This is a 100 percent pro media government: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured that his administration is fully supportive of press freedom, describing the government as "100 percent pro-media" during a meeting with the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) and several media professionals held this afternoon.

According to the President’s Office, the meeting was organized in response to a request from the MJA to share concerns about the proposed Media Regulatory Bill. The discussion, which lasted nearly one and half hours, provided journalists the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the President. 

"The President will always listen to the concerns of journalists, and this government is 100 percent pro-media," read a statement published on the President's Office website. The statement emphasized that the administration is committed to fostering a free and supportive environment for the media.

President Muizzu stressed that he does not wish for the government to have control over media regulation or to play any role in appointing members to regulatory bodies. He also pledged that amendments would be proposed to address specific concerns raised about individual articles in the bill.

At a press conference following the meeting, Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated that he does not believe the bill—introduced by Thiradhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru—needs to be withdrawn, but he affirmed the government's willingness to revise and amend it.

AG Usham reiterated that the proposed merger of the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission remains the government's preferred approach to media regulation.

Despite the government’s assurances, journalists continue to call for the bill to be withdrawn entirely rather than amended. Protests were held yesterday near the President's Office and Mulee Aage, and have continued today in front of the Media Fenda; stands placed outside the President’s Office.