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Maqsut Narikbayev

Welcome to a page dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of Maqsut Narikbayev. Explore his inspiring journey, remarkable achievements, and profound social contributions. Discover the story of a visionary whose ideas and values inspire generations.

March 30, 1940–October 12, 2015

Prosecutor General

Certainly, many lawyers formed the command of the First President of Kazakhstan, but it is worth noting the special contribution of Maqsut Narikbayev.

Not only was he a highly professional official, but also an active public figure, leader of a political party, as well as an author of scholarly and journalistic works. Due to his organisational skills, Maqsut Narikbayev was appointed Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan by Presidential Decree of October 6, 1995.

The concept of the Prosecutor's Office was significantly changed after the adoption of the new Constitution. Under the leadership of M. Narikbayev, a reform reflected in the change of the Office's functions was initiated. The investigations were transferred to a new state body — the State Investigation Committee (SIC). As part of the reform, the structure of the Prosecutor General's Office was reorganised. The new units allowed to oversee the observance of citizens' rights and freedoms, as well as to control the legitimacy of operational and investigative activities and administrative proceedings. A review of the management structure of the regional Prosecutor's Offices led to the transfer of parts of their staff to municipal and district divisions.

The structure of the Prosecutor General's Office has also been reorganised, enabling a more effective response to juvenile delinquency. In this regard, a specialised unit for juvenile affairs was re-established.

The concept of the work of the Prosecutor's Office was fundamentally transformed into the Office acting not only as a public prosecutor and defender of the interests of the state, but also as an advocate of the law, the rights, and freedoms of individuals and legal entities. It also became a body that supervises the enforcement of the law. This required reconsideration, education, and formation of a new legal culture and mentality not only among the employees of the Prosecutor's Office, but also among all participants of the legal relations.

Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Maqsut Narikbayev has played a key role in the formation of the judicial system as a separate and independent branch of government. He significantly contributed to the creation of an independent and efficient judicial system.

From June 28, 1996 to July 2000, M. Narikbayev served as the Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During this period he supervised reforms in the judicial system. The legislation concerning the judicial system and the status of judges was improved under his supervision, and the measures to improve the material and technical condition of the courts and to strengthen the role of the judiciary in the system of separation of powers were taken. Steps to strengthen the status and independence of judges and to reduce their workload were developed. The Supreme Court was relocated and started its work in the new capital. The institutionalisation of the judicial community was an important area of work.

In December 1996, the First Congress of Judges of Kazakhstan was held, the Union of Judges of the Republic of Kazakhstan and its permanent bodies were founded, as well as the first issue of the magazine of the Union of Judges ‘Tura Bi’ was published. During the work of Maqsut Narikbayev as Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the judicial system were able to fully experience the state's concern, which also manifested itself in enhancing the judges' status.

Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan

It is also worth mentioning that Maqsut Sultanovich was a supporter of introducing the Institute of Peace Magistrates in Kazakhstan. He believed that in this matter it is possible to rely on the experience of domestic history, in particular, on the well-known court of biys. Biys were elected by the region's population to consider and resolve various kinds of uncomplicated and non-socially dangerous cases. The main function of biys was to reconciliation of the parties, rather than to deprive a person of liberty. Today this issue is relevant and expedient, as conciliatory procedures are being introduced into judicial proceedings to resolve disputes and at the same time bring the case to trial.
Upon the initiative and with the participation of Maqsut Narikbayev the project of the monument of three famous Kazakh biys of the XVIII century - Tole bi, Kazybek bi and Ayteke bi was created, which is installed near the first building of the Supreme Court in the capital. Later on, based on his proposal, a scholarship named after the Three Biys was established at KAZGUU, and one of the classrooms of the university was named in honour of the great Kazakh figures.

During the M. Narikbayev’s chairmanship of the Supreme Court of the Republic, the legislation on the judiciary introduced universally recognised principles of international law, as well as enshrined the basis for ensuring the independence of judges in the pursuit of justice.

М. Narikbayev repeatedly emphasised that the most important aspect, alongside the independence of judges, was to ensure strict accountability of their activities to the state and society.

The Adilet Party

M. Narikbayev managed to gather a team of influential political figures around him, as reflected in the establishment of the public movement ‘For Legal Kazakhstan’ and the political party of constructive opposition ‘Adilet’. He had the ability to unite bright politicians, each capable to lead a movement or a party. This became particularly evident before the parliamentary elections of 2011, when the Party's activism was at its peak and included both ambitious young people and experienced politicians, former leaders of the Komsomol, environmental movements and individuals capable of uniting Muslim believers. The party raised important issues of improving legislation and was characterised by a deep intellectual approach to political and ideological problems.

It was reflected in numerous press conferences, briefings, congresses, and meetings of the Political Council, as well as in the interparty council that operated during the global economic crisis. M. Narikbayev was distinguished by pragmatism and critical and future-oriented thinking. He was not adhering to dogmas, always listening to the opinions of colleagues before making decisions and proposing new ideas and initiatives. Maqsut Sultanovich supported the strategic course of the First President, but often criticised the implementation methods and tactical actions of the Government. He expressed his opinion that some measures suggested in difficult times were incompetent and half-hearted, and he made proposals to adjust legal policy and improve legislation, including the system of state bodies and their powers during the economic crisis. While he recognised the country's successes, he also saw the existing problems and worked actively to solve them, proposing ideas for accelerating socio-political development and the improvement of the legal system.

The history of the ‘Adilet’ Democratic Party dates back to the civil movement called ‘For Legal Kazakhstan’, established on April 27, 2002 in the city of Astana on the initiative of Maqsut Narikbayev. On April 29, 2004 at the constituent congress of the civil movement the ‘Democratic Party of Kazakhstan’ was formed, which was reorganised into the ‘Adilet’ party on April 14, 2006 at the IV congress. M. Narikbayev was elected as the Chairman of the ‘Adilet’ party.

Many ideas and initiatives of the party were widely supported in the society, and today political foresight and wisdom of Maqsut Narikbayev determine the politics and life of Kazakhstan society in many respects. The desire to serve people, to be needed and helpful, to contribute as much as his experience and knowledge were the political and life credos of Maqsut Narikbayev.

A person with a multifaceted personality

Maqsut Narikbayev was a person with diverse talents: he sang well, appeared on television many times, was an artist, a TV presenter, a regular moderator at various conferences, round tables, meetings of various councils and commissions.

He placed special emphasis on supporting and revitalising national traditions. For example, he organised a flash mob to popularise the Qara Zhorga dance, gathering hundreds of students and teachers in the square of the university. Maqsut Narikbayev led the event himself and danced in public on the steps of the university with a small group of support. Among the highlights of his activity was the joint march of the parties ‘Adilet’ and ‘Ak Zhol’ on the first day of the pre-electoral campaign in the election to the Majilis of the Parliament, when M. Narikbayev went out on a white horse accompanied by riders, drawing attention to the event. At University New Year's Eve parties, he often dressed in colourful historic costumes and disguised his appearance in a way difficult to recognise. Once he was ‘recognised’, he would perform a few songs for his colleagues. Maqsut Narikbayev was also actively engaged in taekwondo, was fond of scuba diving, and even made a parachute jump to support the strategic initiatives of the First President in an effort to draw more attention and interest to them. He always stood out for his initiatives and unconventional approach, was a cheerful person and a born leader — a role in which he felt confident and comfortable.

Sports and Healthy Lifestyle

M. Narikbayev was an energetic and determined man, passionate about his work and willing to constantly push forward to achieve his goals.

From a young age, Maqsut Narikbayev was keen on various sports: he used to box, visit swimming pools and gyms, and inspired his family, friends and colleagues to lead an active lifestyle. He recalled that back in Dneprodzerzhinsk he used to attend the boxing section.
As a true Almaty citizen, he loved mountain skiing and encouraged his grandchildren to take part in this fascinating sport. Rapid descent, wind whistling in his ears, made him feel energetic and confident. Every year, he traditionally congratulated the university staff on New Year's Eve, standing on skis.

The aspiration to experience new things led Maqsut Narikbayev to explore the depths of the sea. Thus, he discovered the submarine world, the beauty of which particularly fascinates anyone with a passion for knowledge.

Maqsut Narikbayev supported the promotion of martial arts and practised as much as he could, including karate.

Amidst the global coronavirus pandemic, universal quarantine and considerable number of deaths in a number of countries, the value of M. Narikbayev's latest initiatives seems clearer. After his treatment in Mexico, following his incurable disease, he made his best efforts to invite a famous Mexican doctor to the country, to organise meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Healthcare, and to translate and publish his books in Kazakhstan — all of this with the aim of helping people in need of support. Perhaps it really did help somebody ...

The new building

As a Rector, M. Narikbayev initiated the establishment of a new academic building on the left river bank, designed to meet the highest standards of the campus environment.
The new main academic building construction started in June 2006. Total cost of the project was 4 billion 300 million tenge. This academic and educational complex has more than 400 classrooms for 5 thousand students. A fitness centre, various sectional departments, lecture halls, 15 computer classes, 6 language laboratories and a library are provided.

As Oraz Mukatai, Head of the construction of the university building, honoured builder of the Republic of Kazakhstan, recalls: ‘For many years, after numerous trips around the world, Maqsut Sultanovich pursued a dream of a purpose-built educational institution that would meet the modern educational requirements, providing conditions for the productive work of faculty members, engagement of students, and overall being a prestigious place to study and work at’.

Maqsut Narikbayev's extraordinary innovative approach was also manifested here. The concept of a grand staircase with seven columns instead of eight according to the canons of architecture is the principal wish of Maqsut Narikbayev. Seven is a sacred number among the steppe nations, and this symbolisation is a tribute to tradition and a sign of succession, as opposed to blindly copying Western models.

The university building is large and magnificent, impressing with its colonnade, balconies, the architectural design and the perfect colour scheme.

On July 2, 2008 with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, the presentation of the new educational building of the Kazakh Humanities and Law University(KAZGUU)took place.

The ceremony was also attended by Head of the Presidential Administration Kairat Kelimbetov, Minister of Education and Science Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Akim of Astana Imangali Tasmagambetov, and President of KAZGUU Maqsut Narikbayev.
During the event, the Head of State got acquainted with the university museum, the Information and Book Trade Centre of St. Petersburg State University Publishing House, and a number of lecture halls. N. Nazarbayev also visited the Centre of Islamic Economics and Law and the office of the Centre of European Law.

Scholarly works and citations

In 1997, in the Dissertation Council of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (Moscow), M. Narikbayev defended his doctoral dissertation on ‘Criminal and Legal Protection of Childhood in the Republic of Kazakhstan’. The dissertation deals with pressing issues of reforming criminal legislation in the challenging and contradictory transition period of the 1990s. The scholar relied on the principle that the youth education is the most important factor in the prevention of organised crime.

A wide range of issues are considered in the scientific works of Professor M. Narikbayev: the problems of criminology and criminal law, the history of the court of biys, the judicial system of Kazakhstan of the twentieth century, the strategy of legal and political development, the formation of an effective state, the protection of constitutional rights of citizens, the legal status of the state language, the improvement of public administration, judicial system, electoral and social legislation.

Maqsut Narikbayev in his scientific works paid substantial attention to the theoretical formulation of issues associated with the resolution of the civilised legal protection of normal market economic relations in our country. In particular, rightly enough, he pointed to the fact that the legislation does not clearly regulate the issues of ensuring solid guarantees of entrepreneurial activity protection from arbitrariness and abuses by officials of various ranks.

Maqsut Narikbayev has trained six doctors and ten candidates of law sciences. He was also the Chairman of the Inter-university Educational and Methodological Section on Jurisprudence.

Global University Recognition

In September 2007, M. Narikbayev on behalf of KAZGUU signed The Magna Charta Universitatum in the city of Bologna (Italy). Thus, the University confirmed its aspiration to integrate into the global educational community. This well-known document envisages close co-operation of universities aimed at observing the fundamental principles of educational development.
The universities that have signed The Magna Charta Universitatum confirm their belonging to the international academic community, strive to overcome political and social barriers and promote the principles of unity.

FIBAA

Maqsut Narikbayev's laid the foundation of transformations for further advancement of the university in the global educational system. Maqsut Narikbayev’s contribution helped the university to become the first university in Kazakhstan to pass FIBAA accreditation without any conditions.

FIBAA, Europe's leading accreditation agency, assesses the quality and accreditation of higher and supplementary education programmes in the fields of Economics, Law and the Social Sciences and Humanities. FIBAA cooperates with key participants of the educational market, including the academic community, employers, state educational authorities, as well as international accreditation agencies in Europe and the USA.

The International Sócrates Award is a testament to the highest level of professional achievement towards the realisation of humanitarian goals

KAZGUU has partnerships with universities such as Utrecht University (Netherlands), University of Cambridge (UK), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milan (Italy).
M. Narikbayev's professionalism and exceptional organizational talent have played a pivotal role in transforming MNU/KAZGUU into a leader in higher education within Kazakhstan and the region, as well as positioning it with the strong potential to become a world-class university.