The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly condemned the Mohamed Muizzu administration’s decision to dismiss Hussain Shameem from the position of Prosecutor General (PG). In a statement issued on Thursday, the MDP labelled the move as unconstitutional and voiced serious concerns about due process and adherence to democratic norms.
The controversy centres around a meeting of the Judiciary Committee of Parliament held Thursday. The committee recommended the removal of Shameem from the PG post, but the MDP alleges that the meeting was conducted in violation of parliamentary rules. Specifically, the committee convened behind closed doors, contrary to established procedures.
According to Section 46 of the parliamentary rules of procedure, a committee meeting can only be held in secrecy under specific criteria. However, the MDP contends that the decision to make the meeting confidential lacked valid reasons. Shameem himself had requested an open hearing, but the committee chair overruled this request.
The MDP expressed grave concern over the removal of the head of an independent institution without due process. They characterised it as an attempt to exert influence and undermine the institution’s autonomy. The party also criticised the decision by President Muizzu and the parliament—where Muizzu’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), holds a supermajority—as hasty and contrary to democratic principles.
In a direct call to action, the MDP also urged President Muizzu and his coalition to refrain from interfering with the work of independent institutions and to cease any attempts to exert undue influence. The party also emphasised the importance of upholding constitutional norms and respecting the standing orders of parliament.
In response to the parliamentary judiciary committee’s decision, Shameem submitted his resignation on Thursday.
