Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim has said the Media Commission Bill is drafted in line with international standards.
Speaking during the parliamentary debate on the bill, which proposes merging the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission into a single institution, Nazim highlighted that the bill was prepared after extensive research.
He noted that the legislation incorporates provisions from Finland and Sweden’s Electronic Communication Service Bill, the UK Media Act 2024, and also aligns with all European Union directives. In addition, the bill reflects elements of Iceland’s Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 and Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act 2019 (POFMA).
Nazim also rejected some reports published by media outlets regarding the bill, clarifying that of the proposed seven members of the new commission, three would be appointed by the President with parliamentary approval, while four would be appointed by media organizations through the Elections Commission.
He stressed that this ensures the majority of the commission will consist of representatives from the media, regardless of who chairs the body.