The Judiciary Committee of the People’s Majlis, dominated by the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), has given the highest score to Mahaz Ali Zahir, a former Supreme Court Justice who was previously dismissed by the very same parliament, in its evaluation of candidates for two vacant positions in the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu submitted seven names to the parliament from the pool of applicants for the Tribunal seats, which have remained unfilled for an extended period. Among the names forwarded was Mahaz, whose controversial dismissal from the Supreme Court occurred during a period when the legislative body was fully controlled by his own political faction.

On Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee reviewed the list and scored five of the seven candidates above the 75 percent threshold for approval. Leading the list is Mahaz, who received an unusually high score of 97 percent, well ahead of the other shortlisted candidates. Ibrahim Afeef followed with 91 percent, Shaufa Ibrahim with 83 percent, and Ahmed Yamin with 80 percent.

The committee has now approved the recommended names and submitted its report to the parliament, with the matter scheduled for deliberation in Wednesday’s sitting. Notably, the sitting’s agenda includes only this item from committee reports, effectively ensuring its swift passage.