Khaleel claims gov’t was in the dark during media bill drafting

Communications Minister at the President's Office, Ibrahim Khaleel, has claimed that the government had no information during the drafting stage of the controversial media bill now before the People’s Majlis, a bill widely condemned as an assault on press freedom.

The bill, which seeks to impose sweeping controls over the media, was submitted to parliament with backing from ruling party lawmakers and has been accepted for consideration. Despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration distancing itself from the proposal, it was advanced through PNC-aligned MP Abdul Hannan of Thulhaadhoo constituency and supported by a majority of the ruling party.

Though the government denies formal involvement, statements made by ruling party members during parliamentary debate have strongly signaled its backing. Critics argue that the legislation, if passed, would effectively dismantle independent journalism in the Maldives.

As protests erupted near the President’s Office, where a group of journalists voiced opposition to the bill, Minister Khaleel visited the site and responded to questions from RaajjeTV. He asserted that the government was unaware of the bill’s details during its drafting phase. “It is the right of an independent MP to submit a bill,” Khaleel said, adding that the government is committed to addressing the media’s concerns.

However, Khaleel's comments did little to quell outrage. When asked about the potential consequences if the legislation is rejected, he suggested the government could simply propose amendments. He further dismissed ongoing protests, saying: “Reject, throw out, protest, that’s not media work,” implying that others might be influencing the demonstrations.

His remarks were met with criticism from journalists and civil society actors who see them as an attempt to delegitimize growing dissent.

The bill was accepted by parliament with 49 votes in favor, 12 against, and five abstentions. Its advancement has sparked nationwide concern among media professionals, who say the law poses an existential threat to press freedom and transparency in governance.