Government Preparing 12 Bills for Parliament, Attorney General Says

Attorney General Ahmed Usham said the government is preparing to submit 12 bills during the current and second sessions of the People’s Majlis.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office today, Usham outlined the legislation the government plans to submit to Parliament.

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He said a Personal Data Protection Bill would be introduced during the current session to establish a transparent and accountable system for collecting, processing and using personal data. According to Usham, the bill will define the rights of individuals, responsibilities of data processors and collectors, and regulations governing the handling of personal information.

Usham also said three bills linked to the government’s “Maldives 2.0” initiative are ready to be submitted during this session. These include a Cyber Security Bill, a Digital Transformation Bill and a Digital Identity Bill.

He said the Cyber Security Bill aims to strengthen the security of the Maldives’ cyber environment, establish requirements for information systems connected to critical infrastructure in both the public and private sectors, and address domestic and cross-border cyber threats.

In addition, Usham said drafting work on amendments to the Education Act has been completed.

He also stated that the government plans to introduce entirely new legislation to replace the existing Immigration Act and Uninhabited Islands Act, describing the current laws as outdated.

The Attorney General further said amendments to the Political Parties Act would be submitted following recent constitutional amendments relating to the loss of parliamentary seats by MPs. He said the changes are needed to establish procedures for removing members from political parties.

Usham also announced plans to submit a Mental Health Bill, legislation concerning the implementation of the death penalty in the Maldives, and constitutional amendments related to the composition of the Judicial Service Commission and the number of MPs in Parliament.