Ex-PG Muizz questions judicial independence; president silent on issues
Muizz also questioned the current composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which has the authority to investigate and dismiss judges.
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Former Prosecutor General Ahmed Muizz has raised concerns about political influence in the judiciary and other matters related to government operations during a public meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday. The President did not respond to the issues raised by the lawyer.
Ahmed Muizz spoke during a meeting held at Ameeniyya School for residents of the Machchangolhi ward in Male. He first referred to a proposal by a member of the ruling PNC to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges and said he believed the move was intended to influence the judiciary.
“Parliament passed the bill, the President sent it back, but the bill is still in Parliament,” he said.
He then commented on the suspension of three Supreme Court judges while the court was considering a constitutional amendment that would have led to the loss of parliamentary seats through party expulsion. Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir were removed from the bench, while the third judge, Husnu Suood, resigned.
“In my view, the dismissal of those Supreme Court judges was not done in a fair manner,” he said.
Ahmed Muizz also questioned the current composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which has the authority to investigate and dismiss judges. The JSC is chaired by PNC MP Hosni Mubarak.
“Not only the PNC. The MDP also did the same. Why should a member of your party chair the JSC? I believe a Supreme Court judge should hold that position,” he said, addressing the President.
He also raised concerns on a range of other issues, including:
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The Housing Ministry’s authority to allocate land in Male, which he said should fall under the city council according to legal procedures
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The lack of publicly available research to justify the abolition of Atoll Councils
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An increase in political employees and recruitment through government companies for political purposes
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Insufficient action by independent institutions and police in relation to corruption cases
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Complaints from the public regarding the quality of services delivered by ministries and the need for stronger oversight of staff
Following Muizz’s remarks, President Mohamed Muizzu delivered a speech. He said all concerns raised at the meeting would be documented and reviewed, although he did not address the questions concerning political influence in the judiciary, political appointments, or the abolition of Atoll Councils.
“Overall, I will highlight everything. However, due to lack of time, some points may be omitted. Every concern raised will be recorded and addressed,” the President said.
