Vice President Faisal Naseem has stated, the government has decided to make amends to Broadcasting Commission Act and the Public Service Media Act.
Speaking at the Journalism Award Ceremony 2018 organised by Maldives Media Council (MMC), Vice President Faisal stated that the government plans to formulate policies to redefine media and journalism in Maldives that also complements Good Governance, one of the pledges of the government.
Moreover, he iterated that although free press benefits the government in its work towards reform and democracy, free press should not be a threat to anyone. He highlighted the government's efforts to create a free and transparent media. Furthermore, he also explained the government's plan to establish a national press club.
He also stated that journalists lived in fear when the government assumed power and several journalists were jailed and charged with terrorism. Press freedom is essential for a nation to prosper democratically, he noted.
He expressed ways in which journalism and media can be developed. Human resource development is one key area the government considers, according to Vice President. He stated that the government intends to introduce scholarships and student loans in the coming years in the fields of journalism and media.
In conclusion, the Vice President urged journalists to be responsible in practicing press freedom.