The government has unveiled a comprehensive legislative programme with Attorney General Ahmed Usham revealing a dozen bills are currently being prepared for introduction during the current and second sessions of Parliament.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the President's Office, where the Attorney General provided detailed insights into the government's legislative priorities and the rationale behind each proposed law.
Among the flagship legislation is a data protection bill that the Attorney General confirmed will be introduced during the current session. This landmark bill aims to safeguard the personal data of the general public by establishing a comprehensive framework for the collection, processing, and use of personal information in a transparent and accountable manner. The legislation will clearly define the rights of data subjects while simultaneously establishing the responsibilities and obligations of data collectors and processors across both public and private sectors.
The government has also prioritised a trio of digitisation bills that align with the "Maldives 2.0" initiative as outlined in the Presidential Address. These include a cyber security bill designed to ensure the security of the nation's cyber environment, which will establish requirements for information systems connected to critical infrastructure, identify both internal and cross-border security threats, and empower authorities to take appropriate protective measures. Accompanying this legislation are a digital transformation bill and a digital identity bill, collectively aimed at modernising the nation's technological infrastructure and streamlining digital services for citizens.
Several existing laws require substantial revision according to the Attorney General. The Education Act is set to be amended through new legislative proposals, while two aging statutes—the Immigration Act and the Act related to uninhabited islands—will be entirely replaced rather than amended due to their outdated nature. Additionally, the government is preparing amendments to the Political Parties Act in conjunction with constitutional changes, specifically addressing the procedure for stripping Members of Parliament of their seats if they defect from or are expelled by their political party.
The legislative agenda extends to several significant social and legal reforms. A mental health bill addresses growing public health concerns, while a special law concerning the enforcement of the death penalty in the Maldives represents a major policy consideration. Further proposals include legislation governing the composition of the Judicial Service Commission and a bill aimed at capping the number of members of Parliament.