Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has criticised the Muizzu administration’s new civil service dress code, saying it reflects an attempt to exert control over people’s lives.
In a post on X, Fayyaz said: “They are doing everything to impose dictatorial rule and exert control over the people. Civil service rules are being changed, and employees’ dress code is being altered under an agenda of controlling the people—not because there is a problem with civil service dress code. The purpose is to bring all aspects of the people’s personal lives under the control of Muizzu and rob every Maldivian citizen of their personal freedoms under the Constitution.”
He added that people “should not be seen as ignorant or incapable of managing their own affairs and that they can be controlled” and stressed that the “freedom of thought and personal life guaranteed by the Constitution is more important to Maldivians.”
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Wednesday introduced detailed dress requirements for female and male staff working in government offices. Women are required to wear longer dresses and cover their necklines, with strict rules on sleeve length, jewellery and fabric. Men must wear long trousers, shirts and ties, and are prohibited from wearing make-up and most jewellery. Under the new rules, women’s attire must reach the ankles and must not reveal the body even when the arms are raised.