President Muizzu Meets the Maldives Journalists Association Over Media Bill Concerns

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu affirmed the government is “100 percent pro-media” during a meeting with the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) on Thursday.

He met with the MJA following their request to discuss concerns regarding the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill currently under deliberation in Parliament.

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During the meeting, which lasted over an hour, President Muizzu listened to the association’s recommendations and pledged to give them due consideration. He reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to supporting the media, stating that the Government is “100 percent pro-media” and highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering a favourable environment for the sector.

The President emphasised that his Government has no intention of interfering in media regulation, control, or appointments to regulatory bodies. He assured the MJA that the Administration would propose amendments to certain provisions of the bill presently before Parliament.

President Muizzu further reiterated that the Government remains committed to safeguarding and promoting media freedom in the Maldives.

However, in a press conference held in the President’s Office later that day, the Attorney General of the Maldives, Ahmed Usham, had said that even after taking into account the journalists concerns regarding the bill being debated in the parliament currently, the government sees no reason as to why they would have to withdraw the bill completely, and that they believe they can proceed with amending the bill where necessary. He cited a bill proposed by the Maldives Media Council (MMC) in 2022, which had even stricter prohibitions, fines and restrictions placed on journalists.