Parliament's Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved the appointment of Abbas Shareef as the new Prosecutor General (PG) of the Maldives. The decision follows a review and interview process conducted earlier today.
Abbas Shareef, currently serving as the Legal Secretary at the President's Office, previously held the position of High Court Judge. His nomination, put forth by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, was the sole candidacy considered by the committee. Out of six applicants for the position, President Muizzu's nomination of Abbas was the only one forwarded to Parliament.
During the committee session, Abbas was rated highly, receiving a score of 93.91 percent from the committee members, including support from opposition members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The endorsement marks a significant step towards his formal appointment.
An extraordinary parliamentary session is scheduled for tomorrow, where Members of Parliament will cast their votes on Abbas's appointment. Following the parliamentary vote, the President will officially appoint Abbas to the role.
In response to queries from MPs, Abbas clarified that his application for the PG position was not influenced by any political figures. He emphasized that his decision to apply was based solely on his confidence in his own capabilities.
Abbas shared his extensive experience, noting his tenure as a High Court Judge where he ruled on a range of political and criminal cases. He acknowledged the threats he faced during his judicial career but assured that he maintained impartiality and integrity in his rulings.
"I was able to rule with integrity because I came with a commitment to fairness. I carry the same spirit into this role," Abbas stated. He explained that his intention to apply for the PG position became public only after he requested a police record, which was then reported by the media. Prior to this, he had not disclosed his application plans to any political figures.
Abbas also commented on the administrative changes made during the tenure of former PG Hussain Shameem, recognizing some positive reforms while noting that certain decisions had sparked debate.
With a robust background in law, including legal representation for former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Abdulla Yameen, and a legal education from the University of Tasmania, Abbas is well-prepared for his new role. His previous service as a High Court Judge from 2011 to 2015 further underscores his extensive qualifications for the position.
