Attorney General Ahmed Usham has stated that he does not support withdrawing the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, emphasising that the legislation can be revised in line with concerns raised by journalists.

The bill, submitted to Parliament by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakru, has drawn heavy criticism from journalists. Speaking at a press conference today, AG Usham urged journalists to propose amendments to the bill, assuring that such changes would be considered.

Usham noted that a draft bill was sent by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to the Maldives Media Council in 2022, highlighting that it is largely similar to the version currently before Parliament. He pointed out that the draft included a provision for two members of the proposed media regulatory body to be appointed by the President.

According to the Attorney General, the purpose of the bill is to promote and strengthen press freedom, curb the spread of false information while safeguarding journalistic independence, and establish a separate institution to regulate media and broadcasting in the Maldives.