Judiciary Committee Endorses Abbas Shareef for Prosecutor General Role

News

The Parliament’s Judiciary Committee has unanimously backed Abbas Shareef's nomination for the vacant position of prosecutor general (PG), following a swift review process on Monday afternoon. Abbas, currently serving as the secretary to the president on legal affairs, was interviewed by the committee before they cast their vote of support.

This endorsement brings Abbas one step closer to taking on the role, with the Parliament expected to vote on his candidacy during an extraordinary sitting scheduled for Tuesday. The prosecutor general position became vacant following the dismissal of former PG Hussain Shameem in a no-confidence vote in August 2024.

Abbas Shareef, nominated by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, was one of the candidates who applied for the role. During his committee interview, he emphasized that his decision to apply was based on personal interest and not at the request of the president or any other government official. He vowed to uphold the principles of impartiality, integrity, and transparency if confirmed in the role.

Abbas holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania, Australia, and has represented prominent figures in the Maldives, including former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. His legal career also includes serving as a High Court judge from 2011 to 2015.

The Parliament, although officially in recess, has been holding special sittings to expedite critical appointments, including the role of prosecutor general and important legislative work.

The former prosecutor general, Hussain Shameem, held office from December 2019 until his dismissal in August 2024.