MJA Requests Four Months to Review Media Regulatory System and Proposed Bill

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has requested four months to review the country’s existing self-regulatory system for media, as well as the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill currently being assessed by the Parliamentary Committee for Independent Institutions.

Journalists met with the committee yesterday to discuss the bill, which was submitted by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, MP for Thulhaadhoo. The meeting lasted nearly four hours.

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Speaking to the press afterwards, the Director of MJA, Mohamed Junaid, said journalists had questioned why the bill was being processed in haste, but no parliamentarian was able to explain. He stressed that there was no reason for such urgency and confirmed that MJA had formally requested additional time to review both the existing regulatory system and the proposed bill.

The committee has also met separately with the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom). During these consultations, stakeholders noted that the bill had been introduced without prior discussion, raising several concerns and leading to calls for its dismissal.

Junaid said he was not opposed to regulating the press but underlined the importance of distinguishing between regulation and control. He added that MJA was prepared to work with the Attorney General’s Office, Parliament, and other authorities to move the process forward in consultation.

He further noted that MJA’s research showed public concern about political influence over the media, yet the current bill does not address this issue. He also highlighted that while journalists continue to face threats and attacks, the bill contains no provisions to ensure their protection.

During the committee meeting, various media outlets expressed concerns over clauses in the proposed bill that they believe could restrict press freedom. Many organisations have called for the bill to be withdrawn and replaced with a new draft developed through comprehensive consultation with the media, industry bodies, and relevant authorities.