President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu established the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) on Thursday, under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act. This action followed the ratification of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill. The bill’s introduction was spearheaded by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr, and it aimed to give the government greater control over the media landscape.
The government signaled its support for the bill from the outset, leading to its swift passage through parliament, which holds a government supermajority. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim confirmed his involvement in the bill’s review.
Since the bill’s introduction, journalists have raised significant concerns. Initially, the bill proposed that the President would appoint three of the seven MMBC members, including its chairman. However, later amendments shifted this power to the parliament. Journalists worry that the law grants the MMBC excessive power, including the ability to cancel media outlet registrations and take action against individual journalists during investigations. These provisions have sparked fears that the law will restrict press freedom and independent journalism in the Maldives.
