News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The Majlis, Parliament voted on Tuesday to appoint Idris Fauzi, a close associate of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu, to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the body tasked with overseeing the nation’s judiciary.
The decision, approved by a 62-vote majority with one abstention and two members declining to support the motion, has drawn scrutiny due to Fauzi’s political and familial ties.
Fauzi, selected from a pool of public nominees, brings a diverse background to the JSC. A former teacher, he served as Muizzu’s personal assistant during the president’s tenure as Housing Minister and previously headed the finance department at the Department of Judicial Administration. Additionally, Fauzi has been involved in managing Dhimyaath Stay, a guest house linked to the president’s family, a connection that highlights his longstanding ties to the nation’s first family.
The appointment has also drawn attention due to Fauzi’s personal history. He is the former spouse of Nilandhoo Constituency MP Fatimath Sauda, who is related to the president, and the two share children.
Currently, Fauzi serves as the Secretary General of the Kalaidhoo Council, a role that keeps him active in local governance.
During the parliamentary vetting process, the Judiciary Committee interviewed Fauzi and awarded him a score of 81, the highest among candidates. While his qualifications have not been publicly disputed, some observers have raised concerns about whether his close ties to President Muizzu may have influenced the selection process.
The JSC plays a pivotal role in ensuring judicial independence and accountability, a cornerstone of the Maldives’ democratic framework. Fauzi’s appointment has sparked quiet debate about the balance between merit and political loyalty in the nation’s institutions, a recurring theme in Maldivian politics.
