MMC Urges President Muizzu Not To Ratify Media And Broadcasting Bill
Journalists protesting outside the parliament on September 16, 2025 | Photo: MV+
The Maldives Media Council (MMC) has called on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to withhold ratification of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Tuesday.
In a statement issued last night, the Council said it had consistently urged the withdrawal of the bill, alongside journalists, members of the public, and several organisations. With Parliament having passed the bill, the Council confirmed it has formally written to President Muizzu, appealing for him not to sign it into law.
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The MMC expressed concern that the legislation poses a threat to democracy and freedom of speech. It stressed that media-related challenges should be addressed through dialogue, research, and consultation with all stakeholders.
Press Release on the Passing of the 'Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill' by the People's Majlis. pic.twitter.com/y6SSTFf6s6— Maldives Media Council (@mmc_mv) September 17, 2025
“Rushing a law of this scale through Parliament during its recess, with no space for open debate, undermines transparency and trust. Undermining freedom of the press will have huge impacts on other rights as well,” the Council said.
According to the MMC, the law risks doing more harm than good, as it may restrict media freedom rather than regulate it. The Council warned it could further suppress investigative journalism and accountability reporting, which are vital for exposing corruption and abuse of power in a democratic society. It also cautioned that the Maldives’ international freedom index could decline as a result.
The MMC noted that its concerns had been echoed from the outset by the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, the Bar Council, and the Maldives Journalists Association, but added these were never addressed.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has defended the passage of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Bill by the parliament, emphasising that the legislation aligns with the nation’s values and legal framework. pic.twitter.com/Pe8nZXYkCs— MV+ (@mvplusmedia) September 17, 2025
Meanwhile, in the ninth episode of Rayyithunaa Eku, a podcast published by the President’s Office yesterday, President Muizzu voiced support for the bill. He said that in a 100 percent Muslim nation such as the Maldives, freedom of speech and the press cannot be without limits, and must be exercised within religious and cultural principles, including the protection of individual reputation.
