:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Maldives… in a period of transition?

By Mohamed Ashfag – Tuesday 6^th July 2004

The Government of Maldives (GoM), for the past 26 years represented by the Gayyoom regime, has brought majority of the Maldivian publics’ economic and social situation on the brink of total collapse. During this period, not only did the people witness a huge inequality, marginalization and subjective discrimination in the distribution of wealth, social services and economic opportunities but also a willful disregard on the part of GoM to the adherence to any code-of-conduct which demonstrate the slightest levels of objectivity, responsibility, accountability and consistency. The GoM achieved this by pursuing policies that emphasized deception and repression.

The following are some of the direct consequences of more than two decades of corrupt governance of a single administration without any form of opposition:

A belief that the present condition and situation is ‘the-best’ available option. This belief is cultivated and harnessed especially among the less affluent and the deprived. The main themes the GoM advocates to give weight for this belief is the small size of islands and its population, geographic dispersion and seclusion, and the high and unaffordable costs involved for any sustainable solutions. Furthermore, this is embroidered with reminders of the righteous qualities of religion such as simplicity, humbleness and respect/obedience for the authority of tribal elders (GoM), are the attributes one should seek as opposed to any form of worldly desires such as material needs, ambitions and aspirations. (very clearly seen in the Presidential newsletter on Islam ‘Dheenuge Magu’)

Widening and acceleration of the mismatch between atolls, islands, families as well as individuals. If only one would sit back and care to ponder, it would not take much of your time to realize that there are Maldivian mathematicians and engineers, good enough to be employed as scientists in NASA while there are significant potion of the public who just cannot contemplate and comprehend, and therefore refuse to believe, that man had been on the moon, and space exploration is a development aspect many advanced nations pursue. This demonstrates the alarming severity of the inequality in the distribution of education and amenities to enhance the general level of one’s awareness. Who is to blame? One can hardly point the finger to any direction other than the Gayyoom administration!

Extreme levels of vertical integration seen in the private sector discourage entrepreneurship and act as a barrier to entry. The economic policy of Gayyoom facilitates an elite few to control a huge chunk of the economy and options to employ labour exploiting and anti-competitive practices. This elite class represents the privileged and ‘blessed’ families and individuals with direct or indirect affiliations with Mr. Gayyoom himself, or his relatives and cronies. There is not even a single area of economic activity where there are no ‘blessed’ establishments who dominate the respective market with unfair and highly corrupt practices with a complete disregard to employee rights and dignity. It does not take much effort to appreciate the striking similarities between the nation’s network of economic activities and the concept of ‘pizzu’ adopted by the Mafia. The Sicilians call pizzu to a term which vaguely represent the practice of wetting the beak of a small bird. In Maldives it refers to the contributions to or affiliations with Gayyoom regime.

Establishment of an unhealthy and deep-rooted hypocrisy among common people that solely functions to the sustenance of Gayyoom’s authority and desires while simultaneously contributing to the self-destruction of people. Gayyoom, over the years has systematically developed and encouraged the flaunting of a ‘Holier-than-Thou’ attitude in the vast majority of people. This has created a culture with a projected value system that is in constant conflict with peoples’ general behaviour. Thus, mistrust and suspicion of everything around you is the most common traits which could be observed in our societies and thereby one hardly ever has genuine well wishes to your fellow countrymen. Moreover, most Maldivians demonstrate a very vocal and passionate affiliation with religion (Islam); nonetheless, on close scrutiny it is so evident that almost everyone has a custom-made approach to shape one’s faith. (the author fully recognizes the fact that there are but a few very pious Maldivians, this comment is directed to the mass majority). The point here is that this sanctimonious behaviour of us prevents us from objectively discussing any topic without easily and instantaneously directing the discussion to a heated debate on the principles of Islam, teachings and interpretations of Prophet Muhammad’s (P.B.U.H) way of life, while the real issue of discussion is long forgotten. This is shameful! Not only because it solely aids Mr. Gayyoom and his corrupt regime, but also due to the fact that even if is unintentional, we are making a scapegoat out of Islam.

The above is a glimpse of our situation based on just a few observable factors that shape our present community. Now, the big questions that are reeling through our minds is that: will all this pro-reform talks and activities bring about a real and significant change to the governance of our country? If so, how significant will the change be and how participative a role can the general people assume in decision-making? And, most importantly when will the proposed changes be realized? I strongly feel that there should be a tentative time-table set and communicated to public at the earliest possible stage.

The GoM, in accordance with the current constitution should allow formation and functioning of political parties, without having to wait until such time the People’s Special Majlis complete the task of constitutional amendments. This is the only way the general public will be able to associate with ideologies. To argue on the basis that most of the Maldivians are not yet ready for such political pluralism is purely unsubstantial. Commonsense will tell anyone that the creation and achievement of ideal circumstances for the venture, why only on political front, but also on entrepreneurial and personal life, will be the exception rather than the rule. This reminds me of how some of my friends tell me how they would like to acquire a small fortune before they start a life and ultimately start the life without the much dreamed about fortune, and to the surprise of everyone carries on just as good. Of course, there are plenty of rooms everywhere for improvement and that clearly is the challenge. As such, I will say the present situation and condition is as good as any a time for us Maldivians to embrace political pluralism and democracy. If ever we want to see a system of governance where transparency and accountability is present, it should be accompanied with active opposition (with allocated government budget to opposition) to scrutinize, not only the government policies but also the implementation of policies. This is the only approach that will facilitate an objective yardstick to measure the success or failure of the ruling government in a given period of time. Therefore, let us keep our minor differences in our ideologies aside in our pursuit of reform and work together to ensure, never again an individual or group of individuals enjoy the lifestyle of spoiled Saudi Princes at the expense of us.

I have read the draft rules-of-procedure and draft manifesto of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and as a young Maldivian, I must say I have found it very encouraging. It clearly paves way to a brighter future where the all the important aspects an individuals well-being of life and development is catered for. This whole concept of reform, for certain provide many Maldivians like me with hope, a reason to dream and to live with aspirations, which is almost non-existent in our lives and the lives of our parents until now. To the critics of MDP, who base their criticisms entirely of personality attacks of its members and the trivial events of members’ past life that have surfaced after thorough microscopic evaluation, I like to point out that it is purely pathetic and without any doubt illustrates their desire to cloud and fill with suspicion the hopes and well-being the majority of the Maldivians are keen for. On the other hand, we like to see a Maldives where individuals are not only provided with a single opportunity which, for what ever reason fails, that seals the fate of the individual as being doomed or an outcast. Instead we like to see a Maldives where her people make mistakes, learn from them and where minor incidents of past does not form a lasting barrier for future endeavours. Furthermore, the belief or a claim by an individual that he/she is free from any shortcoming of basic human nature, is undeniably insulting our basic intelligence and we reject the whole idea. Thus, MDP spokesperson Mr. Mohamed Latheef, MDP member of the General Council Mr. Mohamed Nasheed and many others should not be judged by the petty personality traits or orientation, but rather it should be on what these people stand for.

The seminar on participatory democracy and political pluralism held on the 29^th June 2004, undisputedly was a historic event. For the first time in my almost 30 years of life, I saw Maldivians expressing themselves without fear or intimidation. This truly provided an essence of achievement for many Maldivians like me. Many critics attempted to portray the seminar as unorganized, unproductive and a total waste of time. However, the reality is that many people just poured-out the generations of frustration that had been forced not to surface and as these meeting become a regular feature, there will emerge a cohesion and a professionalism that will plainly shock Mr. Gayyoom and his regime out of office!