A new bill has been introduced to the Parliament that seeks to restructure the Attorney General’s Office, removing it from the Civil Service and establishing it as a separate entity.

The bill, presented on behalf of the Government by MP Abdulla Rifau, aims to create a distinct Government institution with its own legal framework and operational structure.

Under the proposed legislation, the Attorney General’s Office would operate independently, with clear responsibilities and a defined role separate from the civil service.

The bill outlines the process for appointing the Attorney General and senior staff, such as the Deputy Attorney General and Solicitor General, and sets forth the conditions for their removal, resignation, and appointment.

The restructuring comes in response to a need for greater independence for the office, which, despite being constitutionally defined as an independent body, has traditionally operated under the civil service.

By establishing it as a separate entity, the bill ensures that the Attorney General can carry out their duties without the constraints of the Civil Service structure. It also aims to align the office with other independent institutions, such as the Prosecutor General’s Office, which functions under its own legal framework.

The bill also includes provisions to enhance transparency and accountability within the Attorney General’s Office. For example, the Attorney General will be required to submit an annual statement detailing their assets, business interests, and liabilities. This statement will be made available to both the President and Parliament, ensuring oversight of the office’s activities.

In addition to clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Attorney General, the bill outlines two categories for the office’s employees: Legal Service and Administrative Service. It also provides for the determination of salaries, allowances, and benefits for staff in accordance with national policies, including health insurance and retirement provisions.