Minister of Youth Empowerment Asward Waheed has assured that there is no cause for concern in the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill passed by the Independent Institutions Committee of the People’s Majlis on Monday.
Speaking at a special forum on Monday night, Waheed said that Attorney General Ahmed Usham had made significant amendments to the original draft after taking into account concerns raised by journalists.
The Minister revealed that he personally spoke to several journalists over the phone after the amendments were introduced, and most agreed there were no further issues with the draft. However, they had requested a delay in passing the bill. Waheed said that if there are no further concerns, there is no justification for delaying its passage.
The forum was attended by a large number of veteran media professionals, who actively shared their opinions and concerns.
The Controversial Bill
Attorney General Ahmed Usham earlier acknowledged that the media bill — which seeks to dissolve the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission of Maldives (BroadCom), replacing them with a single state-controlled Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) — had raised concerns.
The MMBC would consist of seven members: four elected by the media and three appointed by the President of the Maldives with parliamentary approval. The President would also hold authority to appoint the commission’s head. The bill grants the MMBC power to impose heavy penalties on both media outlets and individual journalists, even at the investigative stage.
The bill, submitted to Parliament on August 18 by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakr, has faced strong criticism from both local and international media rights groups. Journalists and outlets have called for its complete withdrawal, arguing it poses a direct threat to press freedom.
Attorney General’s Response
In response to mounting protests and criticism, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) submitted a set of amendments to address the most contentious points.
Usham admitted that the original draft was problematic, saying:
“It is for this reason that we reviewed the Bill and submitted important amendments. The details will have to be refined, and concerns addressed through constructive dialogue during the committee stage.”
He stressed that the intention was not to impose unnecessary restrictions but to ensure accountability while protecting the public from misinformation and harm.
Key Amendments Proposed by the AGO
Clearer definitions of “public order,” “national security,” and “electronic media”.
Guaranteed budget allocation for the Commission, determined in consultation with the Commission itself.
Investigations into complaints or cases to be handled by an Interim Adjudication Committee, with its rules incorporated into the bill.
Additional standards under Article 44 to strengthen obligations for truthful reporting.
Remoal of Article 42 (“Disclosure of Information on Matters of Conflict”) and its replacement with “Disclosure of Information on Matters of Public Interest.”
Inclusion of truthful reporting, fairness, and transparency in Article 39’s Code of Conduct for the Media.
Requirement under Article 41 that disclosure of personal information respects individual freedoms and is handled with dignity.
Amendments to remove the President’s role in appointing or dismissing commission members and in appointing the commission’s head.
Ongoing Debate
Despite the amendments, many local and international organizations continue to warn that the bill poses serious risks to independent journalism in the Maldives.
Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee has set September 15 as the deadline to finalize work on the bill, with a 10-day period for public opinion and a three-day consultation window with stakeholders.
Usham, however, maintains that the bill — with amendments — establishes necessary principles for accountability and responsible information management in the media space, calling it a vital legislative foundation.
