Muizzu Reaffirms Commitment to Media Freedom
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reiterated his commitment to enhancing media freedom in the Maldives, insisting that the proposed Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill did not align with his administration’s policies.
He made this statement in a speech marking his first year in office at the Social Centre. The bill, which seeks to grant the government greater control over media operations, has faced strong opposition from journalists, media and opposition parties.
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The bill, introduced by an independent Member of Parliament, seeks to combine the Maldives Broadcasting Commission and the Maldives Media Council into a unified body and grant it the authority to impose fines on individual journalists and media outlets.
Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, who submitted the bill, was elected as an independent but has often aligned with the ruling coalition in legislative votes. While the bill has been rejected by all opposition parties, the ruling party previously stated it needed to “review” the bill first.
Speaking at the ceremony last night, President Muizzu said his government would not support it.
“We will not do that at all. Instead, we will work to empower media. For that reason, the proposed budget for next year includes, for the first time, an allocation of funds to support media outlets, just as I pledged,” he said.
In addition to financial support, Muizzu also revealed plans to provide office space for media organisations that comply with regulations in the new STO Hotel, which is currently under construction.
