The Maldives Parliament has approved the appointment of former High Court Judge Al-Ustaz Abbas Shareef as the new Prosecutor General. Abbas was unanimously endorsed by all 85 members present during the extraordinary parliamentary session.
Although Parliament is currently in recess, the body has been holding special sittings to expedite the process of appointing a new Prosecutor General, following the removal of Hussain Shameem in a no-confidence vote on August 22. The law requires that a new appointment be made within 30 days.
During his interview with the parliamentary committee, Abbas emphasized that his decision to apply for the role was of his own volition and not influenced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu or any other government official. He assured lawmakers that he would serve with impartiality, integrity, and transparency if appointed to the position.
Abbas Shareef brings more than 23 years of legal experience to his new role. His career began in 1995 as an Assistant Secretary Trainee in the Office of the President, before earning a Diploma in Law in Malaysia and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tasmania in Australia. He later worked as an Assistant Legal Officer in the President’s Office, where he was involved in drafting the Maldives Constitution alongside the Attorney General.
Abbas’s extensive legal background and promise of impartiality are seen as key qualities for the Prosecutor General role, as he steps into one of the nation’s most crucial legal positions.
