Parliament passes to dissolve MBC, create new company

The parliament has passed to dissolve state broadcasting company Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), and to create a new company.

The bill was passed with 41 votes in favour, and four against.

Revisions made to the bill by the committee include adding a clause to state that during the first term, members should be nominated to the Governing Board by the President; and from the second term onwards, the appointment of members to the board shall be announced by the President’s Office.

The bill states that once the Public Service Media Act comes into effect, clauses in any law, regulation or policy which contradict this act shall become void.

It further states that efforts must begin within 30 days of the law coming into effect, to constitute the Governing Board and appoint senior members to the board.

The purpose of the law, according to the bill, is to establish strong state media funded by the state budget, which incorporates all forms of media including print media and new media forms on the internet; and uses new technology for the purposes of disseminating information and raising awareness.