Feydhoo North MP Calls for Swift Approval of Media Bill Amid Criticism Over Financial Disclosures

Feydhoo North MP Ismail Nizar has called for the swift approval of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, even if it requires convening a special parliamentary sitting, following media reports highlighting his failure to submit a financial statement.

Parliament recently published the financial statements of 88 members, revealing stark disparities between those declaring millions of rufiyaa in income, assets, and gifts, and others reporting bank balances below MVR 500. Several MPs reported heavy loan obligations and credit card debts, while others disclosed millions in gifts and donations. However, the identities of donors are not specified in the public documents.

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In a statement on his Facebook page, Nizar expressed dissatisfaction with the coverage, questioning why local media outlets were giving unusual prominence to lawmakers’ financial statements this year. He argued that financial declarations by MPs and ministers had been a recurring issue in the past, yet the latest reports appeared to be deliberately designed to mislead the public.

“The media reported the news even before parliament held me accountable,” he wrote, adding that the situation highlighted the need to expedite the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which is currently under review by the parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions.

“I request the swift approval of the bill, even if a special session is called for this purpose,” he said.

However, following criticism over his remarks, Nizar later removed the post.

Last year, parliament amended its regulations to tighten disclosure requirements, mandating that MPs file initial financial statements within three months of taking office and provide annual updates by 31 August. At the time, members said the move was necessary to strengthen accountability and public trust.

Nizar, a member of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) which holds a parliamentary majority, echoed calls from party colleagues, ministers, and activists who have voiced support for the bill. Critics, however, have described the proposed legislation as a threat to press freedom.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) submitted a petition signed by 151 journalists representing 41 media outlets, urging both the President and parliament to reject the bill. The petition, launched on 25 August, calls on lawmakers to dismiss the proposal, which was submitted by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the independent MP for Thulhaadhoo constituency.

The bill, adopted during an extraordinary sitting of parliament on 27 August and referred to committee, has drawn opposition from journalists, local newspapers, the Maldives Media Council, the Broadcasting Commission, and several non-governmental organisations at home and abroad.

MJA has requested a four-month period to review the country’s existing self-regulatory media framework alongside the proposed bill. Critics argue the legislation, drafted without consultation with media professionals, risks undermining freedom of speech and expression in the Maldives.

If enacted, the law would merge the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) into a new regulatory body empowered to impose fines of up to MVR 25,000 on individual journalists and MVR 100,000 on media outlets, revoke licences, block websites, and pursue action against editorial offices. It would also permit retroactive sanctions on content published up to one year prior to the law’s enactment.