Parliamentary officials can now have their service time extended, after they reach their mandatory retirement age, initially for four years and then to 10 years, under an amended service regulation published in the Royal Gazette yesterday (Friday).

The extended service program will be limited to those whose skills, expertise or knowledge are needed in parliament and which cannot be easily replaced.

Another requirement is that they must have a clean performance record and have never been the subject of an investigation into a gross disciplinary violation.

If their term is extended, such officials must serve in their original posts and cannot be transferred or promoted.

Parliament must, however, notify such people at least 30 days before they reach mandatory retirement.

Any unit in parliament wanting to extend the term of an official must submit a report stating the reason to the parliament secretariat for consideration.