Permanent Secretaries 'asked to resign'

Permanent secretaries have been asked whether they are prepared to submit their resignation, and if so, to do so by 3 pm today. The request was made by the principal permanent secretary, Godwin Grima, on instructions from Mario Cutajar, the person designated to replace him. He was appointed by the prime minister yesterday. The permanent secretaries head the civil service in each ministry and are usually appointed on three-year contracts. Their appointment is made by the prime minister in consultation with the Public Service Commission. Permanent Secretaries are not considered political appointees but can be removed by the prime minister at will.