Deputy Speaker Nazim: What happened to Nepal will not happen to us, Maldivians are more sincere

The controversial media bill submitted to the Parliament will not spark incidents similar to the recent youth-led riots that toppled the Nepalese government, says Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim, adding that the Maldivian people are “far more sincere” for that to happen.

In an interview to ‘SanguTV’ on Sunday night, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) lawmaker, who admitted to being involved in drafting the controversial media bill that seeks to replace the existing self-regulatory system with a government-controlled commission, was asked whether he believes the passage of the bill could push the Maldives into a similar situation as Nepal.

Nazim, who represents the Dhiggaru constituency, responded that Nepal has a long history of inaction in matters of corruption.

He said that unlike Nepal, the Maldives has been taking action against corruption, and allows unfettered access to social media platforms to exercise freedom of expression.

Nazim said that the plight of Nepal cannot be used rile up the Maldivian people into doing wrong.

He said that the Maldivian people are “far more sincere” for that.

Nazim said that the Maldives has a strong and comprehensive Constitution, making it beyond compare to “those countries.”

But he said he believes that social media platforms too must be used responsibly.

The riots in Nepal were sparked by a ban on 26 different social media platforms that was touted as a move to combat misinformation and hate mongering.

But this was perceived by the people as a move to coverup acts of corruption, prompting youth-led protests against the crackdown on freedom of expression, corruption and nepotism.

The demonstrations turned violent as protestors attacked government leaders and torched government buildings and private residences, eventually toppling the government.

Journalists in the Maldives have been holding serial protests ever since the controversial media bill was submitted to the Parliament on August 18. They have been demanding the withdrawal of the bill, which not only regulates mainstream media, but also social media.