President: Government urges responsible exercise of the right to freedom of the press
On World Press Freedom Day, the President reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for independent journalism in the Maldives. While the President commended the work of journalists, there has been a rise in complaints regarding delays in responding to Right to Information requests. Consequently, the President pledged to enhance state transparency and urged journalists to fulfill their duties responsibly and in accordance with ethical standards.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaks during a press conference held on Monday. | president office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the government urges all journalists to exercise their freedom responsibly and within the bounds of journalistic ethics.
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, the government recognizes the vital importance of honoring the individuals and organizations dedicated to upholding press freedom and safeguarding the right to information.
Furthermore, the President reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to supporting the vital role of a free press in maintaining a democratic system, achieving sustainable development, and fostering peace at both national and international levels.
The President further stated that the government is continuously working to foster a conducive environment for journalism by investing in the media sector, expanding opportunities for access to information, and facilitating open public discourse.
He further stated that these collaborative efforts aim to enhance state transparency and accountability, which are essential for building public trust and increasing citizen participation in governance.
President Muizzu further stated that the government commends journalists for their professional skills, courage, and steadfast commitment to serving the public interest with integrity.
At the same time, the President stated that the government appeals to all journalists to exercise this freedom responsibly. He urged them to remain committed to honesty, impartiality, and journalistic ethics to ensure the public receives accurate information.
While the President has extended greetings on Press Freedom Day, significant challenges persist as delays and lack of responses to Right to Information (RTI) requests—the primary tool for journalists and the public to access information—have become commonplace. Furthermore, inquiries directed to official government channels frequently go unanswered.
