Ahmed Saleem, former Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis and former MP representing Hoarafushi constituency, has sharply criticized the government’s claim that the newly ratified Media Control Act will not affect unregistered media outlets, calling it “a big joke” and “nonsensical rhetoric” aimed merely at placating the youth.

Speaking at a journalists’ meeting organized by the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) on Thursday, Saleem questioned the credibility of assurances made by the government regarding the law’s limited scope.

Saleem, who is also Managing Director and a founding member of privately-run television station RaajjeTV, one of the oldest and most prominent private broadcasters in the Maldives, highlighted that RaajjeTV has identified numerous legal and organizational concerns within the Media Control Act. These issues touch upon both collective and individual rights, yet, according to Saleem, media organizations have been kept largely in the dark.

Saleem revealed that they had not been given access to the full text of the media control bill, even up to its ratification. He added that they are now expected to comply with a law they have neither fully seen nor understood.

He further condemned the legislative process, stating there was no meaningful consultation or opportunity for input during the drafting of the bill. Saleem described the law as lacking even the most fundamental standards of sound legislative procedure.

The former lawmaker went on to state that it is unreasonable and illogical to expect media organizations and employees to comply with a law whose contents remain unclear. He added that one cannot agree or refuse to comply without first understanding the law.

Given these circumstances, Saleem declared that legal recourse is inevitable. He confirmed that RaajjeTV’s legal team is reviewing the bill thoroughly and will pursue a court challenge, regardless of how unfairly the matter may be decided.

Saleem also criticized the law’s failure to align with existing legislation and the constitution, noting the absence of any coherent integration between the new Media Law and other legal frameworks.

Addressing the government’s assertion that the Media Control Act would exempt unregistered media, Saleem dismissed this claim as “laughable” and “a desperate attempt to win favor with younger audiences.” He warned that the law contains numerous provisions that infringe on the rights of many within the media sector.

Reflecting on the legislative process, Saleem recalled that even at the committee stage in the People’s Majlis, the draft presented was unfamiliar and unacceptable to RaajjeTV and its legal advisors.

Saleem said that from the portions observed then, it was clear that this was a law they could not endorse.