New permanent secretary appointed to Heritage Ministry amid issues

A new permanent secretary has been appointed to Heritage Ministry amid issues surrounding the Ministry’s acting permanent secretary Athika Ibrahim.

Civil Service Commission (CSC) appointed Mohamed Yaniu Hashim as the Ministry’s new permanent secretary who have been handed over his letter of appointment today.

Prior to this, Yaniu has worked at Housing Ministry and Islamic Ministry.

Yaniu was appointed to the post to replace Shammoon Hameed who previously held the post following the expiration of his five-year term in March.

Athika, who had been a director at the Ministry, was appointed acting permanent secretary and held the post until today.

A petition signed by 22 Ministry staff against Athifa was filed with CSC which accused of her of bullying that has created a hostile work environment.

Subsequently, the Commission began investigating Athika.

The staff sent a letter to the President’s Office requesting a meeting, citing the issue was not resolved despite the petition.

When questioned on the matter prior to this, Heritage Minister Adam Naseer said no official complaint has been submitted regarding Athika, adding she was a competent employee.