Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem has stated that the media must function in a manner that does not corrupt society or violate the dignity and honor of individuals.
Speaking during the debate on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill in Parliament today, Saleem stressed that journalists have a duty to reveal information in accordance with the truth. He said destroying a person’s reputation is unacceptable, regardless of who carries it out.
“Destroying dignity and honor is not something anyone should do, whether they are journalists, members of this honorable parliament, or anyone else,” Saleem said.
He noted that protecting one’s reputation was a principle emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his farewell sermon. Saleem added that efforts to undermine people’s honor in Maldivian society became widespread in 2004 during the movement against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration.
Highlighting the influence of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok, Saleem said many users are openly posting inappropriate and vulgar content, which he described as unacceptable.
He further emphasized Islam’s teaching on preserving dignity, citing a hadith about Allah concealing the faults of those who conceal others’ faults. Saleem concluded that while defamation must be avoided, the media has a responsibility to report truthfully and contribute to national reform.
“Journalists are educated and intellectual professionals who understand how matters progress. When everyone — journalists, parliamentarians, citizens, and social media users — acts in ways that do not corrupt society, that is when the nation’s best interests are served,” he said.