PG candidate Abbas promises impartiality

The secretary to the president on legal affairs, Abbas Shareef, who has been nominated as the Maldives’ next prosecutor general, told the Judiciary Committee on Monday that he did not apply for the vacancy at the behest of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu or any other government officials but out of his own interest, promising impartiality if he is appointed to the role.

Abbas was summoned by the parliamentary committee for his interview on Monday afternoon.

Answering questions, Abbas said that he did not apply for the vacancy at the behest of President Muizzu.

Abbas told the committee that he had been interested in applying for the role as soon as the vacancy opened, and applied for a criminal record check required of applicants. He said that the cabinet ministers had only learnt of his intention from media reports, after his criminal record check application alerted the press.

“Neither the president nor any other political figure asked me to apply,” he said.

Abbas said that he also did not discuss his application with any government official.

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 said that he applied with the intention of completing a full five-year term.

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