Parliament committee to summon CSC members

Parliament’s Committee on Independent Institutions has decided to summon members of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

All nine members present at Tuesday’s committee meeting voted to question the CSC members.

A letter sent to the Committee on Independent Institutions- by Kelaa MP Ali Arif, South-Maafannu MP Abdulla Arif and Hoarafushi MP Mohamed Ismail- accused the CSC of violating the Civil Service Act.

Noting that the act states that the “most eligible” person must be hired for a civil service position, they said that the Commission has been hiring individuals that are under qualified, and asked to summon the members to inquire on the matter.

At the committee meeting, some MPs spoke in favour of summoning the CSC members, including Meedhoo constituency MP Rozaina Adam who noted that the Commission itself comprises of members that “are not qualified.”

She highlighted that these members were appointed by the previous administration.

“Those in this committee can testify that some members of the CSC do not meet the requirements,” she said.

Noting that the CSC members must have at least 10 years’ experience, MP Rozaina said that the Committee on Independent Institutions had approved them “despite knowing they did not have the experience.” She added that the members had then opted to add their study period to work experience.

North-Maafannu constituency MP Imthiyaz Fahmy emphasized that there is proof that civil servants were forced to take part in political activities during former President Abdulla Yameen’s five-year tenure. He further stated that civil servants were in fear of their jobs during this period.

Noting that this was plastered all over the media, Imthiyaz said that complaints were filed on the matter, but that “no one had wanted to take any action then.”

While the Committee made the decision to summon CSC members, they are yet to finalize a date. Committee chair, Vilufushi constituency MP Riyaz Rasheed said that a date will be given at a later date. The parliament will go into recess on April 30, and the newly elected MPs will take oath on May 28.

The Civil Service Commission comprises of; President Dr. Ali Shameem, deputy Shaheed Mohamed and members Fathimath Amira, Ibrahim Shaheeg and Zakariyya Hussain.