Media control bill is a tactic by government to silence press and conceal corruption: Shahid

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has strongly condemned the government's proposed media control bill, calling it a deliberate attempt by the current administration to suppress independent journalism and conceal corruption and misconduct.

Shahid accused senior government leaders of using the bill as a tool to tighten their grip on the media and erode press freedom in the Maldives.

He asserted that this is not about media regulation, but about government control, calling it a calculated scheme to eliminate independent media and silence dissent.

He emphasized that in a functioning democracy, media regulation must be carried out through an independent, self-regulatory mechanism, not through direct government control. The former foreign minister warned that the entire concept of the bill is rooted in centralizing power over the media in the hands of those it should be scrutinizing.

The former foreign minister went on to urge the People’s Majlis to reject the legislation immediately, warning that its passage would mark a significant step backward for democratic values in the country.

Shahid previously raised alarm over provisions in the bill that would establish a media council appointed by the president, with a presidential appointee serving as chair. He argued that giving such a body the authority to levy heavy fines, revoke media licenses, and deregister outlets poses a serious threat to press freedom.

Stressing that this is a dangerous shift, Shahid noted that the legislation challenges the foundations of the modern democracy the country has worked so hard to build. Further, he said that one of the defining features of authoritarian regimes is the suppression of free journalism and the creation of an atmosphere of fear among journalists.

He called on all journalists and lawmakers to stand against the legislation and protect the hard-earned freedoms that Maldivian journalism has achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice.

Despite widespread concerns raised by journalists, the People's Majlis accepted the bill, with 49 lawmakers, primarily from the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), voting in favor. Only 12 lawmakers voted against it, as opposition lawmakers protested the decision.