Nazim confirms role in drafting media regulation bill

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim confirmed on Tuesday that he was involved in preparing the new bill to regulate the media, which includes fines for journalists and the cancellation of media registrations.

The bill, submitted to Parliament on Monday, was introduced by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar in his personal capacity. It follows an earlier bill he submitted on media regulation, which was later withdrawn.

Speaking during the preliminary debate, Nazim said he had contributed to the bill after the earlier version was withdrawn. He stated that he had reviewed the changes needed and consulted with some journalists opposed to the previous draft.

“I also conducted research on the bill and sought views from media professionals who had objected earlier,” Nazim said.

Nazim defended the bill, noting that similar frameworks exist in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. He also criticised the media, saying that many outlets were controlled by business interests and relied on government advertisements.

“We must demonstrate maturity by submitting such a bill to Parliament. Concerns can be addressed at the committee stage,” he said.

Nazim rejected claims that the commission proposed under the bill would be under government control. He explained that the commission would consist of three members appointed by the President and approved by Parliament, and four elected by the media.

“In the case of a tie, the majority will rest with the media,” he said.

Journalists, however, have continued to call for a self-regulatory framework. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) issued a statement on Tuesday urging withdrawal of the bill.

According to the MJA, the bill is designed to concentrate significant regulatory powers in the hands of the President and contains vague provisions that risk criminalising the work of journalists and media organisations.