Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions has set 15 September as the deadline to complete work on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill.

The decision was taken after South Fuvahmulah MP Ibrahim Hussain proposed the date during today’s committee meeting, a motion that was seconded by Kela MP Abdulla Shareef. Hussain further recommended that the bill be opened for public consultation until 6 September, a suggestion also endorsed by Shareef.

Following the decision, committee chair and Maafushi MP Hussain Riza Adam outlined the next steps. He said the committee would hold detailed discussions with stakeholders from Sunday to Tuesday next week. As part of this process, he explained that meetings would be held with agencies, newspapers and other relevant authorities to gather views. In addition, the committee agreed to collect feedback and complaints from the Media Council, the Broadcasting Commission and registered newspapers.

The bill was sent to the committee after being accepted by Parliament during a sitting held outside the regular session on Wednesday. The referral was supported by 49 lawmakers, while 12 members voted against it.

The proposed legislation has its origins in a bill introduced last year by independent MP for Thulhaadhoo, Abdul Hannan Aboobakur. At the time, he sought to abolish both the Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission and merge them into a single institution. However, following criticism, he withdrew the amendments.

Brought back under the title Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, the legislation is now presented by its proposer as a measure to strengthen press freedom, curb the spread of false information and establish a new authority to oversee the media, including broadcasters.

If passed, the law would dissolve the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single body, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The new commission would comprise seven members, three appointed by the President with parliamentary approval and four elected by the media sector.

According to the bill, the commission would advise the Government on broadcasting policy, safeguard press freedom and freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution, and raise public awareness on these rights. It would also be empowered to instruct agencies and service providers to counter the spread of false information and to take action against those found responsible.

Provisions for the transition have also been outlined. Staff currently employed by the existing councils would be transferred to the new commission once the law comes into effect. Until permanent members are appointed, the commission would operate under a five-member interim committee appointed by the Civil Service Commission. The bill specifies that these interim members must hold posts higher than director general within the civil service.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, during his visit to Haa Dhaalu Atoll, has stated that he has no intention of controlling the media and emphasised that the media should function in a manner that is fully independent, transparent, and accountable.