President Muizzu Sends Names of Saleem and Hameed to Parliament for Supreme Court Approval
In a crucial step toward filling two vacant seats on the Supreme Court, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially forwarded the names of High Court Justice Mohamed Saleem and former judge Abdulla Hameed to Parliament for approval.
During today’s parliamentary session, the President’s letter requesting endorsement of the two candidates was formally read. The matter has now been sent to the Judiciary Committee, which will conduct a thorough review before making its recommendation.
The Selection Process: How Saleem and Hameed Were Chosen
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) played a key role in shortlisting candidates for these high-profile judicial positions. Out of 12 applicants interviewed, Justice Saleem and Abdulla Hameed earned the highest scores, securing their places as top contenders.
Justice Saleem, currently serving on the High Court, has a solid legal background, having worked as a legal officer for 12 years before his judicial appointment in 2022. Abdulla Hameed, meanwhile, is a former High Court judge who served from 2007 until 2022 and was also a member of the JSC during his tenure.
Under the Maldives Constitution, the JSC advises the President on appointments to the Supreme Court, recommending candidates based on merit and ranking from interviews. The President then nominates candidates for Parliament’s approval, which is required for final confirmation.
Controversy Surrounding Abdulla Hameed
While Justice Saleem’s candidacy has been widely accepted, Abdulla Hameed’s nomination has sparked debate due to his past. Hameed was dismissed from the bench after allegations emerged regarding misconduct linked to the purchase of discounted flats allocated for judges during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.
Despite this, the President has chosen to include Hameed’s name in the nomination package, signaling confidence in his suitability for the Supreme Court role. Whether Parliament will endorse this decision remains to be seen, as the Judiciary Committee’s review will likely delve into these concerns.
What’s Next for the Supreme Court Appointments?
With the nomination now before Parliament, the focus turns to the Judiciary Committee’s recommendations. The committee’s review process will be closely watched by legal experts, politicians, and the public alike, given the importance of a fully staffed Supreme Court for the country’s judicial stability.
Filling these two vacancies is a critical step in strengthening the judiciary and ensuring the Supreme Court can continue to uphold justice in the Maldives effectively. As the review unfolds, all eyes remain on Parliament’s final decision and the future composition of the nation’s highest court.