Malé, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged journalists to be diligent in reporting and to keep the progress of the nation as first priority, in his statement on World Press Freedom Day.
President Solih also advised journalists to thoroughly investigate stories, rely on credible sources and be wholesome in conveying information to the public and that the scope of journalism extends beyond entertainment, and journalists are responsible for providing the public with truth and accurate information.
He urged all journalists to exercise their freedoms cautiously and to avoid slander and defamatory rhetoric. President also added that the press’s most crucial resolve should be steering the public away from false narratives and detrimental actions.
President also highlighted the importance of a free press to democracy adding that a free media ensures good governance, and in the past three years, the Maldivian media’s vigilant reporting had brought to light many issues that had assisted the government in various ways.
Noting the crippled state of the press earlier, President Solih explained that the Maldives ranked 120 on the World Press Freedom Index when he assumed office in 2018. Swift action by this administration to guarantee legislative freedoms and ensuring a conducive environment for journalists in the country has changed the scene, with the Maldives now ranked 72 on the global Index.
President Solih also recalled the many sacrifices of journalists in the Maldives’ journey to democratic freedom and recognised those who lost their lives in this pursuit. He also extended well wishes to all the journalists working in the Maldives.
