Majeed Sir; a leader with a conscience, a threat to Gayyoom's illegitimate rule :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial

Majeed Sir is a leader with a conscience and a threat to Gayyoom's illegitimate rule

by Editor in Chief, Ahmed Moosa (Sappe'), 8 April 2006

Like thousands of Maldivians, I am also a student of the famous and respected teacher Abdul Majeed Shameen, popularly known as Majeed Sir. He is the founder and manager of one of the oldest tuition classes in the Maldives. Majeed Sir is a man worthy of praise, because he dedicated his entire life to educate Maldivians.

Majeed Sir has been running Kinaaraa Tuition Class in the capital Male' for well over 30 years. He is an iconic figure in the Maldives, respected by former and current students as well as their parents. His contribution to the education sector could not be ignored as sometimes he provided the only means for a basic education to thousands of destitute students in the capital Male' and the only hope for a brighter future for them.

Majeed Sir is a man of strong character and a strict disciplinarian. His former students are everywhere in the Maldives and even today, his presence in a place would make some of us feel vary and obliged to act as respectful citizens. I know I still feel that way.

From the beginning of the recent democracy movement in the Maldives, after the murders of several unarmed inmates in Maafushi Jail by Gayyoom's terror forces in September 2003, Majeed Sir has been one of the most active and energetic reformists, bringing in his vast experience and charisma to the movement.

As the President of Mercury Brach of MDP in Male', Majeed Sir has been playing key role in empowering the MDP's democracy movement in Male' and has set examples for others to emulate.

For a murderous and ruthless dictator like Gayyoom, charismatic and strong leaders in the society like Majeed Sir are more than just a threat to his rule and sustenance of his tyranny. That is the main reason why Majeed Sir has to endure savage punishment from Gayyoom's illegitimate regime.

In a last desperate and despicable attempt to shut Majeed Sir, Gayyoom's militia – Golhaa Force – arrested him last Monday (3rd April 2006) in relation to the unrest sparked near the IGMH hospital. The unrest began when the public gathered around the hospital to express their anger and outrage over the brutal attack on two young MDP activists, which left one of them with a critical injury fighting for his life. The outburst ended in an alleged attack on a Police substation near the hospital, windows of which were smashed.

Majeed Sir Remains in jail and Gayoom's media has accused of him being one of the 8 people who organized and led the unrest that evening, when the actual fact is that Majeed Sir was only visiting the victims and was not even aware of any unrest until much later. This cheap and despicable attempt by the biggest hypocrite in the Maldives to discredit a well respected and much loved teacher is testimony to the mentality of the psychopath that Gayyoom is. It further shows how desperate this evil man is to salvage his falling regime and protect his power at any cost.

DO salute Majeed Sir for the strength of character, energy and leadership he has shown to all of us.

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