JP leader objects Attorney General’s removal from Bar Council

Jumhoory Party (JP) leader and Maamigili MP Qasim Ibrahim has objected the amendment bill to Legal Professions Act, seeking to remove the Attorney General from Maldives Bar Council’s Executive Committee.

The amendment bill was submitted at last Wednesday’s sitting by North-Hulhumale’ MP Hussain Shareef on behalf the state. Debate on the bill was scheduled for Monday’s sitting.

During the time allocated for debate, Qasim dissented to the bill’s primary objective. The MP said the amendment hampers establishment of justice.

“Several authorities and powers are included here, and the removal of Attorney General from the seven-member ExCo would pave way for misconduct, so I do not think this is right. I am certain it is not right. We do not believe one member’s wrong decision would not hinder the collective decision of the committee,” Qasim said.

Qasim further argued that a president does have authority to influence others for exploitative gains. He added that while a public body can face influence or coercion from multiple avenues, the removal of the AG from the bar council’s executive committee is unwise.

The MP said that while an AG has constitutionally mandated responsibilities, the AG’s responsibilities should include their bar council role as well.

Qasim also said the constitution demands state bodies and commissions to provide ‘up-to-date’ information to the President related to state governance.

“I do not like to believe that the presence of, or the absence of the Attorney General in these institutions would enhance misconduct. The AG is as human as the other members who are elected to the committee,” Qasim continued while criticizing the amendment bill.

Though Qasim rejected the bill, ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) lawmakers argued in favor of the amendment.

Pro-government lawmakers argued removal of AG from the committee was necessary in ensuring the council, as well as the entire judiciary, operated without bias.

A primary objective of the amendment seeks to ensure unbiased governance of the bar council. It also aims to establish precedence on electing representatives from the legal fraternity to make policies for the judicial governance.

Should the amendment get passed, bar council’s executive committee will be exclusive for elected representatives including its president and deputy.

The bill also seeks to add statutory provisions on notarization and attestation services, including reforms to facilitate attestation from diplomatic missions.