Beginning 2006, senior government employees will no longer adhere to an existing rank system and high-level officials will be selected from a separate pool.

The Civil Service Commission, in charge of personnel affairs for government offices, announced the new recruit scheme Thursday that focuses on individual ability and performance rather than seniority.

The Commission however added the current retirement plan for high-ranking public servants will remain unchanged.

Senior officials to be affected in the central government are estimated at some 1,280 in total.