President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the Attorney General’s Office Act, reinforcing the legal framework that governs the country’s chief legal authority.
Although the Constitution has long recognized the Attorney General’s Office as an independent body, the office had previously functioned under the Civil Service Commission. That changed in May, when the Attorney General’s Act formally established it as an autonomous institution.
However, the government soon moved to refine the law further. In June, an amendment was proposed to clearly define the scope of responsibilities of the Attorney General’s Office, strengthen its advisory role, and revise provisions on employee pay and benefits. The amendment was submitted on behalf of the government by MP Ali Fawad and won parliamentary approval during the 24th sitting of the People’s Majlis on August 12.
With the amendment now ratified, the Attorney General’s Office will function under the President’s authority. The Attorney General has been tasked with formulating the organizational structure—including the positions of Deputy Attorney General, Secretary General, and other staff—subject to the President’s approval.
The revised law also outlines the office’s responsibilities, establishes rules for the hiring of lawyers and legal support staff, and provides a framework for employee benefits. Officials at the Attorney General’s Office had previously stressed the importance of such revisions, noting that the changes give the President’s Office a formal role in shaping its internal structure.
Following ratification, the amendment was published in the Government Gazette and has officially come into effect.
