CSC Clarifies First Lady’s Contract and Parliament Inquiry

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) addressed concerns regarding the employment status of the First Lady, Sajidha Mohamed, and her contract with the Health Ministry, in a committee hearing, yesterday.

The CSC clarified that the contract falls within existing regulations dating back to 2014.

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Sajidha, a Senior Scientific Officer at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), took a four-year no-pay leave upon assuming the role of First Lady. Subsequently, on the 7th of this month, she was awarded a contract by the Health Ministry, prompting an inquiry by the Independent Institutions Committee of Parliament.

Commission Chairman Mohamed Naseeh, while appearing before the committee, emphasised that current laws do not prohibit the First Lady from holding a government job.

Naseeh explained that Sajidha initially requested employment concessions due to the difficulty of working full-time, a request not accommodated for permanent employees under existing regulations. The Health Ministry also expressed the need for her services, leading the CSC to recommend her employment on a contract or wage basis after the no-pay leave.

The CSC suggested a four-year no-pay period, contrary to Sajidha’s initial request for five years. Naseeh clarified that the Health Ministry initially indicated Sajidha’s willingness to serve voluntarily, but due to regulations, a contract was signed on the 7th of this month.

The contract outlines Sajidha’s responsibilities, including providing technical advice, staff training, and assistance in formulating regulations.

Committee members raised concerns about the contract’s compliance with rules, but Naseeh cited examples of similar arrangements in other ministries. He provided instances of employees in the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Housing, and NICT working under similar contracts.

Responding to committee questions, Commissioner Mohamed Farshath highlighted that former First Lady Laila Ali had also worked for the Health Ministry in a contract role during the presidency of her husband, former President Mohamed Nasheed. He clarified that Sajidha would not supervise employees in her new role, instead monitoring their activities.

Contrary to expectations, Sajidha will work at the Food and Drug Authority office, as confirmed by Naseeh. Additionally, under the Presidential Salaries and Allowances Act, the First Lady is entitled to a monthly allowance equivalent to one-third of the President’s salary.