The Attorney General’s Office has submitted 14 amendments to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill during the committee stage, introducing revisions aimed at addressing concerns raised by journalists, media organisations and the public.

One of the most significant changes is the proposal to remove a clause that would have allowed the Maldives Media Commission to temporarily suspend the registration of a media outlet while investigating complaints. Another key amendment seeks to repeal Article 67, which previously enabled action against individual journalists, a provision that had drawn strong criticism from the press community.

Other amendments focus on strengthening media ethics and accountability. The existing disclosure standard for disputed cases will be replaced with a new standard for disclosure of information in matters of public interest. Article 39 of the bill will also establish a code of ethics requiring media outlets to provide truthful, fair and transparent reporting.

Several changes address the independence and governance of the Commission. Articles 17, 19 and 20 will be amended to remove the President’s role in appointing or dismissing members, while Article 18(f) will be adjusted to bar members from political party affiliation. Under Article 28(c), broadcasters and media representatives will also be able to petition for the dismissal of commission members who breach eligibility criteria.

Additional provisions include ensuring respect for personal liberty when disclosing personal information (Article 41), repealing disclosure rules for disputed matters (Article 42), raising the standard for truthfulness in reporting (Article 44), expanding definitions of public policy, national security and electronic media, and introducing criteria for media editors. A temporary education committee will also be created to investigate complaints. To ensure sustainability, the amendments propose allocating a fixed budget from the state annually to fund the Commission.

The bill was originally submitted to the People’s Majlis by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru. Its stated purpose is to promote press freedom, curb fake news and ensure the responsible use of constitutional rights to free expression.

Attorney General Uz Ahmed Usham said the proposed amendments are designed to strike a balance between freedom of the press and accountability, while responding to the core concerns raised by media stakeholders.