The Parliament has opened public consultation on a new bill seeking to amend the Attorney General’s Office Act, with a key provision requiring its lawyers to maintain confidentiality even after leaving office.

The bill, introduced by Fuvahmulah Central MP Ali Fazad on behalf of the government, aims to revise the legal framework governing the Attorney General’s Office, particularly focusing on the roles, ethics, and employment conditions of its lawyers. Parliament accepted the bill on June 31 and forwarded it to a committee for review.

Huraa MP Anara Naeem proposed keeping the bill open for public comment until 17 July, with full committee clearance by 31 July. Faresmathoda MP Ashraf Rasheed supported the proposal.

Among the key provisions is a mandatory code of conduct for lawyers in the Attorney General’s Office. It emphasises independence, non-discrimination, integrity, and confidentiality, requiring that sensitive information gained during their tenure not be disclosed, even after their service ends.

The bill also allows the Attorney General to establish disciplinary procedures and removes certain existing clauses, including Section 26, which currently mandates retirement at age 65. The removal would eliminate retirement age limits and associated early retirement benefits.

This amendment follows recent changes that established the Attorney General’s Office as a service independent of the civil service.