President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to the Attorney General’s Office Act, strengthening the legal framework governing the office.
While the Constitution defines the Attorney General’s Office as an independent body, it had previously operated under the Civil Service Commission. The Attorney General’s Act, ratified by the President in May, formally established the office as an independent entity.
However, the government in June proposed an amendment to the Act to review the duties of the Attorney General’s Office, provide a clear legal framework defining the scope of duties of its legal counsel, and revise certain provisions concerning the pay framework and benefits of its employees. The amendment, submitted on behalf of the government by Member of Parliament Ali Fawad, was passed during the 24th sitting of the second session of 2025 of the 20th People’s Majlis, held on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
Under the amendment, the Attorney General’s Office will operate under the purview of the President’s authority, mandating the Attorney General to formulate a structure for the positions of the Deputy Attorney General, Secretary General and other employees and seek the approval of the President. The amendment details the responsibilities of the Attorney General's Office, the rules for the employment of lawyers and Legal Support Service employees.
The Attorney General’s Office had previously emphasised the need for the amendment, which allows the President’s Office to have a formal role in formulating its organisational structure.
Following ratification, the amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and has now entered into effect.