President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) that his administration will safeguard press freedom, pledging to amend contentious provisions in the proposed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill currently before Parliament.
The assurance came during a meeting with MJA, held at the request of the association, to discuss their concerns regarding the bill.
During the discussion, the President attentively considered all recommendations and pledged due regard. Lasting over an hour, the meeting reaffirmed his commitment to addressing journalists’ concerns. He underscored that this administration is “100 percent pro-media” and reaffirmed the government’s ongoing support for the sector. The President also highlighted that numerous initiatives have been undertaken, and continue to be implemented, to foster a favourable and enabling environment for the media.
He further reaffirmed that he has no intention for the government to interfere in media regulation, control, or appointments to regulatory bodies. The President assured that the government would propose amendments to certain provisions of the draft bill.
The President assured MJA that the government remains committed to supporting and safeguarding media freedom in the Maldives.