First Lady Takes No-Pay Leave for President Muizzu’s Term

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced today that First Lady Sajidha Mohamed will be on no-pay leave throughout President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s term. 

Despite this, she expresses a desire to continue serving in the health sector, prompting the CSC to consider a separate contractual arrangement.

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As the Senior Scientific Officer at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), Sajidha plays a crucial role in specialised technical work, being the sole expert in this field in the Maldives. 

Given her expertise, she proposed to the CSC the possibility of maintaining her responsibilities at the MFDA while also fulfilling her duties as the First Lady.

While there is no legal objection to Sajidha continuing her employment at the authority, the challenge arises from the complexities of assuming two official roles within Civil Service regulations, allowing only a short break following six hours of work.

Meeting the stipulations in the regulation while simultaneously serving as First Lady, which includes engaging in official duties such as meetings with various organisations and foreign visits, poses a practical challenge for Sajida.

Under the proposed contract, First Lady Sajidha aims to contribute 40 hours of service per month. 

While she is not seeking remuneration, the CSC official clarified that working without pay is not permissible under such a contract. Consequently, the commission will decide to pay her for the days attended.