The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) marked its 75th anniversary with a formal ceremony in the capital, where President Dr Mohamed Muizzu presented awards to the longest-serving employees, underscoring the state’s enduring commitment to its legal institutions. The event convened former attorneys general, current staff, and prominent figures from the legal community, and served as a platform for Attorney General Ahmed Usham to articulate a renewed institutional vision grounded in transparency, accountability, and constitutional independence.
Recognition was extended to 36 individuals for their long-term service to the AGO. Awards were categorised by tenure: 22 employees were honoured for 15 to 20 years of service, five for 20 to 25 years, and nine for more than 25 years. President Muizzu presented awards to the seven longest-serving staff members, while Attorney General Usham conferred honours upon the remaining recipients. Those recognised held a range of roles, including administrative personnel, support staff, human resources officers, computer technicians, directors, and procurement specialists. The ceremony also paid tribute to the memory of former employees who had served the office and have since passed away.
In his address, Attorney General Usham reflected on the AGO’s institutional evolution, describing its formal establishment as a distinct entity as a pivotal development in the country’s legal architecture. He positioned the office as central to the advancement of a legal framework anchored in integrity and public trust.
The adoption of the 2008 Constitution, Usham noted, marked a turning point in the AGO’s mandate. “With the enactment of the new Constitution in 2008, the responsibilities of the Attorney General were clearly defined. Instead of serving merely as the government's legal counsel, the Attorney General was designated as an entity responsible for upholding, protecting, and advancing the rule of law in the Maldives, and for defending the safety, welfare, and public freedom of the people,” he stated. He added that the office has continued to adapt to the evolving needs of the society and the increasing complexities of governance.
Attorney General Usham also addressed the Attorney General’s Office Act, describing it as essential to strengthening the office’s administrative structure, clarifying its mandate, and securing its independence as envisioned by the constitution. He acknowledged that, despite its importance, the law has yet to be fully implemented due to various constraints.
Turning to the present administration, Attorney General Usham commended President Muizzu’s leadership for advancing the AGO’s autonomy. “However, no leader to date has dared to grant this office its independence in its fullest sense. This decision by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu demonstrates his sincerity and the high regard he holds for the constitution. Thanks to his foresight and leadership, a future generation will inherit an Attorney General's Office that is incorruptible, free from influence, and dedicated to the people.”
He went on to clarify that the AGO’s remit extends beyond the provision of legal counsel to the government. Its role, he said, is instrumental in ensuring the full and effective operation of all branches of the state. Engagements with these institutions, he noted, are not merely procedural but serve to reinforce the democratic fabric. Attorney General Usham reiterated the AGO’s responsibility to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the Maldivian people, affirming its commitment to institutional integrity, responsiveness, and legal robustness.
In closing, Attorney General Usham described the AGO as more than a legal institution. It stands, he said, as a symbol of the nation’s enduring commitment to justice, fairness, equality, and the rule of law. As the AGO enters its 76th year, he called for continued vigilance in upholding these foundational principles and serving the Maldivian public with honour and integrity.