Mahaz, highest scoring candidate, rejected by Parliament for Tax Appeal Tribunal

Parliament has decided against the appointment of former Supreme Court Judge Mahaz Ali Zahir to the Tax Appeal Tribunal, despite him receiving the highest score among the candidates shortlisted for the post.

Out of 46 MPs present, 41 voted against Mahaz’s appointment, four voted in favour, and one abstained.

Parliament instead approved two other candidates Ibrahim Afeef from Baa atoll Thulhaadhoo, who previously served on the tribunal when it was first established, and Shaufa Ibrahim from Dhaalu atoll Meedhoo.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had submitted six candidates for the tribunal vacancies. Following evaluation, the Judiciary Committee recommended the approval of two candidates who scored above 75 per cent.

According to the committee’s assessment, Mahaz received the highest score with 97 percent, followed by Afeef with 91 percent and Shaufa with 83per cent.