Thursday 10 March 2005

A blurb from the past
"I would not like to go in there as a member the way it runs. It does not work as a Parliament. It legislates, but it legislates what the government wants it to legislate on." Shaheen Hameed 

Shaheen Hameed was seen by many of his friends and associates as a man of principle. He was an outspoken critic of his Uncle, Dictator Gayyoom until recently. He has also reportedly rejected cabinet portfolios but now sits as Deputy Speaker of the Constitutional Assembly of the Maldives and has certainly changed sided. So, one must wonder why this sudden change? Well, it is obvious, he has no choice. The survival of his family, The Hameeds, is directly related to the survival of his Uncle’s ruthless dictatorship. read more

Asia Pacific News

Asia risks losing US$3b in tourism revenues due to tsunami
SINGAPORE : Asia risks losing 3.0 billion US dollars in tourism revenues this year unless global travellers are quickly convinced the region is safe again after December's tsunami, a researcher said following the release of a survey on planned vacations. read more

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!ctencaedcawh egumwkirevWyinwa egunUmuawm

cserwtwm ImIluawt
Wfuaitcsia cnutugwv Iguawx udUmuhwm rwTcsinim cnwxEkuaiDea
.cnwlWvog cnirevinelwb iaWncnidukWvwyik cSwmunid

Editorial
Torture in tropical paradise II – the torture begins

A 28 year old man has died whilst in custody under suspicious circumstances in Maldives today. Muaviyath Mahmood was arrested on 4^th of this month for a drug offence. He has been arrested before but his mother has stated that he was not a heavy drug addict and that when he was arrested, he was a healthy man.  read more

Economic Review
Foreign musicians are taking away jobs from locals, illegally
It is against the law in Maldives to employ foreigners to work as musicians in resorts. However, despite this, there are tens of resorts that employ foreigners for the sole purpose of forming resident island bands, which in effect is much cheaper way of doing it. A local band would want to play in different islands so that they can make a bit of an earning. Some of the top bands, who play well enough to make a difference to the bar sales on the night, are sometimes paid as much as US$ 500 or $1000 per night. Smaller and up and coming bands are paid just a couple of hundred dollar per night and hence they tend to look for more bookings per week. The money is then distributed equally amongst band members. read more

Wednesday 9 March 2005

Minivan Radio

Listen to Minivan News - 100th Programme

Muaviath's father tonight on Minivan Radio said his son was tortured to death by police. listen to the program

Local News

Sheikh Fareed transferred to Male' on the recommendation of doctors
Male' - Sheikf Fareed who has been in solitary confinement for more than 6 months since his arrest in August 2004. He has been severely tortured by Gayyoom's police as a result he was unable to walk by himself when ever he was brought to Male' for medication.

It is believed that this is just a temporary medical requirement and not a change of heart by Gayyoom.

Family, friends and supporters of Fareed are delighted that at least he will be able to meet his wife and children who have been left destitute and very distressed by the whole affair.

BBC News

Indian Ocean tsunami alert agreed
The system is needed to avoid a repeat of December's disaster
Indian Ocean countries and UN experts have agreed on a timetable for a tsunami early warning system.
At a meeting in Paris, delegates decided the system, which could save thousands of lives, would be installed in three stages.
However, the cost of the system and the location of a central tsunami warning office have yet to be decided.
An estimated 300,000 people died when giant waves, set off by an earthquake, laid waste to Indian Ocean coastlines. read more

 urukwt UDcawa
!eveaOtInwrukctek csevidwa !evEncnirwd itevubol

Breaking News

Another death in Maldives Jail

Male' - 12:17 : Reports are coming from Male' that a boy named Muaaviyath Mahmoodh (28*), Raiyvina, Male', is currently in IGMH Hospital who was brought in from Dhoonidhoo prison and is believed to have died last night. No more details are available at the moment but updates will follow.

* Correction Muaviyath is 28 years old.

Updates >>>

13:32 Relatives of the man has been speaking to the public. The scepticism is now confirmed. When police informed the boy's mother today on the way to the hospital they said "did u hear about anything in jail?" And she said no. They said "well there was an incident (kanthah gadeh) in jail last night and your son died". On arrival, at the hospital, the mother was refused to look at his body but she tool the cloth and saw bruises to the side of the body. Police immediately stopped her from doing any further investigation. Police wanted to bury him after mid-day prayer but the Father has refused to bury him until he has the full police report. Family requested police to bring Muaviath's younger brother who is also in jail to pay his last respect to his dead brother but police refused.

13:25 Muaviyath was beaten to death. There are several visible injuries. His right eye is clotted in blood as seen clearly in this picture.

13:21 Eyewitness confirm several bruises on the side of the body and report that his jaw bones are disfigured. Another eye witness said "The boy is killed. His eyes cannot be closed, his body is very stiff. He has bruises all over him. This is inhumane!"

13:19 Minivan News - There is mounting speculation over the cause of the death. Minivan News spoke exclusively to Muaviath's mother Zareena Moosa a few minutes ago. She said that the police phoned her this morning and said that her son had died in Dhoonidhoo.
"He was arrested on the 4th March on drugs charges said Zareena. However, I know he was not dependent on drugs. He had no life-threatening illnesses and when he was arrested he walked unaccompanied to the police bus. He was not a child out of control."
Father Mr. Mahmood, a well-known local trader, and Zareena are "deeply distressed" and are waiting at the hospital for the medical reports on their son. Muaviath's body has now been taken to the cemetary for burial by the police, Zareena confirmed.
12:44 Boy's parents have reported that he was bleeding through the nose when they saw him at around 8:30 this morning. He was reported to have been brought to Male' at 7:00 am. There are also reports of bruises and bodily injuries. Police is not allowing the public to pay their last respect in fear of that. It appears to have all the hallmarks of yet another brutal murder by Gayyoom, using his Police.

12:35 Police is trying hard to bury the young boy quickly, locals and family are very sceptical given the gruesome record of Gayyoom's police in action.

12:25 Body transferred to New Cemetery for burial. Death occurred in the early hours of the morning. He was arrested last Friday from nearby his house for drugs offences.

12:22 The man was arrested a few days ago during a drug bust. People are scrambling for information on the news. There is some unusual activities in the New Cemetery (Aa Saharaa) as well as near IGMH. Authorities seems to be playing down the whole thing.

Public Opinion
Public denied access to Parliament

"Lots of people have come to the parliament to see what is going on today's session. However these people have been denied access to the complex because the public theatre had been already occupied by NSS Cops with colour dress. They were told the public theatre is already full and asked to go home. At the same time sources from parliament have confirmed that Shaheen hameed who is the deputy speaker will ask the MPs for a show of hand rather than going to a secret vote but somehow it was postponed again because many MPs were against it. People are very frustrated with this news and expressed their disappointment by saying we cannot expect any reform while Gayyoom is the head of Maldives."

Minivan News
Haveeru in Bitter Fight with Government over Majlis Reporting
Relations between the daily newspaper Haveeru and the Maldivian government fell to new lows late yesterday evening when the government attempted to prevent the increasingly outspoken newspaper from reporting on today’s session of the Special Majlis. read more
 

Minivan News
Special Majlis in Session Today: What Went on in Parliament
Special Majlis - 2nd meeting to appoint the Speaker of the Special Majlis: Haveeru Dailys' journalists reporting live coverage of the Special Majlis today were stopped from reporting. It is not clear on what grounds that the Majlis Secretariat moved against the press covering the Majlis. Nevertheless it is understood that Azimaa Shakoor, Member appointed by the president was behind the moves.
read more

Reuters News

Legal status agreement to boost rehabilitation in Maldives
A mere 62 days after the first International Federation personnel stepped off the boat in the capital Male and just 66 days after tsunami lashed the Maldives, the Federation has signed a legal status agreement with the Government.
‘Legal Status Agreement’ may sound dry, but it is a vital and vibrant document which will significantly boost the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s ability to assist the most vulnerable. read more  

Breaking News

Gayyoom makes contingency plans for today

Addu Gan – 01:00 am - As usual, Gayyoom is deploying his troops all over the country for a potential disturbance tomorrow.

Insiders have said that Gayyoom has sent more than 40 police personnel to Addu on a night flight which is due to land in Addu in 10 minutes. This is in preparation for controlling any protest in Addu as a result of the actions of their MPs tomorrow, who are expected to be amongst the MPs who will walk out if a secret ballot is not taken in electing the Speaker.

It is also expected that Gayyoom’s police will arrest some reformists today because they have been setting up a cell of MDP in Addu. Suzan Ibrahim Fulhu and IC are amongst the key people who are expected to be arrested today.

In addition to this security measure, there is a lot of movement around NSS headquarters and they have even deployed heavy trucks at the pedestrian path between Islamic Centre and Police HQ. This is perhaps Gayyoom is thinking that people will gather in Islamic Centre because such a concept was discussed in a DO editorial on Sunday.

Reader Opinion
Our blood is boiling yet they are sleeping?

Read the Haveeru news, reported that within two months 11 Mosques are robed 16 times. Subuhanahlahi, we are talking about the Maldives, a 100% Muslim country yet this is the situation.
Let’s put things in context, in a 100% Muslim country within two months 11 Mosques are robed 16 times. In other words, within two months 42% of the Mal’e Mosques are robed.  How many cases would go unreported or unnoticed? How many Mudhimun would know numbers of Quran in their Mosque? I assume less than 50% of the cases were reported as criminals would know how to do their business, especially they would know how to hide things to an Old Mudhim as that would be a business they may hope to continue for the future? read more

Reader Opinion
Relocate the homeless in Hulhumale’
It is high time that we lobby to relocate the displaced people from the tsunami which devastated Maldives last year to Hulhumale’. Currently a very small number of them are Hulhumale’ but on a temporary basis. MPs, NGOs and pressure groups should now start to campaign to relocate those poor homeless and the ones which are staying in Hulhumale’ currently on a permanent. We also need to make the international community aware of this situation so that they could put pressure on the government and relocate those homeless to Hulhumale’. read more

Minivan News
A lone Chinaman battles on in Maldives Jail
It was the beginning of the year 1992. I can’t recall the exact reason I was summoned but I distinctly recall my wait in the visitors’ lounge at the Ministry of Defense & National Security.
Surveying my surroundings, the first thing that struck me was the smartly dressed Chinaman. I changed my seat so that I found myself facing him. At the risk of getting snubbed, I figured I’d assuage my curiosity by striking a conversation with the Chinaman.
I discovered that not all Chinese are inscrutable. He gave me a brief explanation concerning his plight. read more

 unwswhcnod
 cSwCcawmiawf InEdcTOv WmwdWm ,cnegiawgwn cSwCcawmctwa InEdcTOv udwaim
- ctoguLwgwr Iaea ctogireacSwLupctih egunUmuawm csevudwbwa ...cnegiawgwn
emcnea WycaimunEb cnwdwh caeaIsWswa unUnWg uLwgwr iawgEjcaWr
.eveaIvcnwrukurud cnumwkirev unUmuawm Ikwmwk Ivcnwruk csevwmwtwruf

cnwlwgihevid
..... rwTETckiD wa cTon cmEaiawa
Inia wfWl uhwvudivuLuh csilcjwm egcnutwycawr .evea umIawz
 caeaObcniaer InwvIh ,EkehImwgiLws WrwawlukwdWh
 wlukikea urwhwfikea cnumwkwdwgcnwk rwlwkcfWh,cnehwncnef cnIvIT
.cnwsef egElWm wgEretudemeg 70 IvcnWdnwh ItWrwa
 

 uhWx cnWx
 2004 cniaOkcleTcs ! InwncnwgirEf cnihevid Wkcaenwa cniaOkcleTcs
r30000/ wlcmuj IkwaWdiawf unuhejcnwkcawd cSwrWkurws urwhwa wnwv
wyid Wgnihim cSwtudwrwH WviawfWgih cSwniaePcmek egWjWr iDnogWr .evea
cnutwa egcnihevid itemwkin cnegcSokurutia cSwkwtclib eguhwm Irwaurcbef
,iawgukea iaWmwkiritiawmuDwm Inebit cnihevid csevuriawncnwgirEf
egEgEg egcnumcnWa cniaeret egukwtclib egIrwaurcbef egOkcleTcs
60% cSwkwtclib egcnirev irWfwyiv idwa cSokurutia 50% cSwkwtclib
cSwfWliH iaWywdWa InWgcnwa csevurwhwfim ,EviawfcSokurutia
Inwncnuh cSwturwTIm .eveaiawgumwkIvurutia cnumwkcaerwvcswvudIvunUh
!cSwtogEveruk clOrcTcnok cniaOkcleTcs
 

urwbwK
caeaIrWfws cnegiawlWvwd OaITcsea Udwnit
.......Inwncnwb

urwbwK
 egurwseforcp urWduDum eguLotwa dg
.......wkwhWv

Tuesday 8 March 2005

 caelWyiK
މިއަދު ގެ ހަވީރު ނޫހުން އެންމެ އަޅައިގަންނަ އެއްލިޔުމަކީ ބަންޑާރަ ނާއިބު ދެއްވާފައިވާ ޤާނޫނީ ލަފާފުޅެކެވެ. ކޮންކަމަކަށްތޯއެވެ؟ ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްސަ މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސެއް އިންތިޚާބު ކުރުމާ ބެހޭގޮތުންނެވެ.

Business News

Advertise on Dhivehi Observer

DO is now one of the most visited website in the Maldives despite being blocked by the Gayyoom for its political views.

Several DO readers and associates have recommended to help local and international businesses by letting them advertise on DO.

If the idea of marketing is to let people know about your products and services, DO can give you serious exposure to Maldivians. DO has more than 200,000 impressions per day and it is estimated that 90% of internet users visit DO on a daily basis. look at sample and find out more

International Institute for Asia Studies

Where Did the Maldives People Come From?

The Maldives consist of over 1000 small coral islands stretching over 764 km of the Indian Ocean west of Sri Lanka. The country is populated by roughly 180,000 people who call themselves Devehi(s) ('islanders'), and their language is Divehi, which is also the ethnographic term. These islands are grouped mostly into ring-like coral atols, and since atol is a Devehi word it should be spelled correctly with one l. Seafaring explorers of past centuries fancied that the shape of this chain of atols resembled a garland, and indeed on a map it does look like this. So the Archipelago came by the name mala div (garland island, a common word in Indian languages), and the name should properly be spelled Maladiv, not Maldive. read more

Press Release - Asian Development Bank
Tourists To Lead Maldives' Recovery
MALE, MALDIVES - Ten weeks after the tsunami, tourists are beginning to arrive in the Maldives in greater numbers.
"Flights are fuller and hotels are reporting 50% occupancy, up from around 30% after the tsunami," says Richard Vokes, a director in ADB's South Asia Department who is helping to prepare ADB assistance for the Maldives. read more

Local News

30 people to loose their Island Aviation Jobs
Male' - Confirmed sources have revealed that Island Aviation is in real bad shape and needs to cut costs as a matter of urgency. It is now expected that 30 staff will be made redundant very soon. Even the pay cuts that were introduced last month with the pre-text of Tsunami Savings has not been adequate to keep the company afloat. Gayyoom really should stop doing business and let the private sector be engaged in it. Thirty more families are going to suffer as a consequence of his mismanagement and corruption in government.
 

Local News
Pro-democracy members will walk out of the Parliament tomorrow
Male’ - The constitutional assembly (Special Majlis) is due to convene tomorrow to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker tomorrow.  However, there has been a clash of opinion amongst the members about how to conduct the election, in short by Show of Hand or by a Secret Vote. This argument did lead to 23 MPs to walk out of the Majlis in protest on July 19^th, 2004.
In the first session held last week the same argument erupted and the matter was not resolved. However, in reference to a statement by the Attorney General, Dr Saeed today, Gayyoom will get his way and there will be a vote by show of hand tomorrow. Reliable sources within the sphere of the reformists or pro-democracy members have confirmed that as many as 20 or more members are going to walk out of the Majlis in protest if this were to be the case tomorrow.
It was the former Attorney General Dr. Munavvaru who is the most prominent legal authority that quite unequivocally interpreted the constitution with regard to this issue and stated that a secret ballot is the way forward in reference to Article 133. The new Attorney General’s statement appears to be in total contradiction to that.

Abbas Ibrahim, Gayyoom's brother in law is expected to be elected by show of hand tomorrow as the Speaker and Shaheen Hameed, Gayyoom's nephew is expected to with the Deputy Speaker position.

Editorial
Demonstration in Mosques after Friday Prayer in Maldives… Gayyoom will have to step down…
Gayyoom stops people from assembling and becoming a mass. He sends a few police jeeps and a tanker to the location to scare the people, who disperse rather quickly out of fear of possible death. Maldivians have every right to be afraid after what they witnessed on Black Friday, 13^th August 2004. No sane person would want to die at the hands of a brutal dictator. read more

Editorial
Need for a Workers Union in Maldives
In Maldives, there is an urgent need for a General Workers Union to address the various issues of employment. The main principles of such a union would be to promote workers’ prosperity and welfare. Their working conditions must be up to internationally acceptable standards, their pay must be enough to provide them with a decent living and they must be able to get justice if and when such a need arise, such as unfair dismissal and salary cuts. read more

 urwbwK
iawvcaoa cSwtogctoa cawtcSwr ivukWlwh iawgImWnus
cSokcnufuLwf eguSwrWa cDcneliawa EDiloh egunUmuawm
InwrukIgcawrwt cSwrutia cSwrea

Blast from the past
For Gayyoom, it is all a show
It does not matter to Gayyoom that his people are living in poverty. It does not matter to him that behind his grand multimillion dollar palace scores of people sit around the corner of the local market and beg for food and money. In Maldives there is a culture of begging, some on the street openly but mostly behind the scenes. Seemingly affluent families need to ask people for help when they need a little bit more to do an urgent operation or to educate their children. By nature Maldivians are proud people and it hurts to be reduced to this level of poverty. read more

  1-Wlisclis wkWhWv inufcnuk egcnutiycawr
"IsIsITcmea" inufcnuk egurWkurws iaWncnutiiycawr

urwbwK
cSwTOkiawh wlwscawm eg (WjWriDogWr) unImWy Qudubwa
ifiawlWb uDwgiLur cSwrukwb Udwnwm cnumuLeawSuh

Blast from the Past - Report by HIMAL
Flush funds and family games in the Maldive Islands
The combination of feudal patriarchy, big business and religious extremism that exists in the Maldives is not only lethal for the future of the country and its people but also has serious implications for the South Asian region. The milky white and spotless beaches of the archipelago can give the casual observer the impression that all that there is to those beaches are the white sands by the blue lagoons. What they do not see are the numerous crabs with sharp claws that live in the sand. This is an apt metaphor for the political scene of the Maldives. The government rules unopposed with no political strikes, demonstrations or agitation. There is a seeming air of serenity in which it is easy to miss out the resentment against the government. At least, that is how it was until a few weeks ago when the popular image of a tranquil and placid archipelago was shattered by the sound of gunfire, rubber bullets and tear gas canisters. read the report

Reporters Without Boarders
Reporters Without Borders pays tribute to women journalists under threat worldwide
As the world celebrates International Women's Day on 8 March, a French reporter is being held hostage in Iraq and four others are imprisoned elsewhere. Five women journalists have been killed doing their jobs since 8 March 2004. read more

caemwlwgihevid
iawkwTcawlIj ctoacSwairuk

Monday 7 March 2005

csuain urwvwncnih
!ugod cniLum Inwdwh cniaOaID
 

BBC News
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa has announced he will tender his resignation to Congress on Monday
He has been in office for 17 months, during which protests over the use of Bolivia's resources have increased.
Business leaders have accused him of ruining the country's economy, and there have been campaigns for regional autonomy in Santa Cruz province. read more

UN News
"Small nations felt more vulnerable to challenges and threats such as terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction" F Jameel

The Foreign Minister of Maldives, Fathulla Jameel, said small nations felt more vulnerable to challenges and threats such as terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction, as their security was entirely dependent on the prevalence of global security and the observance of the rule of law by all States. Clearly, the concerns of small States could not be confined only to issues of the environment, climate change, sea-level rise and sustainable development. The ominous threats on the political and security fronts had far-reaching implications on all. Video

 clwairOTiDea
...Ivcnebit Wbiawfun cSwtogWrwa cSwdWmwnurukuh
...cnwbiawf cnumwkirev wmwh cnurEa InEhej cSwnUmuawm
 

Who's Who
Thasmeen aspires to be the President of Maldives
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali is the eldest son of Maldivian Business Tycoon, Minaa Kudey (Ali Ahmed). Thasmeen is now 38 years old and holds a BA degree in Economics from Warwick University, UK and a Masters in Political Science from American University in Cairo, Egypt. read more

Wmcawhum
 cSwLotwauDcawa IkwrWkurws egunUmuawm
caeaImWnusuDob WviawfWrwa

Economic Review
Illegal Employment Trade in Maldives
Many Maldivian Employment agencies are involved in illegal human trading in Maldives. For example, a Bangladeshi worker pays US$3000 to come to the Maldives to work for a mere US$100 monthly salary on average. This US$3000 is split 50/50 by the agent in Bangladesh and in Maldives. So for an employment agency in Male bringing 100 workers a month will turn them US$150,000 as commission fees. This has to stop. Poor Bangladeshi workers only break even in 2.5 years (if they are paid US$100 a month, but many are paid less than that and also, the ticket is bought by the worker too) and only after that they actually start earning something. And that is without interest! They sell their goats, cows, land, etc and pay to come to work in the Maldives. read more

urUaux egutih
(cniDwa egutih egcaeairwd ihevid) cSwa ''OaID'' cnutihoyeh

Shan Shah
Do the Right Thing; Give a Chance for a Secret Ballot
Article 133 says that it should be a secret ballot. Although article 97 does not specify that it should be a secret ballot, or show of hands most credible legal opinion in the country is that it should be a secret ballot. Even those who think that it could be either way, also confide that they prefer a secret ballot. Several of Gayoom’s members in the Majlis, specially new appointees, say that they also believe a secret ballot is the best option. read more

Sunday 6 March 2005

Local News
Abdulla Shahid caves in to threats of 'DO exposure'

Executive Secretary to the Gayyoom, Abdulla Shahid together with his 25Million Rufiyaa skyscraper (in local terms) had kept part of the Pedestrian Pavement also as part of his estate. A wooden structure constructed on the pavement had been there for 10 years according to neighbours. This had been a problem for the pedestrians using the busy pavement on Sosun Magu. And after a series of complaints to the Henveiru District ward office by the public, no action or even an answer was given to the many letters written to this affect has been even acknowledged. read more

Local News

Yameen's Hight Court Case postponed indefinitely
Male' - The case of Yameen Vs. Ibrahim Hussain Landhoo has been postponed today without giving any reason by the Maldives High Court. Ibrahim Hussain filed the case of Yameen undermining election laws and giving a public speech during parliamentary election campaigning earlier this year.

Furthremore, Ibrahim Hussain was made to sign a note saying that he cannot leave Male' without permission from court.

Some people are above the law, like Yameen and this is a clear example of that. Even the High Court of Maldives can be stopped by Yameen. Several locals went to hear the court today but were disappointed that the session was postponed. By the looks of this, it appears that Ibrahim Hussain will be the victim here and will probably get locked up at some point.

DO Exclusive
Sheikh Fareed severely disabled by Gayyoom's torture
The following footage was taken at the end of last year when Sheikh Fareed was allowed to attend his uncle's funeral in Male'. Sheikh Fareed was brought from prison just for the funeral that day and was immediately taken back to prison after the funeral. As seen from the footage, Sheikh Fareed can barely walk and had to be assisted by Police personnel. Sheikh Fareed was a healthy man when arrested last August 2004 for participating in the pro-democracy demonstration.
What did Sheikh Fareed do to Gayyoom? His only "crime" was that he knew Islam better than the Almighty Gayyoom. If Gayyoom is such a religious person, doesn't he fear Allah at all? Allah would clearly punish those who torture his true believers in this world. Despite false allegations that Sheikh Fareed is a fundamentalist by Gayyoom, he remains a true believer in Islam and renounces any acts of violence categorically.  download video

Editorial
It is our future and we have to protect is with our lives
There is no rule of law in Maldives and Gayyoom's will is the law. The country is run by a Dictator without any regard for the adopted constitution. The prime responsibility of protecting the constitution lies with the Member of the Parliament and they have so far failed to do so. However, after mounting pressure from dissident both abroad and in Maldives coupled with international pressure and media criticism of the regime of Gayyoom, the last election has given some hope to great many Maldivians who have waited for more than 50 years for a proper state to emerge. read more

 (Wmwjurwt) clwairOTiDea
ulwbugwtcsum egcnemerwhwa csevcnegcSok cnWburug ulWmiaWnWj
enEhej cnwrukiretWkcawr

iawkwTcSwncnuLufEbwyit

 caemudev cawa Olcauhutwf
cnwnWlcaok Olcawa udwa              
 

Business Review
There are more foreign workers in Maldives resorts than Maldivians
The tourism industry of the Maldives attributes to more than 70% of the Maldives economy. This includes workers in resorts, hotels, yachts and safaris, travel agencies and companies as well as support industries such as the supply chain. The resorts in particular comprises of the largest work force as a category. However, what is very disturbing today is that in this particular category, there are more foreign workers than Maldivians. Consequently taking away the opportunities from the locals to get employment in the sector and hamper their progress as well because most of the senior posts are given to foreigners. read more

Political Review
Authoritarian Rule is Against Islam
"Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they change it themselves."
In the contemporary world, there are people who envisage or support authoritarianism in the name of Islam. However this is a great misconception. Islam is a religion which provides and guarantees freedom of ideas, thought and life. It has issued commands to prevent and forbid tension, disputes, slander and even negative thinking among people. In the same way that it is determinedly opposed to terrorism and all acts of violence, it has also forbidden even the slightest ideological pressure to be put on them. read more

Saturday 5 March 2005

Breaking News
Fathin Hameed  & Nasrulla Kamaaluddeen are to marry soon, Congratulations!
Male’ - Sources closed to the family have confirmed that the couple have finally decided to tie the knot.

Gayyoom's dearest niece Fathin is 36 year old and Nasrulla is 49. The love affair started during Nasrualla's brother Abdulla Kamaaluddeen's unsuccessful campaign for Male' seat. The people of Male’ rejected him. AK can now blame Nasrulla because he was busy with Campaign Manager doing something else rather than lobbying for his brother.
For the past few weeks, the couple have spent a lot of time in Fathin's flat in flopped Addu Member Hiyalee's Light Star Building next to Fathin's father's Abdulla Hameed's house, H. Meenaaz. According to Nasrulla’s friends, the only thing he will change about Faathin is her dress sense and make her more feminine, appearance wise at least. Nasrullah's incumbent wife, Lailaa is believed to be heartbroken but has agreed since it could land Nasrulla a cabinet portfolio. In addition to that, marrying into the Hameed Clan is 'some' investment.
Fathin is also bi-sexual like her father Hameed, which is reportedly okay with Nasrulla but the couple are adamant that they are desperately in love. We wish them all the best on behalf of all DO readers.
DO sources also confirm that Akram Kamaaludeen is very angry and jealous of his elder brother’s action because he was also trying to hit the jackpot with Fathin, for obvious advantages, which could have made him the Minister of Education or maybe Information Minister like Samarey.
The couple are now waiting for the return of Abdulla Hameed from Singapore who is allegedly undergoing treatment for Aids. This news, however pleasant or not, has yet to be officially confirmed or denied by the authority.

Local News

Yameen's Hight Court Case about breach of Election Laws tomorrow in Maldives High Court
Male' - Mr. Ibrahim Hussain from Landhoo brought up the case against Yameen due to the infamous election speech he gave in N. Milandhoo in January. Giving public speeches by candidates is prohibited during campaigning. The recordings and scripts of this speech has been leaked by DO in January and hence there appears to be no way out for Yameen from this because of this staggering evidence. However, after all he is the brother of Gayyoom, so nothing will happen to him as far as most Maldivians are concerned. No one is above the law said Gayyoom on the BBC in August 2004, so this will be a big test for Gayyoom and his regime as a whole.
Public will be allowed in if they go there on time with ID cards but sadly there are about 30 seats there for the public.
The High Court is located near Voice of Maldives in Henveiru near the Tripod Square. A small demonstration near the Square is expected by reformists and pro-democracy activists as most of them will not be able to get a seat.

Minivan News

Gayoom tells Gasim: I Don’t Want Your Aid
The Maldivian government has turned away more than 30 tonnes of aid, donated by Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa Foundation, Minivan News has learnt from leaked documents today.
The leaked letter, from Ibrahim Ismail (Executive Director at the Education Ministry) to Gasim’s Villa Foundation (see below) says that the Ministry received the aid on 24th January 2005. However because it is “too low grade compared to the aid we are giving” it has been turned away. Moreover, Gasim has been asked to take the aid back “as soon as possible”.
The aid consists of over 30 tonnes of school stationary such as exercise book, bought by Villa Foundation specifically to help Maldives post-tsunami. read more

Local News
Gayyoom meets with Mr. Ong Beng Seng in Singapore
Singapore - Gayyoom met with Mr. Ong Beng Seng and his business partner Mr. Waheed Deen along with Abdulla Shahid yesterday. The meeting was mainly to discuss tourism business as Mr. Seng is now a major shareholder of the Maldives tourism industry, which includes majority shares in Bandos and Four Seasons amongst others. Mr. Seng is also developing Landaaagiraavaru in Baa Atoll which he secured through Sobir when Club Med decided not to develop the resort. Mr. Seng is also a close associate of Fathuhulla Jameel and is believed to have closed the deal of Kandooma days before Tsunami. Gayyoom being the ultimate decision maker, this was quite an opportunity for a hotel tycoon like Mr. Seng to make Gayyoom also a partner of his powerful business formulae. 

Mr. Seng is one of the richest men in Asia and winner of Businessman of the Year 1991 in Singapore and the Managing Director of Hotel Properties Limited.

Business News

Who is Mr Ong Beng Seng?
It all started when the Stock Exchange of Singapore (SES) censured a publicly listed property development company called Hotel Property Ltd (HPL) for not seeking shareholders' approval for the sale of some of its condominium developments at a discount price. Shareholders of HPL had been grumbling about the way business was conducted in the company especially when it came to dealings with the Lee family. Many of the shareholders were waiting to buy units at the said project. When the launch of the property never came to pass, the shareholders saw red and demanded an explanation.The stock exchange authorities quickly announced that HPL had breached regulations. One day later, Lee Kuan Yew and his son, Lee Hsien Loong, publicly revealed that they too had bought HPL condominiums. The story made headlines and started tongues wagging. The story was then traced back to one Ong Beng Seng, a property tycoon in Singapore, and Managing Director of HPL. read more

Press Release - International Monetary Fund
US$ 6.3 million in Emergency Assistance for the Maldives
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved SDR 4.1 million (about US$ 6.3 million) in emergency assistance for natural disasters for the Maldives. The amount approved is available immediately to help the government deal with the devastating effect of the tsunami that struck the island on December 26, 2004. read more

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Corruption News
Abdullah Yaameen Gayyom’s ( Raagodi Raaja) Hidden Wealth
by "A concerned Maldivian"
During Raagodi Raaja's regime at STO he opened the STO Singapore office and news given to our fellow citizens were that this office is only to provide necessary items for STO head office. We were kept in total darkness while Raagodi Raaja was making millions of dollars ! His side kick Ahmad Muneez (Mobile No: +6597347417 Office No:+653244668) is the one looking after all his dirty work and the bank accounts. read more

Corruption News
MRF 240,000 paid by Government to his friend Zahir to support private business
Dr. Zahir Hussain, is making an income of at least MRF 40,000 (Dollars 3000) from the President’s Office. Sources at the Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE) inform that Zahir made lofty promises on his first day as the President of MCHE. But, immediately after the appointment as the President, he took a leave to saying that he was going away to plan the future of Maldives College, to make it a University in one year. After a month’s paid leave, he came back and occupied his office for few weeks, reporting to work at 11 am and going home at 1 pm. Now he is not attending the office at all. He also brought staff from the Youth Ministry to serve has his boys and girls, now they are also hanging around the College with nothing to do. One of his close friends reveals that soon after he joined the College he became worried about its complexity and realized that it required persistent effort, having to put in many hours a day. He no longer likes to work hard.  read more

Corruption News
"How much is Rashida Making to sit at home?

MRF 40,000 a month
While musicians and actresses are struggling to donate money to victims of Tsunami, I have a good idea to suggest to Mustapha Hussain. Why don’t you suggest Rashida to do what you did. She would be a good principal for MES that really needs another person than the outdated Ali Mustapha. Now Rashida is ashamed of herself for having to sit at home, drive her flagged car, while unable to contribute to society in any way. For the past several months, she has been the Chair of the Education Council that has no members, except the Chair. Her Assistant Yasir, who runs a private tuition business, is also finding himself in an awkward position.

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Friday 4 March 2005

World Issues
Saddam's son Uday was poised to topple dad : controversial US journalist
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - The eldest son of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was plotting to overthrow his father just as US troops advanced on Baghdad in March 2003, journalist Peter Arnett claimed in Playboy Magazine.
Uday Hussein, known for his ruthlessness and flashy lifestyle, had won the support of the leadership of his father's Fedayeen militia to overthrow Saddam's 35-year rule, according to an advance copy of the April edition of Playboy obtained by AFP. read more

Shan Shah
Shaheen Hameed’s Family-Pleasing Drama in the Majlis
Shaheen’s schoolmate Ibra said that he would not resign from as the member of special majlis. Why so. It is because of a simple logic. Constitution says that Special Majlis consist of cabinet members, parliament members, and members elected for the special majlis. Some Ministers such as Yameen are now holding two seats (1) one as a cabinet minister and (2) the other as a parliament member. If Yameen is allowed to represent these majlises, (vazeerunge majlis and raiyethunge majlis), then Ibra should also be able to represent both majlises (raiyethunge majlis and special majlis seats). read more

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All we know is that if Gayyoom starts arresting people like before, he should be prepared for a mass demonstration from the people and with the world attention on Maldives like never before, Gayyoom can be rest assured that world media will be on the ground when we do that this time.

 
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Local News

Sheikh Fareed released from Solitary confinement and now in a jail cell
Confirmed reports say that Fareed has been released from solitary confinement and is now in a cell with 40 other inmates. Gayyoom has held Fareed in solitary confinement for more that 6 months and passes a sentence for an earlier case after arresting in relation to August 2004 demonstration. Gayyoom could not pass a sentence to Fareed on 11th August 2004 because of the huge public protest that day.

Fareed's only 'crime' is that he reads Quran, Speaks Arabic, knows Islam and Sharia better (much much better) then the self proclaimed Ayatollah of Maldives, Al-Ustaz Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, GCMG - Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George. How can a 70 year old Dictator compete with a 32 year old mind that is pure and fresh?

Minivan News Today
Why did Hussain Yoosuf Stab Two Cops?
A leaked statement from Lieutenant Mohamed Ashwan reveals shocking torture of Yoosuf by the police/NSS
 

Why the election of Speaker for the Special Majlis is so Important
Because regime intimidation of MPs has happened often in the past, MPs must be allowed to vote in secret
 

A Mini Revolution in the Making at CHSE
A secret band of students called ‘the whistleblowers’ are plotting the downfall of the school ‘regime’
 

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