The government controlled parliament Monday rubber stamped a controversial amendment to the civil service Act which gave the authority to appoint and dismiss permanent secretaries to ministers.
The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed proposed the amendment was passed with 46 lawmakers voting in favour out of the 68 present during Monday's parliament sitting.
The independent bodies’ committee with pro-government majority voted in favour of the amendment in June.
Permanent secretaries are presently appointed directly by the civil service commission. But if the amendment is ratified, ministers will have the authority to dismiss the permanent secretary of their respective ministry.
Opposition lawmakers had argued that the move was designed to politicize the entire civil service.
However, pro-government MPs insisted that the amendment would assist the public service sector and ensure quicker services for the people.
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