Faris Maumoon approved as new member of judicial watchdog

Dhiggaru MP Faris Maumoon has been appointed as the parliament’s representative on the Judicial Service Commission.

Faris, the son of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, was approved unanimously with 67 votes in favour and one abstention at Tuesday’s sitting of parliament.

Several lawmakers of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives supported Faris after the party’s nominee MP Ahmed Rasheed withdrew his name.

Faris was nominated by MP Abdulla Riyaz from the Jumhooree Party and seconded by MP Rozaina Adam from the Maldivian Democratic Party, both partners of the incoming four-party coalition government along with his father’s Maumoon Reform Movement and the Adhaalath Party.

He replaces PPM MP Ibrahim Riza who was removed Monday through a no-confidence vote.

Faris joins Speaker Gasim Ibrahim as new members of the oversight body for the judiciary.

The JSC is comprised of three judges nominated by their peers from the Supreme Court, the High Court, and the trial courts as well as the attorney general, a presidential appointee, the chair of the civil service commission, the speaker of parliament, a lawmaker nominated by parliament, a member of the public chosen by parliament, and a lawyer elected by licensed practitioners.

The 10-member commission is tasked with investigating complaints against judges and taking disciplinary action.

The composition of the judicial watchdog is expected to be among constitutional amendments considered by the incoming administration.