Main opposition MDP’s leader Abdull Shahid has warned that a look into the history clearly shows no government that tried to meddle with the media has ever ended well following the passage of the controversial media bill by a Parliament dominated by ruling PNC.

MDP has been demonstrating with journalists against the media bill that would grant the government substantial control over the media since it was introduced in Parliament.

South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Meekail, an MDP lawmaker and the only opposition member in the Independent Institutions Committee that assessed the bill, suggested amendments that were dismissed and opposed the bill in its initial version.

The legislation, together with the changes introduced during the committee phase and the four amendments suggested by Fonadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh, a representative from PNC, was approved by a majority vote of 60-1. The only opposing vote was cast by Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas, who is part of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).

Shahid, in a post on X following the bill's approval, stated that the government, aggressively advancing the media "control" bill, has waged war on free expression.

“A regime that stifles reporters is a regime that has abandoned the bravery to confront reality.” "Rather than addressing the crises confronting our country, they are attempting to silence the voices that hold them responsible," he stated.

Shahid emphasized that MDP supports independent media and every Maldivian who trusts in democracy, noting that history clearly demonstrates that no government attempting to interfere with the media has fared well.

At the same time, MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail referred to the media “control” bill enacted by the current administration as an affront to the legacy of the numerous activists who sacrificed for the sake of freedom of expression and media in the Maldives.

He urged all Maldivian citizens to unite with the party to oppose the “harsh control bill” and defend the nation's future.