Parliament to Begin Debate on Media Bill Tomorrow Amid Fears of Fast-Tracking

The Maldives Parliament will begin debating the controversial 'Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill' tomorrow, raising concerns among journalists that the legislation may be fast-tracked and passed within just one or two sittings.

The bill, introduced by MP Abdul Hannan of Thulhaadhoo constituency, seeks to merge the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission into a new body named the Media and Broadcasting Commission. Media professionals argue that the move would hand excessive control to the state, threatening press freedom and independence.

Sources within Parliament suggest ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) MPs are preparing to push the bill forward swiftly, with the supermajority giving them the numbers needed for quick approval.

President Mohamed Muizzu has previously asked PNC lawmakers to introduce committee-level changes, particularly to avoid granting the president authority to appoint or remove the head of the proposed commission.

Despite this, journalists fear the law will erode nearly two decades of progress in press freedom. More than 80 journalists have already submitted a petition to Parliament demanding that the bill be withdrawn.

Veteran journalist Moosa Latheef described the bill as an attempt to restrict the public’s right to information by bringing independent media under government control.

Critics warn that if the bill is passed, it could severely curtail constitutional protections for free expression and set back the Maldives’ democratic gains.