MP for Thulhaadhoo Constituency Abdul Hannan Abubakar has withdrawn the controversial 'Media bill' which would have allowed the government to exert control over media and freedom of speech.
The Bill aims to abolish the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission and create a new commission to regulate the media under the name of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
In his Bill, MP Hanaan, an independent MP, states that the ruling party would hold majority power over the new media commission.
It also stated that the Commission would have the power to take action if broadcasters and news outlets disobey the code of conduct set by the Commission. The Commission would also get the power to take repeat offenders to Court and get their broadcasting and publishing licenses revoked.
The bill was submitted a week ago, and media advocate groups and the opposition expressed concern over the potential consequences of such a bill that narrows the media's right to remain unbiased and subjective.
When asked by this outlet, MP Hannan confirmed that he had withdrawn the bill.
His withdrawal comes two days after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assured news reporters that he would have the bill thrown out of the parliament.
