Debate on amendment regarding disclosure of sources of information put on agenda of first sitting

The debate on the amendment proposed to the Parliament Privileges and Powers Act, which supports the disclosure of journalists’ sources of information, has been put on the agenda of the first sitting of the second term of the parliament scheduled for tomorrow. The parliament will meet for the first time tomorrow after a month's recess.

Three amendments to the Parliament Privileges Act proposed by three members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have been put on the agenda of tomorrow’s sitting.

The first amendment to be discussed tomorrow was proposed by MDP Deputy Parliamentary Leader, Thoddoo MP Ali Waheed. The amendment states that every person has the freedom to use media, which includes the freedom to publish, spread and express opinions, news and information, and no person shall thus be forced to reveal information published, spread or expressed in this manner.

The Parliament Privileges Act, which is presently in effect, states that any person who refuses to answer questions after being summoned to the parliament or tries to hide documents, would be deemed to have disobeyed the orders of the parliament, and the penalty for this crime is a fine of between MVR 1,000 and MVR 3,000, or imprisonment for a period between three to six months.

Debate on the amendment proposed to the Pension Act by Hithadhoo South MP Hassan Latheef, the first reading of the National Library Bill submitted by Maavah MP Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakr, and the first reading of the bill on the revision proposed to the Act on Protection of Children’s Rights have also been put on tomorrow’s agenda.