Committee backs Abbas as Maldives’ next prosecutor general

The Parliament’s Judiciary Committee has provided its backing to Abbas Shareef’s candidacy for the vacant prosecutor general role.

The committee took the vote on Monday afternoon, shortly after interviewing Abbas, who currently serves as the secretary to the president on legal affairs.

The vote was unanimous.

The Parliament, while technically in recess, has been holding extraordinary sittings to expedite work on appointing a new prosecutor general and key legislature. It is expected to take a floor vote on Abbas’ candidacy during the sitting scheduled for Tuesday.

The role of PG fell vacant after former prosecutor general Hussain Shameem was dismissed in a no-confidence vote in August.

Abbas was picked by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu from among candidates who applied for the vacancy. His nomination was sent to the committee for review on September 11.

During his committee interview on Monday, Abbas said that he did not apply for the vacant PG role at the behest of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu or any other government official, but out of his own interest.

He also promised impartiality, integrity and transparency in executing his duties if appointed to the role.

“My personal guarantee is this – I will not look at anyone’s face. I will make decisions based solely on the facts of the case,” he said.

Abbas holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania, Australia. Some high-profile figures he represented during his legal career includes former presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. He also served as a High Court judge from 2011-2015.

The former prosecutor general, Shameem, held office from December 8, 2019 to August 22, 2024 – when he was dismissed by the Parliament in a no-confidence vote.

He had tendered his resignation ahead of the vote. However, the Parliament said the President’s Office hadn’t received his resignation letter, and passed the no-confidence motion with a majority vote of 65-9.

The law dictates that a new prosecutor general must be appointed within 30 days the post becomes vacant. The Parliament had gone to recess after the vote to oust Shameem, and needs to hold extraordinary sittings appoint his replacement.