The People’s Majlis has rejected a petition signed by 151 journalists, which outlined key concerns and called for the withdrawal of a controversial media regulation bill widely seen as an attempt to bring the press under government control.

The rejection was made under the false pretense that government-proposed amendments had addressed the issues raised in the petition.

The decision to dismiss the petition came during a meeting of the Parliament’s Petitions Committee. The motion to reject was tabled by PNC MP for Madaveli constituency Mohamed Shameez, and was approved by the PNC majority on the committee. The only dissenting voice came from MDP MP for Vaikaradhoo constituency Hussain Ziyad.

However, journalists and media advocates argue that the so-called amendments do nothing to address their core concerns. Among the most contentious points is the provision that gives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu the power to directly appoint three of the seven members of the newly proposed Media Commission, a move critics say undermines the independence of the body and opens the door to political interference in journalism.

Despite these valid concerns, PNC MP for Baarah constituency Ibrahim Shujau claimed during committee discussions that the petition’s issues had been resolved through government amendments. This claim has been widely rejected by journalists, who argue that the bill has only grown more restrictive and opaque.

The rejection of the petition, submitted in good faith by a significant segment of the country’s journalist community, without so much as a debate in the parliament, has sparked outrage among media professionals. Many see the move as a blatant disregard for democratic engagement and freedom of expression.

The fact that the Independent Institutions Committee passed the bill in a closed-door meeting, without addressing public or press concerns, has further fueled criticism. Journalists had hoped that their petition, which included specific recommendations and was backed by a broad coalition of media workers, would prompt at least a transparent and inclusive debate.

Instead, the swift dismissal of the petition is being viewed as a deliberate effort to silence dissent and push through legislation that threatens the very foundation of independent journalism in the Maldives.

Journalists and press freedom advocates now warn that the bill, if enacted, will tighten government control over the media under the guise of regulation, posing a serious threat to democratic accountability.