Old mentality that only civil servants can be promoted to higher positions is outdated - AG

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the old mentality that only civil servants can be promoted to higher positions is outdated in today’s modern context and employing meritorious people from outside the civil service brings in fresh perspectives.

Sayed-Khaiyum says this allows for diversity and creates more dynamic and responsible civil service.

He stated this while responding to SODELPA MP, Anare Jale who asked Sayed-Khaiyum to update them on succession planning in the civil service to address leadership needs.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the new approach needs to be adopted as far as civil service is concerned however it does not mean they are not investing in civil servants.

The Minister for Economy says many civil servants go for overseas training and they also have in-house training.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds some civil servants are well trained and a lot of them get recruited by other agencies.

He says they have embedded a practice of ensuring that apart from required qualifications, there is clearly articulated knowledge, experience, skills and abilities which makes it easier to identify potential successors through an Open Merit Recruitment System and also identity relevant training needs for these positions.