Journos Sign Petition Calling to Reject the Media Regulation Bill
Member of the Maldives Media Council, Fathimath Shana, signing the petition launched by MJA calling the parliament to reject the “Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation” bill | Photo: MJA
The Maldives Journalists Association of the Maldives (MJA) launched a petition yesterday, urging the parliament of the Maldives to reject the “Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation”.
The bill, submitted by independent parliamentarian for Thulhaadhoo constituency, Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, has garnered widespread criticism from local and international organisations, as well as political parties.
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In addition, journalists are calling on the parliament to withdraw the bill, stating that the bill threatens the freedom of speech in the Maldives.
We have launched a petition urging Members of Parliament to reject the Media Control Bill submitted to the People’s Majlis.
In the pictures: Managing Editor of Dhauru @hirigazahir , CEO of Adhadhu @hussainfiyaz, and Senior Assistant Editor of Mihaaru @fazyahmed pic.twitter.com/6icEyqh3I7— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) August 25, 2025
MJA and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) have argued previously that vague wording within the draft law leaves it open to misuse.
MJA has previously warned that the proposed media bill centralises power under the President and creates a mechanism for government control, describing it as “the murder of independent journalism”. It said provisions allowing the closure of outlets, arrests of journalists, and fines would foster a climate of fear.
The draft law would dissolve the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission, transferring their roles to a new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The body would include seven members, with three appointed by the President and four elected by the media sector. Unlike the current system, its chairperson would be appointed directly by the head of state.
However, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said yesterday that he has informed the People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarians, who hold the supermajority, to amend the bill so that it will not be the President of the nation who chooses the chairperson of the commission.
The Maldives Media Council (MMC) criticised the proposal as an attempt to undermine self-regulation and place the media under political influence, while the MJA condemned the lack of consultation with journalists. The MJA further accused Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim of playing a central role in shaping the bill, despite it being tabled by an independent MP, calling the move “suspicious” and politically motivated.
