Nazim: AGO’s work slow due to lack of competent staff

Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim, acknowledging delays by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in submitting the required bills to the Parliament, has attributed the delays in the works of the office to the lack of competent and quality lawyers and staff.

The agenda for Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting included the debate on the bill submitted by PNC’s Central Fuvahmulah MP last Monday on proposing amendments to remuneration of AGO staff and the mandate of the office.

The AGO bill was ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on May 29^th, removing the Office from civil service.

During Wednesday’s debate, Nazim pointed out that Attorney General Ahmed Usham raised concerns over difficulties in recruiting competent lawyers for the Office as its remuneration was based on the civil service framework.

“We know the Attorney General’s Office’s work is not proceeding at the speed we desire. That the Parliament has not been receiving the bills it requires, or there have been delays in receiving them. However, many reforms can be achieved by amending the law,” he said.

In this regard, Nazim described the amendments that have been currently proposed as a crucial step forward in expediting AGO’s work and improving its functioning. He detailed that these amendments would pave the way to recruit competent lawyers to the Office, thereby alleviating its existing heavy workload.

Main opposition MDP lawmakers have been complaining over the lack of work in the Parliament due to AGO’s failure to send bills. Their complaints were reiterated during Wednesday’s debate.

The amendment at present stipulates that salaries and allowances of individuals holding posts falling under legal service shall be appropriate to the responsibilities of state attorneys.

According to the amendment, their salary and allowances will be set by the National Pay Commission.