The Government has reiterated its policy to uphold media freedom through a self-regulatory system, dismissing claims of plans to introduce legislation regulating journalism and the internet. 

Heena Waleed, Spokesperson for the President’s Office, confirmed that no such bill is part of the Government’s legislative agenda and there are no intentions to propose one in the future.

The statement came after Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim suggested in an interview that work was underway to draft a bill regulating media and online platforms. Responding to these claims, Heena stated on X that media freedom has been a priority for the Administration from the outset. She emphasised the Government’s focus on maintaining a free press without imposing additional regulations.

Concerns over media regulation resurfaced in November when an independent parliamentarian introduced the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill. The proposed legislation, aimed at merging the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) into a single regulatory body, was withdrawn following backlash from journalists.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has also affirmed his Administration’s commitment to media freedom. In a post on X on November 13, he stated that citizens have the right to freedom of expression within the bounds of Islam and the Constitution, making it clear that controlling the media is not part of his governance approach.