Updated: 07/05/2008 03:08:07

News & Reports July 2004 MAIN - SEPTEMBER 2004 - AUGUST 2004 -  JULY 2004 - JUNE 2004 - ARCHIVE Gayyoom's Word Games With reference to various recent public declarations Gayyoom has made, I do think that it would not only be wise, but necessary to remain sceptical about Gayyoom's intentions by announcing constitutional reform. From past experience, it is very clear that playing games with words comes as naturally to Gayyoom as a spider's inherent ability to spin a web. Moreover, Maldivians interested in changing their society to a freer country should also be vary of their own tendency to be emotional in the face of Gayyoom's extravagant performances. We have also witnessed how consistent he is in contradicting his own behaviour, speech being a form of behaviour, as it is the primary form of self-expression, revealing one's relation to the world. read more    DO  Insider Reports on Tonight's Cabinet Meeting Gayyoom getting ready for the clampdown An emergency cabinet meeting was held tonight. The purpose was to condemn last nights? Birthday Party organised at Jamaaluddeen School. An associate of Mr. Yameen and Abdulla Shahid reported to DO that Gayyoom is absolutely furious and outraged by what occurred last night. He went as far as blasting at Dr. Shaugee, the Education Minister for not halting the party even after strict instructions from President's Executive Secretary, Mr. Abdulla Shahid. Dr. Shaugee was asked to resign if he cannot implement executive orders. read more               Ali Naz Saleem, 26, is now in detention Ali Naz Saleem arrested by Police for questioning Gayyoom Ali Naz Saleem, 26, of Ma. Dhirey, is a former NSS staff who worked in the Presidential Palace as a security guard. He has been writing to the President demanding an explanation for the unfair dismissal from his job in 2001. Most Fridays, locals can see Gayyoom in person and shake his hand after the Prayer at Islamic Centre in Male?. Unlike most others, who just ?worship? and get Gayyoom's blessings, Ali Naz takes this opportunity to remind Gayyoom about his problem and demands an answer. He has done this over the past few weeks and today he approached Gayyoom again. Today he supposedly told Gayyoom to resign if he can't attend to problems of the public, referring in this case to his complaints. He was immediately arrested and taken to the police. This was around 1 o'clock this afternoon. Eye witnesses say that he was manhandled and put in a police van by force. read more     DO  EXCLUSIVE Members Appeal to the High Court of Maldives regarding the refusal of the Criminal Court to hear the case An appeal was submitted to the High Court of the Maldives today to find a way to hear the case either in Criminal Court or for instructions on which court to submit the case. It is clear that a crime, specified in the constitution such as 'High Treason' must be allowed to be heard in some court in the Maldives. The appeal was submitted by Special Majlis Member Ahmed Shafeeq. read more      DO  EXCLUSIVE Asif's Birthday brings Gayyoom to full alert As ever, I had an invitation to this party. Mr. Ismail Asif got permission from Jamaaluddeen School and hired the hall for his 33rd Birthday Party. I was later told that it was not even his Birthday but he just felt like celebrating the day a little bit early. Similar to Nov 3rd being Victory Day in Maldives because Gayyoom felt like it in spite of that day being the darkest day of Maldives in living memory. Initially there was some problem at the gate of the school. Some senior staff came out and said that they could not give the hall because Mr. Abdulla Solih, Asst. Director General at the Ministry of Education has ordered them that this party should not be allowed to go on. However, since there invitees were already at the gate, after some negotiations, everyone went in. read more    BREAKING NEWS Emergency meeting underway in the Education Ministry        Mr. Asif said that he was a dictator, hence the cake Confirmed reports say that Dr. Shaugee, the Minister of Education and Mr. Abdulla Solih are meeting senior staff of Jamaaluddeen School because they allowed a birthday party to be held in their premise. Mr. Solih did instruct the school to cancel the party but by then people were already at the gate. The party was organised by Mr. Ismail Asif and went quite well with lots of locals attending. There were rumours that reformists were going to attend the party and they did. The cake which was cut in the party also indicated that this was a very special party. A full report on the party will be published shortly. The theme song of the party was a famous hindhi one "ye andhaa gaanoon hey" meaning this is blind justice.     Minister of Atolls, Majlis Speaker and chairman of Bank of Maldives Abdullah Hameed: A Secret Known to All Maldives Culture 'The mudhim of the island was a tall man and he was standing there looking over the curtain as people marked the ballot paper and saying in English (so the voters would not understand) to the island chief sitting at the desk whether a ?tick? or ?cross? had been written on each voting paper. The chief recorded this on the list he had on his desk. Anyone who put a cross on the ballot paper would encounter difficulties whenever they went to the island office for whatever reason' read more Statement by Mr. Ahmed Mujuthaba, Chairperson - Human Rights Commission of Maldives The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives was formed on December 10, 2003 in response to the sad and ugly incidents that took place on September 19 and 20, 2003 in the prison, sparking riots in Male', the capital. read more "...the interview was not given by Nasheed. Nasheed had no authority to speak his personal mind on national TV." First of all, I as a person, as a lawyer, and as a member of this Maldivian Nation, sincerely believe that the chair could have been more accommodating on 19 July. Members should have had the time they wanted to speak and express their views, and at the end of the debate he could have gone for a vote on the two opinions that had been shaped on the Majlis floor. I have worked with the current chair for the past 10 years, and I have not seen a sad day like that. read more        Mike O'Brien  Friends of Maldives News Questions Asked about Maldives in UK Parliament Questions concerning the current state of political affairs in the Maldives, tabled by two British MPs, have been given answers. Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, and Robert Key, MP for Salisbury, both submitted questions to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. Mike O'Brien, Foreign Office Minister replied that the British FCO was looking to the Maldivian government to guarantee "free and transparent" political debate in Maldives and would "continue to follow events in the Maldives closely". The Secretary also welcomed the government's proposals to develop a more democratic system by allowing political parties and limiting the power of the President. read more  HOW TO RELINQUISH DICTATORSHIP AND RESIGN The entire procedure took less than 10 minutes Student protesters, who reacted jubilantly to Suharto's announcement, had been demanding the President's resignation for three months with protests that culminated this week when they occupied Parliament. read more      DO  EXCLUSIVE Dr. Waheed is prepared to lead the people of Maldives In this exclusive interview, Dr. Waheed affirms that he is prepared to take on the top job as President of the people of Maldives. "The time has come for us to claim our fundamental human rights, to remove the shackles on our thoughts and expression and to rise as a free, creative and powerful people whose government is by the people, for the people and of the people. To lead would be to serve, and serving the people is the highest privilege. I believe I am prepared to take on this responsibility if the people see it fit."says Dr. Waheed. read more    Friends of Maldives Press Release Early Day Motion in UK Parliament on Maldives That this House, seeing the developing situation in the Maldives, urges President Gayyoom and all sides to work for urgent, peaceful democratization; abhors the detention and torture of political prisoners such as documented by Amnesty International; urges the full recognition of the Maldivian Democratic Party; and urges the British government to strengthen its representations on the matter and British and other companies present in the Maldives to refrain from any activity that impedes the growth of democracy. read more     Friends of Maldives Press Release British MPs Roger Gale and Robert Key engage the British Parliament on Maldives Mr Roger Gale (North Thanet): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information he has received concerning the first sitting on 19th July of the special Majlis in the Republic of Maldives; and if he will make a statement. Mr Robert Key ( Salisbury): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the situation in the Maldives. read more   Mr. Nazim has been denied registration of a Newspaper The Government of Maldives has rejected the application by Ahmed Nazim Sattar the register a Newspaper on 20th July 2004. A letter from the Ministry of Information, Arts and Culture stated that the documents he submitted to this Ministry do not demonstrate that he has 5 years experience in the field of journalism. The documents also do not acknowledge the particular newspapers in which they were published. It added that in accordance to the Rules of Journalism you do not qualify to the conditions mentioned in article 10(c) and therefore “Goveli” newspaper cannot be registered under your editorship. read more   Attorney General’s Drifting Pledge Hailed for his humble roots and integrity, the present Attorney General (AG) Dr. Hassan Saeed seemed a good choice for a nation in need of refinement of the legal framework. However, the knowledge from the hindsight suggests that nothing could be further from the truth!  The disappointment people felt with the style chosen by the broadcasting media in reporting the aftermath of Parliamentary walkout was consoled by the manner the print media’s (limited distribution nation wise) reporting of the account of events inside the parliamentary house on 19th July 2004. However, this disapointment was not even close to what we felt with the reported performance of the nation’s attorney general. read more Justice Ahmed Hameed Fahmy Sacked The senior most and the most respected judge of the High Court Mr. Ahmed Hameed Fahmy has been sacked from the High Court in contravention of the 117 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives and applicable international law.  He has been secretly transferred to an executive position at the office of the president where he has no table. The transfer has not been reported in any newspaper or on the official website of the president's office. read more  DO  EXCLUSIVE Gayyoom rejects lawsuit against his brother on the charge of high treason In a statement by the Criminal Court of the Maldives, Gayyoom has refused to even accept the case charging his brother Abdulla Hameed of high treason for attempting to undermine the Constitution of the Maldives. A press release today said that the Criminal Court only conducts cases filed after investigation and only those brought by the State Attorney Generals’ office. The case of undermining the constitution of the Maldives was brought up by the distinguished Honourable Members of the Special Majlis is dismissed by Gayyoom’s government as a simple ‘systematic problem’. read more Metamorphosis of Mr. Zahir In the eyes of many Mr. Ahmed Zahir is not suitable to be the Speaker of the Special Majlis. Not because he can or can not read the Quran nor because he did or did not sit for GCE O/L exams five times, but  more because he has been rejected by his own people. Mr. Zahir, when he lost his seat for Gaaf Dhaal in 1999, was one of the longest serving MP’s in the Majlis. Zahir was unable to win the safest of seats for him, many will agree, because of his gradual fall from grace of the people after his metamorphosis from Rayyath Zahir (People’s Zahir) to Bandaara Zahir (State Zahir). read more      DO  EXCLUSIVE Lawsuit filed against Speaker of the Parliament for High Treason Hon. Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim, People’s Special Majlis Member for Ari Atoll South, filed a lawsuit for high treason against the incumbent Speaker of the Parliament of the Maldives, Abdulla Hameed today. The charge is for High treason Under Article 12 (1) of the Constitution of the Maldives “Any person who, by the threat or use of force or in violation of the Constitution, abrogates or attempts to abrogate the Constitution or attempts to undermine the Constitution or conspires to commit any of the said acts shall be guilty of high treason”. read more   Birth of democracy in the Maldives A clear message of Demo Kratis (people rule) was sent to Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom today by the courageous Maldives members of the parliament who in an unprecedented move and a historic move, walked out of the parliament in protest of the attempt by cabinet ministers to undermine the constitution of the Maldives. read more      DO  TRIBUTE Maldivian Heroes of Democracy Our country needs more heroes like these to embark on a path of meaningful development and to create equal opportunity for all. read more     Sad but True Minister of Justice, Mr. Ahmed Zahir was rejected in the People’s Majlis elections in 1999 by South Huvadhoo Atoll people after serving as an MP for 15 years for this atoll and consequently was appointed as an MP by President Gayyoom. With the impartment of President Gayyoom's views on political reform on 9th June 2004, many reformers organized number of seminars with the objectives of obtaining public opinion and generating political awareness among people. There was not even a single known seminar which was organized by Mr. Zahir nor did he attend any of the seminars. This demonstrates the real gap between the nominated candidate for Speaker of People’s Special Majlis, Mr. Zahir and public of the Maldives. While we, the people, respect the legal right and capacity by which a Speaker is elected by the members of People’s Special Majlis, it is the hope of people to elect a Speaker who has a close affiliation with the public. The mass gathering of people in front of Presidential Office, I hope, will convey Mr. Zahir the desire of people to have a Speaker whom the people can associate. read more        BREAKING NEWS @ 10:00 am Maldives Time 19th July 2004 Special Majlis Members (Parliament) Walks out of the first session in protest Confirmed reports are coming from the capital Male' that 26 members of the Parliament has walked out of its first session in protest of the illicit conducts of the Chairman of this session Abdullah Hameed. read more  Breaking News Update : Civil Unrest in Male' Gayyoom has agreed to abide by the law and allow a secret ballot. MPs are now returning to the Parliament House. Large crowds in the area calling for Gayyoom's resignation! Heavy police present in the area with riot gear. Most of the area is blocked off by NSS. ------------ The meeting has been cancelled. MPs advised the public to remain calm and not to resort to violence. The Parliamentary session has been postponed indefinitely. Speaker attempts to violate the constitution MDP Press Release Twenty four members of the newly formed Special Majlis (constituent assembly) walked out of the first meeting today in protest of the temporary Speaker’s decision to conduct the meeting in violation of the constitution. read more   Fathullah Jameel's pact with the devil Maldives Culture Fathullah is the only cabinet minister who isn't afraid of Gayyoom, and he runs his Foreign ministry as he wishes. He even runs the country when Gayyoom is away, and can have people hired and fired at will in many important government agencies. He has described presidential secretary Abdullah Shahid, Dr Mohamed Munavvar and Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, as 'his boys'. Fathullah is the chairman of Maldives National Shipping Management Limited (MNSML) in Singapore, and was chairman of Dhiraagu telecom until recently. read more   Sheikh Farooq resigns from the Parliament Sheikh Ahmed Farooq Mohamed who is a Presidential appointed member of the People's Special Majlis, has today submitted his resignation from the Majlis. This is due to the illicit activities of Gayyoom and his associates in pressuring him to vote for the preferred government candidate for the position of the president of the People's Majlis, Justice Minister Ahmed Zahir. The Special Majlis will convene tomorrow and the first item on the agenda is to elect a President to chair the sessions. The Special Majlis is charged with carrying out constitutional amendments. read more    DO  Exclusive Gayyoom obstructed democracy from taking root in Maldives "The proposition I intend to favour, in electing a President, is to allow more than one candidate to contest in the secret ballot stage by the People’s Majlis. However, I do not believe that direct Presidential election by the people from amongst more than one candidate is a proper method. I believe that allowing direct Presidential election by the people from more than one candidate will disrupt the long existing political and social harmony as well as peace and prosperity amongst the people of the Maldives." Gayyoom proposed in an official letter to the President of the Peoples' Special Majlis on 4th December 1995. read more    LOCAL NEWS    DO EXCLUSIVE Reform Debate 6 held in Male' tonight Sixth debate on democratic reform was held last at Ghiyaasuddeen School. Reports say that over 1500 people attended the meeting which showed strong support for the introduction of party politics in the Maldives. Support for political reform and the introduction of party politics is immense in Maldives as these reform debates have shown. The backdrop was testimony to the support for Maldivian Democratic Party. Mr. Mohamed Moosa suggested that we mend the behaviours of those in powerful positions before we amend the constitution of the Maldives. This is strictly in reference to the extreme level of corruption and abuse of power by Gayyoom’s government ministers and officials. He also condemned arbitrary arrests and called for the rule of law to be implemented in the Maldives. read the full report MDP Newsletter 16 released Articles include: Gayyoom Absolved? Continuing Calls for Freedom and Justice Mugabe Is Still There… Serial Injustice: Slain Who initiated reform? Is Gayyoom's Police State Unravelling? Honorable Ibrahim Ismail Calls on the Maldivian Government to respect Fundamental Rights Separation of Powers in Maldives  LOCAL NEWS    DO EXCLUSIVE Fifth Reform Debate held in Male' last night The 5th Reform Debate was held in Social Centre, Male' last night. The meeting was attended by several hundred of people. Since the constitutional reform debate was announced by Gayyoom on 9th of June, many Maldivians are seen to be actively engaged in discussing and debating the need for pluralistic democracy in the Maldives.Many speakers discussed the importance of the fundamental rights of the citizens to be explicit and clear in the next amended constitution. Hon. Shareef, Special Majlis Member for Addu Atoll outlined in detail the advantages of party politics. He further added arbitrary arrests must come to a halt and people should not be arrested and punished unless proven guilty and sentences in a court of law. Due process of law is essential in a modern society of today, he said. read more   Lack of government vision leads to social disaster What can you say about a president who can offer nothing but excuses for an economic downturn, nothing but lies for a political crisis, and nothing but prayers for a drug menace?  That he is clueless?  That he has no vision?  That he should say his last prayers and depart?  You can say all these and more about His Excellency Usthaz Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, GCMG, President of the Republic of Maldives. read more    A PUBLICATION OF FRIENDS OF MALDIVES - UK Separation of Powers in Maldives The separation of powers is an established constitutional principle.  It dictates that, in order to prevent the accumulation of too much power in one person or decision-making body, there must be some separation of the three branches of the constitution:  the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.  If this is not achieved, there is a danger that absolute power will be vested in one individual, which could lead to inefficiency and corruption.  This article will examine the doctrine of separation of powers and how it applies to the constitution of the Maldives. read more  LOCAL NEWS    DO EXCLUSIVE Fourth debate held in Male' In support of Political Party System A forth reform debate was held in Kalaafaanu School tonight. Mr. Kurendhoo Ahmed Mahir, was given the permission to organise the meeting attended by over 1500 people. It was generally less upbeat than the previous meetings as many attendees were scared of Gayyoom’s heavy handedness. Mainly because from one meeting to the other, the restrictions imposed by the government is increasing. Calling for Gayyoom’s resignation is now apparently a crime in spite of "Freedom of Expression" being guaranteed by the constitution. Reviewing and discussing democracy from an Islamic point of view is no longer allowed. Only those who have permissions from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs are allowed to talk about any topic of Islam. People attempting to organise these debates in Male’ are getting ever so frustrated with the restriction imposed. DO can confirm that the government is now demanding the Identity card copies of the people who will sit in the panel overseeing the meeting and because of this many refused to sit in the panel tonight. read more           Abdulla Jinaah Ahmed N. Velidhoo - Maldives  Who's Who  I am a Maldivian too… and this is my life My name is Abdullah Jinaah Ahmed and I am 22 years old. I work in Noonu Atoll Development Programme in the Maldives. I come from the N. Velidhoo. I support the call for political reform in the Maldives because I believe that it is the best way to create equal opportunities for all of us. So that we can earn enough to live a happy and content life. Education is now very expensive, especially when you have to study in Male' and there aren't enough jobs around. Health is another expensive service and should be reformed and made more affordable. In my island there are large numbers of people my age who are without jobs. I believe that I am one of the lucky few. I work hard for the development of my Atoll. This is my life. read more   Gayyoom And "The Art of Fake Environmentalism" Perhaps now Gayyoom would not want to recall that about 15 years ago, when he still had some genuine black hair left (the only genuine thing he ever head on his head), it was Aafathis reporter Kudanevi Abbas who wrote the fateful article on ozone layer depletion with the eye-catching title “hole in the sky,” and converted Gayyoom from a professional cleric to an amateur environmentalist, one of the many chameleon-like transformations Gayyoom would undergo before making the ultimate switchover from tin-pot dictator to Westminster democrat, all in the blinking of a perfidious eye . On that momentous day Gayyoom called Abbas to his office with his source material for a long discussion, and the rest is history. Did this short encounter with Abbas awaken an irrepressible love in him for the environment? Far from it. read more   Problems with Gayyoom Policies The capital island Male’, which is the hub of all economic activity and the most densely populated island in the country has a population of about 80,000 residing in a total land area of 197 hectares. This makes Male’ the most populated place on the face of this earth in terms of population per area. (164 people per acre) - An increase in the development of extremely tiny and unrealistic cubicle-like-space for the sole purposes of renting. - The excessively expensive pricing of goods and commodities due to rip-off rents. - Wasteful utilization and misallocation of nation’s funds. Mr. Royston Ellis, for what ever reason, may have termed Gayyoom as a “Man For All Islands”, but for certain Gayyoom is NOT the MAN for us, PEOPLE, who call these tiny ISLANDS HOME!  read more Koli Ali Manik should be in the Special Majlis according to Gayyoom's payroll DO has obtained the President's Office database which shows that Koli Ali Manik is listed amongst cabinet ministers of the Maldives and hence should sit in the Special Majlis. Another interesting revelation is that whilst Gayyoom is R/C No.1 - Koli Ali Manik is R/C No. 2 (Registration Card No.) - DO rests its case on this note. Please down load the full list of employees of Gayyoom's government and write to them demanding your rights for a democratic and just society. This is an excel file VGayyoomge Veringe listu.xls - alternatively you can download the zip file VERINGE LISTU    LOCAL NEWS    DO EXCLUSIVE Third Debate on Constitutional Reform held in Male’ Nearly one week after the last pro-reform debate held in Male’ on 5th July, the third meeting was successfully staged tonight at Dharumawantha School hall in Male’. The meeting was organised by a Mr. Reeko Moosa (see below) and some of his associates. The permission to hold the meeting was granted to him and the hall of  Dharumawantha school was confirmed around 2:30 pm this afternoon. Despite the short notice, nearly 1600 people attended the gathering, which is a clear sign of the support for multi-party democracy in the Maldives. Given more time and guarantee of no intimidation and harassment from the National Security Service, the Red Army of Gayyoom, people will turn out in thousands, says the pro-reformists in Male’. Several Atoll members are also trying to organise similar activities but so far no meeting has been organised in any island, apart from the illicit gatherings ordered by Atolls Minister Hameed, Gayyoom’s brother, asking people to reject the idea of introducing party system in the Maldives. Pro-reformists, Special Majlis Member Ibrahim Ismail and Nazim Sattar, who organised the first two debates in Male’ are now officially banned from holding any further meeting, which is an absolute disgrace and unconstitutional. read more   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM DEBATE TONIGHT After a prolonged effort by pro-reformers in Maldives over the past week, Mr. Reeko Moosa Manik has been given 'permission' by the Home Ministry to hold a meeting tonight. The venue has now been set to Dharumawantha School Hall (Majeedhiyaa). The session will commence at 9:00 pm tonight and is expected to go on for 90 minutes. Please be there and make yourselves heard!      CALL FOR GAYYOOM'S IMMEDIATE RESIGNATION        WE DESERVE JUSTICE, PEACE AND PROSPERITY! HE DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO LOCK US ALL NOR THE RESOURCES, FEAR NO ONE BUT GOD!  LOCAL NEWS    DO EXCLUSIVE Gayyoom pardons Guraidhoo Island Chief's 5 year Sentence for Corruption DO can reveal that President Gayyoom has pardoned the former Bodu Katheeb (Island Chief) of K. Guraidhoo Island, Abdul Haadhee, who was charged and convicted of corruption and sentenced recently to 5 years banishment. Haadhee is very close to the Atolls Minister Abdullah Hameed (President Gayyoom’s brother) who has a free hand in dealing with any all issues in the 199 inhabited islands of the Maldives. read more Nasreena and the veil Some time ago a fellow dissident vehemently complained to me that Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom had yet to make his wife, Nasreena Ibrahim, wear the veil. Although I didn’t know at that time whether to laugh or not, I have learnt, since, that this is apparently a serious issue, among a considerable section of the Maldives opposition. read more Majlis prepares for commencement of sittings Haveeru MALE: People’s Majlis Secretariat is undertaking the necessary logistical and administrative arrangements to commence sittings of the People’s Special Majlis this month. Owing to the Special Majlis being constituted of twice the number of members as the People’s Majlis, the secretariat are having to make some technical adjustments to the facilities and to make additional support arrangements for members. President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom had announced in his speech of June 9 that sittings of the Special Majlis would commence this month. read more Parliament members or welfare officers? The Evening Weekly Some people go to them to get textbooks for their children. Others go to them and ask for financial assistance for medical care. Yet others look up to them to provide sports sponsorships. Who are these special people that others look up to? Parliament members, of course! Who can better represent the people, huh? read more Of human rights and SUPER Human “Rights” The Evening Weekly Asked about the Sandhaanu (internet newsletter) writers being imprisoned and if that was the price to be paid to earn the freedom of expression, the ready answer was to keep pressuring and taking risks and if not willing to take risks, then becoming a sports reporter or writer of short stories. read more Friends of Maldives launches a new Discussion Forum - FOM aims to promote cultural links with the Maldives and promote Maldivian culture worldwide. Our aims as an organisation include engaging the media, to publicise the difficulties suffered by individuals, politicians, writers and businessmen alike, who cannot voice their opinions or live without fear of repression in the Republic of Maldives. We are also looking to hold cultural events and talks and welcome inquiries from groups and clubs.           Abdul Rasheed A victim of Gayyoom's dictatorship Gayyoom cannot stand criticism and resorts to undermining the constitution On 9th June 2004, Gayyoom told the Maldivians to “meet, discuss and debate” constitutional reform issues. A couple of meetings were organised by senior reformists. The gathering in Social Centre on 29th June and the latest one on 5th July were ground breaking events in which the crying voices of reformists were unanimous in their support for pluralistic democracy and in renouncing the dictatorship of Gayyoom. As it has been proven time and time again, Gayyoom knows only one way, which is to use his National Security Service (NSS) to harass and control the public. The free debate has now come to an end and no one is allowed to talk freely anymore. Last night there was a lot of police on the streets of Male’. They were specially looking for Mr. Abdul Rasheed, who displayed the banner calling for Gayyoom’s immediate resignation. read more   Gayyoom bans Ibra and Nazim from holding pro-reform meetings In just under a month, Gayyoom has had enough. His government today banned Special Majlis member for Male Ibrahim Ismail and reform activist Nazim from holding any more pro-democratic meetings. According to TV Maldives, the state-owned television station which has broadcast Gayyoom propaganda most of its life, the government had taken the action because the organisers had failed to control “extra-Islamic” and “libellous” sentiments from breaking out at the meetings. read more    SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Seminar on Democratic Reform                                                                           The next meeting on reform and democracy will be held on 8th June, Thursday. Venue: MES School Hall Date: 08th July 2004 Time : 9:00pm - 11:00pm Organized by Mohamed Mahir, Lh. Kurendhoo, Eduruge. Just for the information of the participants; Ibrahim Ismail and O.A.C were denied permission, illegally, to hold these meetings by the Home Ministry. Tonight's meeting will be organized by Mahir. Come join the discussions, help improve our society for a better future in the Maldives Thanks!!! Maldivian Democratic Party Press Statement On 9th June at a forum to propagate his constitutional reform, Gayyoom passionately encouraged the people of Maldives to engage in free and open debate on the topic of reform. The Oriental Academic Centre responded to Gayyoom's call by organizing a series of debate. The two meetings held so far resulted in an unprecedented level of animated debate among the capacity crowd who attended the meeting. read more  Issue 9 released Sandhaanu 15 released - Special Issue Bengali Prince Shuaib of Maldives attempts a "hit and run" The favourite son in law of Gayyoom was yesterday caught by the public whilst trying a hit and run saga in Majeedhee Magu.  Eye witnesses reported that he was driving on the wrong side of the road and he hit a motorcycle, slightly injuring the passenger sitting in the back. The incident occurred in front of the National Library. He then ignored it and wanted to carry on entertaining some business associates who were riding with him. However, another motorcyclist intervened and stopped him and soon the public surrounded the scene. Police was there shortly trying to protect the Prince and somehow the saga ended in the two motorcyclists being taken into police, who are still reported to be in custody. So, obviously they broke the law by interference with the livelihood of the Prince. read more   Maldives… in a period of transition 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. read more Vathu Bathaana - A newsletter from Naifaru released. (18+ recommended)   We all want Maumoon’s immediate resignation! A very sharp message was conveyed to the autocratic ruler of the Maldives by the participants of Reform Conference held in Ghiyaasuddeen School Hall tonight. The conference was organised and chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Ismail, Male’ Member for the Special Majlis, who is also a Member of the General Council of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). The conference was aimed at debating and discussing the advantageous and the need for pluralistic democracy in the Maldives. An estimated 900 people participated in the conference which began at 9:00 pm and went on for more than 2 hours. Some of the most prominent figures in the Maldives including several influential people such as Parliament Members and businessmen as well as some senior government officials participated in the debate tonight, which must be classed as yet another achievement for those who are promoting pluralistic democracy in the Maldives. read more   A horrible cutter-knife attack in Naifaru Island Disturbing as it is, cutter-knife attacks have become somewhat common in Maldives. Although not very frequent, similar incidents have taken place in the capital island Male' in recent months as well, especially after Gayyoom gave an all out amnesty to many criminals serving in the Maldives jail. Muggings, petty thefts and indecent assaults are common and these youngsters obviously do not hesitate to cause horrendous injury to people to show how tough they are. In many cases, these attackers are drug users or small dealers who commit these acts under the influence of substances. The drug problem in the Maldives is not only confined to the capital island Male' but it is common in most islands now. The unemployment rate in the Maldives is fairly high especially in this age group which makes the youth more susceptible to violence and misbehaviour as they do not have social responsibilities. This is a whole generation marred in despair. read more   Freedom of expression: best weapon against corruption The Evening Weekly Expression of thoughts and ideas is extremely important for the development of a society. Or else things could end up like what happened in the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes. The Emperor brought in a group of tailors to make a new cloth for an upcoming festival. On that day, when he came out in his “new garb,” he thought it was the most beautiful of all, until a small boy from afar shouted, “There goes the Emperor naked!” His ministers never dared to tell the Emperor that he was naked in the “new cloth” and look what befell the Emperor. read more Sandhaanu 14 released Government Intimidation Resumes The government must firmly ensure that the people are permitted to exercise their freedom of expression without hindrance. If someone does breach the law (even in a legitimate meeting) then the perpetrators should be brought to justice. The organizers and those involved in the peaceful exercise of their right should not be penalized or harassed. In the spirit of the letter, we call upon the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Maldives to facilitate the conduct the political debate and to ensure that the freedom of expression is not curtailed on spurious excuses. read more Scholar launches Dhivehi culture website Xavier Romero-Frias is the world's leading foreign scholar specialising in Dhivehi culture. His independence and integrity are beyond question. Romero-Frias' work provides inspiration for all Maldivians and others working to understand and explain the traditions and unique character of human adaptation in the atolls of the central Indian Ocean. His new website is www.maldives-ethnography.com  BOOK REVIEW The Maldives Islanders - a study of the popular culture of an ancient ocean kingdom For the last 20 years, the Maldivian islands in the central Indian Ocean have been very successfully marketed as an exclusive tropical tourist destination. However, English language books examining the detailed history and culture of this independent atoll nation are few and only occasionally available, even in university libraries. read more Is the government changing its policies to the call of reformers? t is very positive to see that Dr. Saeed is using his integrity and education for the good of the people. If the hardline characters in the Gayyoom administration does not get in the way of Dr. Saeed's promotion of press freedom in the Maldives, we might still see our rights respected more some time in the near future. We hope this is a sign of good things to come. Our only fear is that after many years of Gayyoom government policy being to pay lip-service to the call for reform, we cannot get exited until we see results, not just words. read more  SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Seminar on Party Politics Venue : Ghiyaasuddeen School Hall, Male', Maldives Date : 5th July 2004 Time : 21:00. Those interested in politics and the changes for good in our country will find it most useful. So please be there and please bring along your friends too. The seminar is organised by Hon. Ibrahim Ismail (picture right), Male' Member of the Special Majlis. A similar seminar was held on 29th June 2004, which was a watershed. Gayyoom backslides – fast His current talk about constitutional reform is equally spurious. In fact the hardliners, working on his instructions, have started the reverse movement even before the first sitting of the constitutional assembly. read more  What is Islam's view on human rights?                                                                          Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights It is unfortunate that human rights are being trampled upon with impunity in many countries of the world, including some Muslim countries. Such violations are a matter of serious concern and are arousing the conscience of more and more people throughout the world. read more   Maumoon has done the ultimate... Since the time MDP started demanding for a party system the word “politics” has taken a dramatic stroll. People started to realise there is another way, people realised they have been asleep for too many years. Now, the words that come out of most Maldivians is “We need to change our system, we need to change our political leader (leader not leaders as for the moment there is still only one, The One). read more   MDP hold press conference in Colombo  MDP members met for a Press Conference at the Colombo Hilton on the 3rd of July 2004. The following Press Statement was given at the conference. read more MDP Newsletter 15 released Articles include: Pro-Democracy Assembly in Malé Words and only words Commentary and analysis on Mr. Gayyoom's ‘pluralism speech’ Gayyoom Flirts with Political Pluralism Scrutiny: an effective Weapon against Denial "I am Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, President of the Maldives" At that very moment I could almost see in my minds eye Gayyoom watching on TV his fallen mentor, silently mouthing the words in in unison with Saddam, "I am Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, President of the Maldives". A last lesson of arrogant defiance in the face of the people who he was meant to be serving. read more         Mohamed Mahir Businessman and MDP Council Member  “U r crossing the boundaries, b careful u r time is up, u r days are going to end up very soon”   Pro-reformers in Maldives receiving death threats This afternoon, Mr. Mahir received a death threat by SMS through the Dhiraagu Website so as to make the sender anonymous. Mr. Mohamed Mahir, H. Green is a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party General Council. He has been an advocate of pluralistic democracy in the Maldives for a very long time and is an active member of the reform movement. read more  SPECIAL REPORT Reform debate in Male’ Social Centre An informal public gathering was organised in Male’ tonight by an NGO, Oriental Academics, founded by Mr. Nazim Sattar, in cooperation with Mr. Ibrahim Ismail,  Member of Special Majlis of Parliament for Male’. They are also members of the Maldivian Democratic Party Council. Other prominent reformists, most of whom are Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party were involved in organising the event. The event is historic in many ways and marks a change of direction by the autocratic leader of Maldives towards freedom of assembly in the Maldives as well as freedom of expression. read full report            Dr. M. Shaugee Education Minister Gayyoom’s Education Ministry is in mayhem It is a well known fact that the Education Ministry in Maldives has always been very inefficient and most importantly very much under-funded. Since the time of Gayyoom's classmate Zahir Hussain and his brother Abdullah Hameed and then Dr. Latheef, who held this most important and critical post in the past 26 years, the Ministry is still running with the same ethos and old fashion with the prime aim  to sustain the regime of Gayyoom. They believe that it is the kindness of Gayyoom which results is more schools and improvements, not that it is Gayyoom’s absolute duty to educate his people. read more DO Digest 3 Released click here to download    up

MAIN - JULY 2004 - JUNE 2004 - ARCHIVE