Cabinet sets policy for appointing advisers to ministers

The Cabinet of Ministers considering the necessity for a policy in appointing advisors to the ministers and payment of allowances to the appointed advisors have decided on a set of guidelines.

At the meeting held yesterday, the Cabinet has decided that the consideration should only be given to appoint eminent persons with wide knowledge on the subject matters pertaining to the relevant ministry whom the relevant minister considers that advisory services can be provided and which cannot be anticipated from the senior officials of the ministry.

Only one advisor should be appointed to each minister with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. However, a maximum of only two advisors with experience and capability can be appointed with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to a ministry who is entrusted with two or more portfolios. In making payment to the advisory services, the relevant advisors should have fulfilled a maximum level of educational or professional qualification to the subject matter of the relevant ministry or ministries.

They are required to have completed a prominent service in the form of programs relating to innovations of the subject matters concerning to the relevant ministry or ministries.

The advisers must have held senior positions in the private sector or senior most positions in the public service prior to being appointed as an advisor.