Parliamentary committee passes media bill despite objections
Media groups and international organisations have criticised the bill, warning that it would undermine free expression.
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The Independent Institutions Committee of the Parliament on Monday passed the media regulation bill, despite concerns raised by journalists, media experts and international organisations.
The first meeting of the day was to review proposed amendments. Opposition MDP MP Meekail Naseem, representing Galolhu South, submitted three motions:
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Extending the deadline for consideration of the bill until 6 October due to the number of new amendments proposed.
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Seeking advice from Parliamentary Counsel General Fathimath Filza on the amendments.
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Deleting several provisions of the bill.
None of the motions were supported by members of the ruling PNC, which holds a majority in the committee. Only two members of the committee are from other parties — Meekail and Maafannu North MP Mohamed Nazim of the MNP.
Committee chair Hussain Riza, the PNC MP for Guraidhoo, moved to pass the amendments as they stood.
The meeting, initially open to the public, was attended by journalists who expressed dissatisfaction that the bill was being passed without consideration of their petition. The session became heated and was adjourned. When the meeting resumed later in the evening, journalists were not allowed to enter. The bill was then passed with minor amendments.
Journalists present at Parliament reported that they were stopped in the reception area and informed that the meeting would not begin until they had left.
The bill transfers the power to appoint members of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission from the President to Parliament. However, journalists argue that this does not resolve concerns over political influence, as Parliament itself is dominated by the ruling party.
Media groups and international organisations have criticised the bill, warning that it would undermine free expression and place both media and social media under government control.
