President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has boldly claimed that he “does not believe in controlling news outlets and media”.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on Wednesday, the president said that as long as it does not violate the noble Islamic religion and the Constitution of the Maldives, every Maldivian has the right to do whatever they want with their own freedom within the sovereign territory of the Maldivian state.

Muizzu’s bold statement comes at a time the government has submitted a bill to the People’s Majlis that threatens extreme restrictions to media freedom.

While the purpose of the new law is said to establish efficient and strong standards for registering news outlets, and to create a separate institution to implement media affairs including the broadcasting sector, under this law, if a news outlet repeatedly violates the code of conduct for journalism established by the commission, it can be fined between MVR 5,000 and MVR 50,000. In addition to this, individual journalists can be slapped with fines between MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 as well.

The president of the island nation also has the power to appoint the President and Vice President of the Commission, who are appointed for a five-year term.

When forming the new seven-member commission, the president also holds the power to appoint four members.

The bill was submitted to the People's Majlis by MP For Thulhaadhoo constituency Abdulla Hannan Aboobakuru.

When the bill becomes law, the Broadcasting Commission of Maldives (Broadcom) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC) will be dissolved.