JSC President should be a Supreme Court Judge: Muizzu

Former Prosecutor General Ahmed Muizzu has stated that a judge who is appointed by the Supreme Court would be best suited as President of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

During last night's Machangoalhi meeting where President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with residents, Ahmed Muizzu had expressed his opinion that when laws are being amended, he questions as to why there are no amendments to the JSC being introduced.

Muizzu said that even though the President has stated no more influence shall be exerted on the judiciary, the fact that a PNC Parliament member is sitting as JSC's President raises questions.

"It is my belief that the JSC President should be someone from the Supreme Court, even though this is not something that is in writing. The Vice President of the JSC should be a subsequent judge. However, we are seeing a PNC member in that position, with MDP having done the same in the past, not just PNC," said Muizzu.

And so, Muizzu said he hopes that President Muizzu will think about the appointment of a Supreme Court judge as the JSC President to be put into practice.

Muizzu said that he is grateful for the grant to be given to the judiciary via the budget, for the purpose of work on the temporary building for the Criminal Court to be finished. However, he went on to highlight the concerns regarding the judiciary.

Muizzu said he believes that the bill regarding the reduction of the total count of the judges bench at the Supreme Court being introduced, with it being ratified by President Muizzu and not being discussed by the Parliament is in order to exert influence. Muizzu said that this was so that a PNC member can exert their influence onto the judiciary.

Subsequently, Muizzu believes that three Supreme Court judges were dismissed without any fair and equal opportunity.

Muizzu also highlighted the increase of political employees within the government. He stated that they are being hired not because they need to fill the positions, but to protect President Muizzu's personal interests. Muizzu also said that company positions and international mission positions are in a similar state.

Muizzu also expressed concern over the projects that were awarded to private companies without tender. He said that such matters should be conducted in a transparent manner, in a way that citizens firmly believe that there is no corruption involved.

"I implore that bids be awarded in an even more transparent manner that makes it easier for citizens to believe," said Muizzu.

Muizzu had highlighted the citizen's dissatisfaction regarding the services of various civil service ministries, with him requesting President Muizzu look into the matter. He also said that he hopes President Muizzu will do the required work to maintain public trust in the police. 

Along with that, when major changes are being brought, Muizzu requested that not only should short bills introduced to the Parliament be considered, widespread discussions that lead to the creation of scholarly papers should be considered as well. One of the things he highlighted was the abolishing of atoll councils.

President Muizzu did not give a specific response to Ahmed Muizzu's comments.