Committee reviews AG, institutions’ views on media bill in secret

The Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament is continuing its closed-door review of the proposed media regulation bill, examining submissions made by state institutions.

The committee, dominated by the government’s super-majority, is considering legislation that would establish a commission with authority to regulate media outlets, journalists, and users of social media. Meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday were kept confidential, with members citing the presence of personal information in public submissions as the reason.

Among the contributions under review are suggestions from Attorney General Ahmed Usham. Submissions from the Maldives Media Council, the Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom), and the Human Rights Commission have already raised concerns about the bill.

Every stakeholder consulted so far has expressed reservations. Last week, the committee met with the Media Council and BroadCom, while journalists from 22 registered media outlets presented their views. The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has requested a parliamentary study on the Media Council system before further action is taken.

The bill was introduced by MP Abdul Hannan Abubakar, with the support of Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim. It is the second time Hannan has brought forward such legislation, following a previous version that passed amid criticism.

Following protests by journalists outside the President’s Office and Muliaage, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with senior journalists last week. However, Attorney General Usham later confirmed that the government would not withdraw the bill despite requests from media representatives.