Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions has formed a sub-committee to conduct the task of merging Maldives Media Council (MMC) and Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC).
The 4-member sub-committee includes Parliamentarian Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq and Parliamentarian Mohamed Visam. They had previously filled positions in local media agencies. In addition, Parliamentarian Ahmed Usam and Parliamentarian Ibrahim Riza were also included in the sub-committee.
Chair of Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions Rozaina Adam revealed the efforts to merge MMC and MBC was initiated after consultations with Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath. She added President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Attorney General Riffath also supports to have one institution to monitor media and broadcasting.
Speaking on the issue, Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq and Mohamed Visam told the committee the task could take longer than anticipated and urged to continue the ongoing process of removing and appointing members to MBC.
Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions has passed to remove President of MBC Mohamed Shaheeb and Vice President of MBC Fathimath Zeyna. However, Shaheeb who was filling his second term at MBC resigned before the parliament could approve his removal on October 9.
President Solih has also nominated 36 individuals for the vacant positions following the resignation of former Vice President of MBC Ismail Sofwan and Hassan Nabah.