MP says rights of citizens can't be compromised for employees

MP for Kendhikulhudhoo Ahmed Easa has said that he would not compromise the basic rights of thousands in order to make special arrangements for Civil Service Employees.

His remarks come after a proposal by the MP to the Employment Act saw him receive a lot of criticism from the public. MP Easa had proposed to a policy where employees would have to submit a medical certificate for even a single day of sick leave. Previously employees would have to submit a medical certificate if they take sick leaves on two consecutive days.

Speaking in Parliament today, MP Easa said that any changes or amendments to the law must be fair and should not favor one side in his view.

“I hope that what I am saying is not misinterpreted, by those listening and the media. I am saying this with a very earnest purpose.” Said the MP.

The MP spoke of the previous policies regarding sick leaves where employees had to present a medical certificate for every day of sick leave. This was amended to allow employees working in resorts and other locations conveniences due to difficulties in obtaining medical certificates.

MP Easa went on to say that due to the current “loophole” in the law, many were taking advantage and applying for sick leave on Thursdays and Sundays, targeted for the weekend. This causes disruptions in service from offices and affects the rights of the public.

“As the representative of the 5000 in my constituency, cannot remain seated, during the work to provide special arrangements for 200 civil service employees, when the rights of the remaining 3000 of the constituency are compromised. That is not something my mind can comprehend.” Said MP Easa.

He also focused on the difference between civil service employees and others such as the working hours. He said that when taking into account the medical leaves, annual leave, family responsibilities and weekends, civil service employees would only work on 168 days of the year. The remaining 197 days “are holidays without having to attend work” according to the MP.

The civil service employee who works seven hours per-day would only be serving the public a total of 1,086 hours per year.

MP Easa then focused on private employees who work 229 days per year and serve 2,392 hours per year.

“Those working in private companies work 1,306 hours more than civil service employees. There is a lot of injustice in this. This is also something to think about.” Said the MP. 

He said that in some government offices if there are seven counters, only three would be operating. He noted the Department of National Registration as an example of this. Citizens, both civil service and private employees, having to spend the entirety of the day waiting to get service from the office was not how things should be.

MP Easa said that while there were 30,000 civil service employees and a total of 42,000 salaried employees of the state, there were 350,000 citizens to obtain the services. When the salaries of these employees are paid with tax money of the citizens, MP Easa said that the difficulties of the citizens must also be addressed.

“When we do something here. Everyone should receive justice in a just manner. Especially as the representatives of the people, we should build the legal system where the majority of the public gain benefits,”

“I respect the views of every citizen who is doing so on this matter. My purpose is not to protect a personal interest or to bring benefits to anyone in particular. It is not the purpose of the government either.” Said MP Easa.

He said that no bill proposed to the parliament previously had been passed without changes, and the MP said that the current bill would also be amended in line with the public’s view during the Committee stage.

MP Easa has previously said that discussions were underway for the proposed bill to be amended to allow 15 days of leave without a medical certificate and 15 days with a medical certificate.