President Muizzu Ratifies Attorney General’s Office Bill

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Attorney General’s Office Bill, which was passed during the 32nd sitting of the first session of the 2025 parliamentary term on 15 May.

This ratification introduces a new legislative framework for the Attorney General’s Office.

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The bill was originally submitted to Parliament on 2 December last year by Member of Parliament Abdulla Rifau, representing the government. After careful consideration, the Judiciary Committee presented its report on the bill. Initially, when the bill was put to a vote, the majority of members decided to send it back to the committee for further review. Following amendments by the committee, the bill was passed unanimously by all 64 members present during the vote on 15 May.

The purpose of the bill is to establish the Attorney General’s Office as a distinct government entity with clearly defined requirements, responsibilities, and duties. It also aims to create a legal framework governing the office’s operations, including the appointment of staff. Although the Constitution recognises the Attorney General’s Office as an independent body, it has previously functioned under the Civil Service Commission, unlike other independent institutions such as the Prosecutor General’s Office, which are regulated by separate legislation.

The bill specifies that employees of the Attorney General’s Office will include those appointed to the positions of Deputy Attorney General, Secretary General, as well as Legal Service and Administrative Service staff. These employees will be divided into two categories: the Legal Service and the Administrative Service. 

Their salaries and allowances will be set by the Minister of Finance in accordance with policies established by the National Pay Commission. Provisions for employee participation in a health insurance system and eligibility for honorary retirement benefits under the Retirement Rules are also included in the bill.

This legislative change follows the separation of the Foreign Ministry from the civil service under the Foreign Service Act of 2021. By establishing the Attorney General’s Office as an independent entity, the government seeks to provide a more specialised and effective legal framework for its operations.

Following ratification, the Attorney General’s Office Act has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect 90 days from the date of publication.