation, was introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar as a private member’s bill. The first reading and preliminary debate took place today.

The preliminary debate, on the 52-page bill, commenced on the day it was introduced. Journalists staged a silent protest in the parliament gallery during the sitting. A number of members of the ruling coalition expressed support for stronger media regulation but suggested that concerns over the bill should be addressed during the committee stage.

Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that the rules of the Parliament permit preliminary debate at the first reading stage. Seven members spoke during Tuesday's debate, and the Speaker noted that all members would likely wish to contribute. He added that many had expressed a need for more time to study the bill before continuing the discussion.

“It is also clear from the comments of some members that they want to review the bill further. So I intend to conclude today’s debate. Members should study the bill properly and return to speak based on their findings,” Abdul Raheem said.

As Tuesday marked the final sitting of the current term, the debate will resume in the next session, scheduled to begin in October.

If enacted, the bill would dissolve the current Media Council and Broadcasting Commission and transfer their functions to a new body, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.

The commission would consist of seven members: three appointed by the President with parliamentary approval, including the chairperson, and four elected by the media. Appointees would need to be at least 30 years old, compared with the current minimum of 18 years. Serving media professionals and editors would be ineligible to sit on the commission.

Until the new commission is appointed, its functions would be handled by a five-member ad hoc committee formed by the Civil Service Commission.

The proposed commission would have powers including: