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Open Forum - July 2004
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OPEN FORUM MAIN - AUGUST 2004 - JULY 2004 - JUNE 2004 - MAY 2004 - APRIL 2004 - MARCH 2004 - ARCHIVES
If you think your talk is anti-Government enough, think
again You could be shocked to hear that the most anti-Gayyoom talk comes
from people closet to the Gayyoom regime.
Just talk to one of those well known corrupt man in Government. Say Mr.
Ahmed. At this troubled time, he would be the most vehement and fierce
critics of the Gayyoom regime.
Also wait and see what happens when regime changes. Mr Ahmed would be in
the front line of the muzaaharaa. He will get into your
government too. And same corrupt people would be in your Government and
same show would go on.
Try this experiment...
Concerned Citizen <enemywithin@gmail.com>
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 23:12:27 (MDT)
Articles like the flattening earth, should have proper
facts to support and there are no links to the actual findings. The
author seems very concerned about the Maldives being lying low and there
is a point.
Any way from what we see and hear Maldives has a short life and the
economy is slowly going to come to a halt in about a decade or more time
( if we are to depend solely on the tourism industry this much) with
saturation of resort islands all over the country. Big thinkers (
including Maumoon family) knows this and the few rich (resort owners,
elite family) will survive by migrating to Singapore, UK, Australia,
Dubai and other similar countries. The other 90% will be left for the
mercy of the god.
Readers please comment on this...
Dhebogeri <dhebogeri@hotmail.com>
Male, M Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 21:52:06 (MDT)
The absolute minimum water requirements for a human being
for drinking, cooking, washing and other sanitation needs is 50 cubic
meters a year. People in Male' pay $5 for a cubic meter of water. The
average size of a household in Male' is 10. That's $2500 a year for a
household. That's $200 a month. The cost of desalinating seawater is
around 0.5 to 0.8 cents. A cubic meter of water costs less than $2 in
Germany. Does this mean that Maldivians are more docile than Bolivians?
http://www.adb.org/Documents
http://www.lenntech.com
Ali Didi
Bolivia - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 18:24:29 (MDT)
"It
would be interesting to see who will be the great reformist candidate
for the presidency of the Republic of Maldives. Will it be Mr. Gasim
Ibrahim? "from The Maldivian.
The writer who wrote this seems very agitated, and I feel that he is
claiming that he is the only one eligible for presidency.
Ali
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 11:57:32 (MDT)
Its obvious that DO has touched a soft part of somebody, as we are seeing from the latest articles posted in The Maldivian. Well done DO. Bring all of them to respond. Lets see who is telling the truth. We are watching.
Ali
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 11:52:35 (MDT)
"Your idea of headline news is somebody's birthday party,
with a cake that has got "DICTATOR" inscribed on it. And the point is?
What is the relevance of this to reform? In case it has not yet dawned
on you, it is not a crime anymore to oppose the government. Perhaps once
upon a time it was. But not anymore. "from The Maldivian.
heheheheheheheheh. I couldn't stop myself laughing at this.
Laughter
Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 11:48:21 (MDT)
Dear
Mr. Nasheed,
That was a very nice piece of writing that had been posted as an email
response. But what matters is that it fails to face reality. Firstly you
have given a bunch of lies. Like you have no desire to win public
offices, elections etc. So what about all the gloats that you have been
making the few years. I know for a fact that you have boasted to some
people that you will intention is to become a MINISTER soon enough.
Face it Nasheed even your employees doesn't even respect you, your
arrogant and power hungry way of conduct has disappointed everybody
there.
I fully agree to the point that Nasheed shouldn't express his personal
opinion in public, but what we saw is not even the "Ameen Aaam" of a
Majlis. what we saw is a another HAMID KARZAI like puppet who was
instructed to defend Maumoon's brother and only that.
I am also surprised that you had mentioned the walk out day as a sad
one. MAN WHAT AGE ARE YOU LIVING IN. DON'T YOU WATCH THE NEWS OR HAVEN'T
YOU GONE ABROAD. MAJLIS ARE FOR DIFFERENCE OF OPINION ULTIMATELY BECAUSE
THEY CATERING FOR THE PEOPLE. NOT FOR ONE INDIVIDUAL LIKE HAMEED. WHERE
YOU HAVE SEEN IN THE PAST THROUGHOUT YOUR TENURE.
Face it man, you can only wear that boots and tie, ride in that
beautiful car if you keep that job. You were only following the orders
of one individual while turning a blind eye to the nation.
That was a good rosy description but people are not dumb any more. Your
reply hardly fails to impress.
Ilyas
Male, g Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 10:09:22 (MDT)
Jangiya Nazim's all assets should be confiscated as it belongs to STELCO. He should face criminal charges for misappropriating government funds. Mr. Nazim, We don't want people like you who have no ethics to work in our company. We know who you are. MTCC belongs to us (the public) and not to Gayyoom or your favourite Hammeedbey. Get lost man.
Amteaseesee
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 09:06:42 (MDT)
Keyodhalhi, why do some people take part in the "thaakunthaaku nujehe feekalhaa bahuth"? I was just wondering!
John Doe
Bangalore, KA India - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 07:46:04 (MDT)
Can anybody tell me when is the sittings of the special Majlis to be resumed?
True
reformer
Addu, Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 07:30:37 (MDT)
Since
there has been references regarding the cost of the presidential palace,
I thought I would share what I know on this matter.
As of what I read from the official news bulletin of the information
ministry in 1992 the cost of Theemuge was $16 million. Now this is the
official figure given by the govt and we have no way of independently
verifying it.
Now assuming this as the minimum cost of the palace, this amount which
is more than half the total health budget in a given year in most cases.
How many hospitals and schools could have been built. A modest palace
suitable to Maldives could have been built at much lesser cost.
While the government is having so much trouble and looks for external
funding for the construction of the People Majlis, National Museum,
schools, different faculties of the MCHE... all of which are of great
value to the nation and costs only a couple of million dollars each. How
was it able to build a $16m palace and more recently pres. office, yacht
etc with such ease?
A palace, office, transport etc is needed for a president and are state
owed assets so its not a question of building or buying them. Its a
question of the cost. And the opportunity cost of these huge spending
which is surely faced by the nation.
Dhivehi
Dhariyeh
Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 06:26:02 (MDT)
The die hard Rulers of this country can lock people up and put them in shackles. But they cant stop peoples thinking, there hopes and dreams and their yearning for justice. If the leaders don't let a smooth evolution to democracy happen, it will be too late for them to realize that a destructive revolution will happen. Look back in history to Suharto and Marcos....
The
Reformer
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 04:39:30 (MDT)
Dear
'Aamal',
Thank you (no pun intended) for the most imaginative and amusing thank
you note. It cracked me up. Ha!
Dylan
Maldives - Saturday, July 31, 2004 at 00:54:34 (MDT)
The president, I am sure, is hiding some thing big from
the people, is it money or what?
Is this the reason why he is afraid to step down and desperately trying
to hang on power?
Lets us all work together to discover what he is hiding.
Ahmed Shafeeq <seytu3@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 23:38:36 (MDT)
Sappe
I think before 1 million people hits your website "FILM WILL BE OVER".
Now only 600,000 Six hundred thousand people has entered the site within
such a short period of time.
Hussein
Manik Dhon Manik <hameed@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 22:15:41 (MDT)
I
SUPPORT "MGTC"
MONEY OR ANY OTHER THING THAT YOU NEED TO GET RID OF GAYOOM, COUNT ON ME
WALEED
Quoted message
[We just received news that Gayyoom is expected to make a visit to
Singapore for medical treatment. I think this is the time to say GOOD
BYE to him. My dear folks get ready for this big farewell. Gayyoom is
coming to Singapore soon and let us make sure he never returns back.
We are receiving millions of dollars for his expenses now.
MGTC - Singapore, Singapore - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 09:43:23 (MDT)]
WALEED <nuvaanaun@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 22:11:32 (MDT)
YAMEEN SHOULD BE SHY IN FRONT OF VELIDHOO PEOPLE
I think Yameen should think about what he is doing. I don't think he
should forget what we (people of Velidhoo) did for him. It was 1997 he
unofficially visited Velidhoo for hosting chief guest of a stage show.
Some people were waiting near the jetty to welcome him. Some hid inside
dark area near beach. It was around 19.00am Yameen's launch arrived.
Island chief and some of the people who support him went their for
welcome him. Those people hiding in the dark area near the jetty,
welcomed him with stones, mud and sand instead of flowers and loud
clapping. At that time there was no NSS body guard. Actually I can tell
there is no where for Yameen to go. People were shouting to him to leave
the island immediately. But he came with a business man in the island
Ibrahim Naseer so people let the Yameen stay in the island for a night.
They did not allow him to go outside of RANVELI (Velidhoo citizen's
palace). Next morning he left the island with tears and fears.
The
only action that he took is sending back the Island chief home. He cant
show his proud face to Velidhoo people. This fact that pro-Yameen should
face down. YAMEEN SHOULD BE SHY IN FRONT OF VELIDHOO PEOPLE.
A CITIZEN OF VELIDHOO by email
Dr Shaugee and Dr Saeed were never very popular among their colleagues and nor very professional towards them. Maumoon thought he would get public support by appointing them to the cabinet. Now he knows that these two cannot deliver. And the best part is Maumoon will not have the guts to sack them either. I think this is all very good news us for us. These two will make Maumoon and his cronies even more unpopular. The hell with Maumoon and his cabinet!
Fokah
fain eree!
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 18:01:00 (MDT)
The cabinet meeting decided to give more power to the
cops to arrest anyone anytime when Gayyoom leaves for Singapore next
week.
The cabinet also decided to clamp down all the dissent and to harass all
who support the opposition. Yameen suggested to deny all court cases
associated with opposition and to confiscate their businesses,
properties and to deny them any government permission for anything in
the administration. Yameen is working now with Hameed to takeover if
Gayyoom gets into trouble when he leaves the country.
The bankers are told not to provide any more credit to opposition
associates as they are expected to get arrested and businesses stopped.
The courts have been asked to confiscate property of all the opposition
if they are mortgaged to the bankers.
Nadiya
Male, Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 15:21:00 (MDT)
Do you know that Jagiyaa Nazim ex STELCO (present special
Majlis member) who was transferred to Youth and Sports because he had
swindled millions of Rufiyaa from STELCO. Gayyoom never had the guts to
send the case to the Court of Law or remove him from Government, because
Nazim is one of Hameed's Boy. Nazim is now transferred to MTCC (The
Oldest public company in the Maldives, 40% public & 60 Gov't). MTCC
Chairman Umar Zahir, with insistence from the board of directors, have
asked Gayyoom to remove him from MTCC. But, Gayyoom have instructed Umar
Zahir to keep Nazim in MTCC for the time being and that Nazim, do not
need to report for work, but keep Nazim as a special consultant with
pay.
Learned from reliable sources that the Board of Directors of MTCC has
rejected Gayyoom's instruction to accept Jagiyaa Nazim at MTCC. I
congratulate the members of the board of directors at MTCC for taking
such a decision in the best interest of 24 thousand shareholders of the
MTCC.
I will keep a close eye on this matter, and keep DO readers
informed what will be the next move of Gayyoom.
Secret Service Maldives
Male', Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 11:15:18 (MDT)
Since all of the talk are concerned on strengthening our
existing Democracy. There had been one important issue which had not
been brought up.
Which is the Transparency of How the taxpayers, i.e. the peoples money
is used. This in fact can't be achieved with the help of the media or
with the government.
When we look at one of the worlds leading Democracy, take for instant
US. The practice is the same.
The White house, the Buckingham palace is two such examples. These two
places are the two leading palaces which houses then president or queen,
king etc. even thought the heads of the country resides there, the press
and public is given full PRESS AND MEDIA coverage of virtually
everywhere to Bedrooms etc. even the expected amount spent on theses
places are also informed to the public.
There is no doubt that the taxpayers in each democracy will know where
there money is going to. The same as historical landmarks as the peoples
house should be showcases to some extent.
Which brings me to the Maldives. So far only the Gate of the
presidential palace can be seen with no idea whatsoever of how many
money was spent to the making. This also applies to a so called
"PRESIDENTIAL PRIVATE ISLAND" which we had only heard from word of mouth
and by some government officials who had had the courtesy to go there.
Totally the public is blindsided. There is no indication in press or any
other official media that the island even exists.
This is certainly a blow to the Maldivian taxpayers and is a practice
which doesn't even happen in Kingdoms let alone Democracies.
If these reforms truly happen, many people don't want to stay in the
dark and hear about their national places as fairy tales. Let alone give
the power to one individual to erect palaces when ever he sees it fit,
with the peoples hard earned money.
In this small land with limited resources the people just don't agree
the head of governments living like Saudi princes.
the JUDGE
Male, k Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 11:03:38 (MDT)
Haveeru news reporters are in Sri Lanka for Zahir Hussain's campaign, and to get secret information about upcoming meeting of students in Sri Lanka.
Democrat
Lanka, Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 10:41:51 (MDT)
We
just received news that Gayyoom is expected to make a visit to Singapore
for medical treatment. I think this is the time to say GOOD BYE to him.
My dear folks get ready for this big farewell. Gayyoom is coming to
Singapore soon and let us make sure he never returns back.
We are receiving millions of dollars for his expenses now.
MGTC
Singapore, Singapore - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 09:43:23 (MDT)
Opposition parties (members and family) started receiving more telephone calls and SMS text messages asking to leave Maldives or face consequences. The one I received says" GO JOIN SAADIQ SAPPE N ANNI AND LEAVE THIS COUNTRY NOW, YOUR LIFE IS COMING TO AN END. HURRY UP.
Naseem
Male, Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 09:38:34 (MDT)
Sandhaanu 16 is very good. Keep it up. If Sandhaanu can be published in English apart from it being published only in Dhivehi, it would have a deep and positive effect.
Sandhaanu Fan
Male', Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 08:54:14 (MDT)
Here is a funny story for DO reader's. The
government is checking out people called Mariyam Mohamed in the hope of
catching the DO writer. Man these guys are paranoid.
I hear Mariyam Mohamed does not go to the scene's as such because of
safety reasons, but has 4 other people working in the same team. One is
a photographer and the others are at different locations all the time.
Anyways...keep up the good work guys. They will never catch you Mariyam.
In search of Mariyam
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 08:48:16 (MDT)
Dear
Editor
Please be careful for the people working with you guys. Some secret
agents of the government is working with you. It includes some of the
members who came out from the first meeting of special Majlis.
unknown <unknown@hotmail.com>
Gn Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 06:46:11 (MDT)
BRAKING NEWS
ONE YOUNG HERO HAS COME TO FRIDAY PRAYER. ACCORDING TO NSS OFFICER ,
"YOU WILL GET THE BODY BY TOMORROW". FOSHI SALEEM'S SON EX-NSS OFFICER
HAS SHOWN HIS COLOUR. I WINDER IF DR. MUNAVVAR WILL GO TO DEFEND HIM
MYSON <myson@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 06:35:42 (MDT)
THANK YOU, PRESIDENT MAUMOON
Thank you Maumoon for allowing us to have free debates, even if for a
few days. Special thanks are due to you for delaying the sending of the
video tapes of the meetings to NSS, so that we could breath free air for
a few more days.
Thank you for making Abdullah Hameed atoll's minister, so that parents
of girls across the nation could heave a sigh of relief. Even more
thanks for appointing Ilyas as atoll's minister for a couple of years,
so that parents of boys could heave a similar sigh of relief.
Thank you profoundly that most inmates of Maafushi prison escaped alive
on September 20. Thank you for giving good training to NSS so that most
of them hit the specified targets of 'hawa,' 'faza' and 'jawwu,' thereby
killing only a few people accidentally. We thank you even more
profoundly for not having a 'badi gudan' on each island, thereby
increasing the life expectancy of Maldivians by at least 50 years, a
remarkable achievement by world standards.
Thank you for building only a $ 70 million palace and not $ 700 million.
Thank you for employing 400 people to look after you in the palace, so
that at least they get 2 square meals a day, while 42% of us starve on
less than a dollar a day.
Thank you for starting only an airline and losing only $ 100 million,
thereby saving the nation the billions of dollars we would have lost if
you went for a space agency. Special thanks are due to you for keeping
the inter-atoll air tickets priced beyond the reach of most Maldivians,
thereby saving them from unnecessary expenditure.
Thank you for providing education to all children of Maldives,
particularly for promoting them to secondary level even if they don't
know ABCD. The 6% who pass in O level thank you sincerely for their
passing. The 94% who fail thank you even more sincerely for not talking
about their failure and embarrassing them.
Thank you for developing a perfect constitution in 17 years. Even more
thanks for dismantling in it in 20 seconds.
Thank you for collecting millions of rupees to help our brethren in
Palestine. Even more thanks for allowing your buddy's and his partner to
embezzle it, so that the money remained in the Maldives, instead of
going to foreigners.
Thank you for your promise of giving land to the landless in Male. Even
more thanks for giving all the land to the rich guys so that they could
build palaces and make Male beautiful.
In short, we thank you profoundly for everything you did for us. But
more profoundly for everything you did not do to us, especially what
your NSS did not do to us.
Lastly, thank for your clear vision of future of the Maldives in 2020.
But we will thank you more, if you could open your eyes and see reality
today. And even more, had you foreseen and forestalled the drug problem
before it destroyed a generation.
Aamal
Male, T. Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 04:20:16 (MDT)
Abbey
said: ".... Oh Lord the master of all the creatures, after 800 years the
RANNAMAARI is back again,...."
Now, that was HILARIOUS!
John Doe
Bangalore, KA India - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 02:44:27 (MDT)
Are the reformers running out of steam?
Has it all come to this. So called reform meetings in primary schools
with a birthday party as a cover. I think it's outrages that people like
Mr. Gasim (and others) have to use a school for cover. People like Mr.
Gasim should find a better venues (like resorts) for their gatherings.
However Maumoon also have to take some responsibility of this since he
is not allowing people to have non-violent pro-democratic meetings in
Maldives.
However, pro- reformers please do not take advantage of primary schools
kids schools as a cover.
Thinking a loud
Maldives - Friday, July 30, 2004 at 01:57:26 (MDT)
Maumoon keeps all the power and authority to himself (finance/defence/law and order) under the constitution. But when it comes to accountability he always escapes. eg. in September 19 Jail incident he should be held accountable as minister of Defence. Is the constitution just giving power to Maumoon, without him being made responsible and accountable?. He should read the constitution a little more!!
The
Reformer
Male', Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 23:56:34 (MDT)
I wonder who is writing in the name of Ibrahim Rasheed in "The Maldivian". Its very much similar to the talks of Yameen.
Manzar
Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 23:52:29 (MDT)
Yameen and Hameed will be the downfall of Gayyoom.
Family friend
Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 22:25:48 (MDT)
This is the moment that will really decide the future of
Maldives, the moment if you are a true Maldivian, you are feeling so
strong. You are feeling so great and powerful. Please come out and say
anything, which you know about these barbaric guys. Stories about the
inhumane actions taken by the Maumoonies, everybody in the world
supporting Maldivian democratic reformers.
And at the same time Maumoonies are saying that they are the only
democratic nation in the world, something like this. I mean you start to
say to yourself, "Are these Maumoonies really normal? I mean should we
still stay behind Maumoonies, are we normal?"
All of those guys who are in Maumoon's regime don't know why we are
against them. You know they don't have any clear idea that something is
wrong with them. They are not the biggest, brightest guys, whatever, and
they think we can't pinpoint why. This is a very clear picture. A lot of
people in Maldives are enemies of Maumoonies simply because, Maumoonies
didn't do what they promised and don't the Maumoonies dictated the
Maldives for 30 long years???
Really, Maumoonies are going to help us with better life,? Better
economy,? And I mean will you still believe,??? " said one reformist.
We own this country and it does not belong to Gayyoom and his family."
Now I call upon all the readers, please join me with this prayer.!
O God! Master of the kingdom! You give the kingdom to whom you please,
and you snatch the kingdom from whom you please, and you exalt whom you
please, and you abase whom you please, in your hand is all good. Surely
you are possessor of power over all things. You cause the night to merge
into the day, and You cause the day to merge into night, and You bring
forth the living out of dead, and You bring forth the dead out of
living, and You give sustenance to whom You please without reckoning!
Oh Lord the master of all the creatures, after 800 years the RANNAMAARI
is back again,
Please accept our prayers to get him out of Maldives again. "Amen"
Abbey <abbey783@yahoo.com>
Berlin, Germany - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 18:03:35 (MDT)
It is becoming very clear that Yameen controls two big footballs clubs in the country. Valencia's CEO (and nephew of Gayyoom) was seen at Yameen's residence discussing how to strengthen their family grip on power. The Addu football team IFC is also controlled by Yameen through Hiyalee Rasheed. Yameen wants to use IFC to elect his cronies to the parliament later this year. Yameen also hopes to influence New Radiant through his brother Abdullah Hameed and through the senior people of the club working at Sports Ministry (Asima, & Azim) and STELCO (Shukoor).
Yameen the control freak
Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 17:43:33 (MDT)
Gayyoom, you are an a**. Don't you know that the people of Maldives do not like you for a long time. We hate you more that the devil. Take the advise of your daughter's and son's and hand over the country to it's rightful citizen's and get the hell out of Maldives, while you still will be accepted by Saudi Arabia, who have accepted Idi Amin and the rest of murderer's like you. Go to Saudi and rest of your like ask for god's forgiveness while you can before a Maldivian K**LS you.
Eight
Nuts
Male', Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 15:38:43 (MDT)
Tonight I was very happy to drop in to the birthday party, one of the reform supporter was having. The Education Minister went crazy but he could not do anything. He have called for emergency meeting of his senior staff's. He is very scared because in a short period of time he may loose his position.
Gayyoom should have kicked his a** if Hameed is around. But, what to do heeeeeeeeeeeeh Since, Education Minister, got his job and the car (a car 1st time in life) have been making continuos rounds on Male' beach roads with the driver. Some people have been wondering, is this guy drinks in the car and sitting like a lazy dog in the back seat. This guy don't know how to drive or he is too drunk to drive. Any way his wife is not aware that he drinks and take dope. What a scene, round and round and round there goes the new Education Minister, short n' dark guy, who don't know how to dress up decently.
DO can you tell me, if this guy is buying his cloths from Colombo Fort, where you can buy cheap dead Sri Lankan's old cloths Uuuuuuuuuhhh. Gayyoom yet have not considered to give him any extra money to buy decent cloths. High Commissioner, roud Rashida buy's for him his cloths. And MM Maniku at Singapore, out of pity support him financially. Poor boy, who have been damaging all the young students in all the schools. It's a mammoth mismanagement in the schools at the present time. Insha Allah save our young cream of the nation. Save our Children's. DO & MDP please do something in this area of great concern. Save the nations minor & the youth. It was a pleasure that Dr. Waheed visited the birthday party tonight.
Secret
Service Maldives
Male, Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 15:32:17 (MDT)
Gayyoom has told his senior advisors not to let Sappe & the rest to target one single person (like Hameed). I think this shows how he view all of us. Let us target this Hameed until he has no face or his children will ask him to leave the office and keep his gay habits with his buddies.
Waleed
Male, Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 10:38:02 (MDT)
How could Ali Ibrahim or 3 musketeers say that they are Lawyers and they have done research on the Constitution of the Maldives. Advocating that a Show of Hand is the best way, and secret ballot is not the correct proceedings. Have any one of those bas***ds have read the constitution. Any one who read the constitution of Maldives dated 1997 will clearly read that there is not a single mentioning of a Show of Hands and it only states a secret ballot in what ever matter in question. Those who is claiming that it is alright to have a show of hand and that will give transparency. Now, tell any one in Gayyoom's regime wont's transparency? F**k them. In this case they are lost and don't know what to do next, but trying to mess the situation to it's worse. So all those writing to defend Hameed (Maumoon's Brother) are h*** boys. Hameed's boy's, part time lover's and many of his part time wife's. Is Maumoon H***??? Defending his H*** Brother.
Eight
Nuts
Male', Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 08:43:10 (MDT)
What I would really like to know is from the 24 MP's, How many of them are aware of politics and how could they be of any help to us (the people of the Maldives). What I have seen and heard in Male' is these MP's just care about themselves they don't care about the Maldives or Maldivians. As well the current Government.
A
Maldivian
Male', K Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 08:05:18 (MDT)
I
found this article very much in resemblance to the political atmosphere
of Maldives. The difference is Maldives doesn't have a Mac Donald. The
question which I thought most important for us should be whether we give
a slightest of power to the radicals in our country or not.
http://www.theage.com.au
Naazim
Sydney, Australia - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 05:56:55 (MDT)
Dear DO readers,
I heard that s**boa Hameed had a heart attack. Anyone with a
clue????????
Hussain <hiyaalufoshi@hotmail.com>
Addu, s Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 04:17:49 (MDT)
Thank you for your support Haseeba. Let's hope Sappe' will act on this soon to make DO even better.
Fair
reporting
Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 02:01:03 (MDT)
Because some people would like to have State and Islamic Sharia to
function hand in hand.
I propose going all the way. Institute economic standards set by Islam
in our economy as well. Not more than 10% profits for all goods sold,
Islamic banking, et al.
Kanfatheh
Maldives - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 01:57:39 (MDT)
My dear readers, does dictator Gayyoom really thinks that
we believe what he said on the independent day speech, and he will bring
the "social peace and nation's unity "? If he really means so why he
couldn't do that at the last 25 years? Don't the Maldivians give him
enough time? Does he really like to avoid conflicts in the country? I'm
very afraid the only effect I see is more anger, more frustration and
further more disunity in the country.
May Allah will keep the Maldivian reformers in the course in this very
hard time, "Amen"
Abbey <abbey783@yahoo.com>
Berlin, Germany - Thursday, July 29, 2004 at 01:00:17 (MDT)
I have to agree with "Fair reporting" on that one. But also like to stress Naushad Arts definitely falls under the "Other" category. By the way, I didn't know SHE and CARE SOCIETY had a web address. Could "Fair reporting" or somebody let us know if they have one?
Haseeba
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 22:21:11 (MDT)
I have been a supporter of
Mr. Maumoon but not any more. Hahahahah...after what I have
seen, I have done a lot of thinking on this and its sad that I will
never vote for him again as I have done before. I think he should
equally take responsibility for corruption of his brothers and
sisters who make up the ruling elite.
I HAVE THIS GUT FEELING THAT MR. PRESIDENT IS HIDING SOMETHING BIG
FROM THE PUBLIC AND DON'T WANT TO BE DISCOVERED?
Ahmed Shafeeq <seytu3@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 22:05:00 (MDT)
Dear Sappe, Could you please include CARE SOCIETY and SHE in the NGO list. These two organisations have done more to the ordinary Maldivians in their area of service than even the government has. Naushad Arts is not an NGO, It is a registered business organisation and also they do not do any charity work as CARE SOCIETY or SHE does. SO please be fair.
Fair
reporting
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 17:41:16 (MDT)
I don't think the government will take any action against Nasheed although it is very clear he has acted AGAINST the constitution. Nasheed is part of the corrupt regime and his wife is an appointed member in the Special Majlis. I bet the government has promised his family (his in law is bidding for a resort) a resort.
Latheefa
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 17:28:17 (MDT)
I
agree that the project to 'help' us, as it were, being considered by
Professor Robinson at U Penn should be welcomed. In addition to the
university being one of the most distinguished academic institutions I
believe Professor Robinson himself is a reputed intellectual in his
given field. Moreover, this should prove to be an ideal opportunity for
discourse to develop in this particular area of criminal justice and
issues of jurisprudence more generally. At the same time, however, I
would like to make a few cautionary remarks regarding this project.
It would be disheartening to see this turn out to be an undergraduate
level seminar merely looking at the Maldives as just another 'case
study' [call to mind here the proverbial 'guinea pig'] to superficially
mull over for two hours or so a week. Obviously we should expect some
valid and relevant analyses to result from this endeavour, and this
requires that project co-ordination be carried out so as to ensure a
comprehensive understanding of Maldivian society and politics with an
emphasis on incorporating and encouraging the domestic public sphere, or
the closest to this we have to offer.
Further, it would sadden me no less to witness a government attempt to
appropriate all credit for the political reform process with disregard
to the considerable efforts being made towards it by those comprising
the umbrella term 'the opposition'. We are seeing clear indications of
this in Haveeru and other such domestic media agencies.
Finally let me note again the importance of developing a
rational-critical public sphere. Without doubt we require important
structural changes in our governmental system, including the hopefully
constructive suggestions that would result from this particular project.
Concurrently, however, we need to develop the critical-rational or, in
other words the communicative, competency of the actor. Social systems
comprise a complex interplay of structure and agency and, as such,
development in the one cannot sustain itself enough to result in
meaningful social transformation without symmetrical development in the
other. Furthermore, structural changes would have to be continually
re-evaluated and should remain open-ended. To be sure, the basis of all
meaningful change depends on the communicative capacity of the public
sphere and its harmonisation with the obvious structural changes that
need to be made.
Dylan
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 16:57:36 (MDT)
Having read Anni's article 'Haassa majileehuge massala' I would like to
congratulate the author on a good satirical piece which, at times,
displayed a delightfully dry sense of humour.
Moving onto the wider debate - we should acknowledge that the
constitution does not limit us to either the secret ballot or a show of
hands. The suggestions that Articles 133 should be restricted to general
elections and those explicitly specified in the constitution does not
seem credible to me. Furthermore, in light of the socio-political
circumstances surrounding the case, some of which were so sardonically
pointed out by Anni, and the spirit of democratisation that should
typify these constitutional reform efforts the case for a secret ballot
seems much stronger than a show of hands. That is if we are indeed
committed to making the incisive structural changes needed at this
point.
Dylan
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 16:23:24 (MDT)
Mr. Yameen,
A power-mad little shit you will do anything to keep your hand in the
Maldivian treasury, that's all what you want! Sadly, no matter how much
you persecute your populace, Maldivians are sick of you! When given the
option they will piss on you because of your briberies and the poor
economy you created, or stringing you up by the nearest lamppost! More
and more find the later more attractive! Also shave that stupid,
moustache off! It makes you look like an even bigger tit than you are!
By the way can you tell us about your brother Hameed,
Is he really a gay?
Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 16:15:09 (MDT)
Latheef should remain as the spokesperson of MDP. there is nothing wrong with that. Being an EX-MP he has always fought for us. And he really understands every move Gayyoom makes.
Free
Maldivian
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 13:44:56 (MDT)
By taking three million from the government Zahir, go to hell. We are ready to eat all this money. hehheheheh . But no vote.
Haribo
Gn Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 09:32:33 (MDT)
For dear NSS guys
I am sure you are obeying your masters, which is how it has to be as you
have an obligation for that. But one thing you have to learn from the
recent riots in the jail is that once there is an ugly thing takes place
as per to the orders from the senior people, it will be you junior guys
who will be held responsible for that. Be aware of these incidents for
your own safety. In this moment I feel sympathy for those poor NSS
fellows who certainly would have followed their bosses' instructions.
Musa fulhu
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 08:30:50 (MDT)
The reason why the Govt wants to elect Seena Zahir is very clear. He lost his constituency seat but sits in parliament only because Maumoon appointed him as one of his 8 members. Seena Zahir cannot afford to loose his cabinet post. Politically he is a wounded animal and it will be easier to control such "animals." So Seena Zahir will be hell bent on pleasing his almighty My Gayyoom.
The
reason.
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 07:30:48 (MDT)
Dear Scribe
Looks like you are one of those people who would love to be on BBC. I do
not think Sappe', Anni or Latheef needs to create a scandal to be on BBC
as our Govt seems to gladly provide them with enough events to be on
air. Next time maybe they will ask you to give your view point.
Gemini
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 05:26:26 (MDT)
When will Latheef's term be over as MDP's spokesperson? I think you guys need to elect someone who can relate to the ordinary people of Maldives and who is also respectable in our society. There are many in you council who can do a better job than Latheef. I don't mean to say Latheef should stop his work. He should work to promote human rights here but it is time MDP elect someone else as their spokes person
A sincere adviser.
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 01:27:27 (MDT)
After 26 yrs of power, is this the time what people of Maldives want constitutional reform???? It is what Gayyoom{ dictator} time now his mind is blasting with "Sappe" work for freedom
Farey <farusayd@hotmail.com>
Dhidhoo, h.a Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 01:23:52 (MDT)
Thanks for keeping we frustrated citizens.
In my point of view I think DO should be do more to keep us
updated on the events happening . At a critical moment like this,
specially when we are talking of reforms.
One thing I don't understand is why does the government want Seena Zahir
to be elected as the speaker of the special Majlis? And the second thing
is I really have serious doubts of the President talking all big about
bringing reforms to the country. One of the member said in the last
special Majlis session that he received a call from the Presidents
office the very same night asking him to vote for Seena Zahir. Further
more this message was delivered to all the Majlis members on the same
evening. Therefore, how could we believe the PRESIDENT......... Is it
not our duty to bring him first to the justice. He really deserves death
nothing else.
Really frustrated man
Maldives - Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 00:56:13 (MDT)
Could you please introduce Islamic banking for those who want it. You must have noticed that even western banks are introducing Islamic financial products targeted to Muslims (Bank of Maldives- don't you think there is a 100% guaranteed market for such products). Could you please be fair in choosing presenters of TV Maldives. including a mix of people that represents our unique but mixed culture. Could you please make it mandatory to have a prayer/mediation room in offices, shopping complexes or anyplace where public have to spend lot of time without going home. Could you please introduce Arabic to the national curriculum. since our childhood we learn how to read and write in Arabic. There is no point in not teaching the meaning of those words from the very young age when we learn alif-baa. Could you please introduce Arabic in the O'level program as one subject option. Could you please produced more publications on religious/social matters targeted to youth population (one-way, give a national prize for persons writing such publications). I have a feeling that people go to extremism (on both sides) because they are taught very little of religion throughout their lives. The hard questions and confusions remain unanswered. If someone is ignorant its easy to take advantage of that person. You would know this better than us. Allow open debate. There is no harm in exploring, debating and talking about such matters openly. You could always clarify matters using renowned scholars from the country or elsewhere. Could you please restrict holding workshops/seminars during prayers times or make it mandatory to give a break of 30 min during prayers times. Is it only shops that have to follow this rule? Be consistent in making rules. Could you please start research on Islam/Sharia in faculty of Sharia and law and make it an internationally renowned center for that.
Could
you please?
Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 21:09:52 (MDT)
Hello
DO
At first I would like to appreciate your hard work for maintaining and
updating this site regularly. Because of this site lot of Maldivians got
the chance of expressing their thoughts and views. Especially about the
political changes we need to bring our government. I think still people
are afraid of talking about such things, according the law we are
allowed to talk freely. But there is a man beyond the law who can do
anything, if he wants to do so.
I heard that Zahir Hussain got three million rufiyaa from the government
budget for his campaign. I got this information from a friend of mine
who is very close friend of a Zahir's close family relative. As soon as
Zahir's arrival to Fuahmulah this relative called to the friend of mine
and said that he needs him for the campaign of Zahir. Actually we don't
need to elect anybody from the government. but the problem is except (Mody)
all the others are from the government. and up to today this Zahir
stayed calm and as Maumoon requested he is trying to find a chair with a
big investment. People are ready to find a portion of that three
million, they don't want to elect you, so please eat all the money
yourself and stay quiet at home. It's much better.
Unknown <unknown@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 20:53:27 (MDT)
A
Suggestion
As Abdullah Hameed is the chief architect behind the rise of and
continuing power of the Maumoon regime I think that we should
concentrate on making sure that he does not come back to resume the role
of bullying the so-called 'islanders' into supporting Maumoon. Maumoon
does not stay in power by only courting the Male' elite. There are many
influential people in the Atolls to whom A.H. pays patronage to in order
to keep everything 'calm'. If we get this guy out of the way, not only
would we be able to get rid of the monstrosity of a bureaucracy called
the Ministry of Atolls. We will also be able to man (or should I say
person) the government jobs in the atolls with more capable,
civic-minded people. In a tongue-in-cheek manner, I would also like to
suggest this campaign to oust A.H. be named HAMEED SUCKS!
Simon
Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 18:38:52 (MDT)
Your latest article is interesting. I'm sure you will know who Daniel Pipe is. He is an extremist Jew who has lobbied hard in the US administration to decline Palestinians of their land and lives. He was instrumental in lobbying US to take away civil rights from its own Muslim population - especially the Arabs. He has been an anti-Islamic activist and you can see it in his article. He blames us Maldivians as barbaric Muslims. So for me its no wonder why he is advising the Professor to reject the offer to help us and if he does then, to do it the American way (the Anti-Islamic values). Now I wonder why you want to promote Daniel Pipe? I will get back to you with more about this anti Islamic lobbyist.
Ismail
US - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 17:55:07 (MDT)
Sappe: We need to create more scandal so I can appear on BBC again.
Anni: Why does it always have to be you. I never get the chance to get
on BBC.
Sappe: Back off. I'm the leader.
Anni: I'm calling Gogo and telling on you. He'll cancel your ****
allowance. (runs to the phone crying).
Gogo (on the phone): Don't cry Anni. Come down to Lanka and I'll put you
up in a five star hotel where you can drink all the **** you want and
we'll have a press conference so you can have your picture published.
Scribe
Male', K Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 15:46:04 (MDT)
This is funny. LOL - Ed.
Please let us to live in a free democratic society !!!
How silly is it that every morning we pledge loyalty to a piece of
cloth? The flag doesn't make our country great; the Constitution does.
If anything, we should pledge to the Constitution.
You are a bunch of idiots who do not realize what a great country you
live in. I wish you could wake up under tyranny just one day and then
you would be praying for the chance to salute the Maldivian flag.
Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 15:20:23 (MDT)
No
need to wait for the next election,
Next special Majlis will do the job, Hameed will chair the meeting and
the rest will dance. We all will wait to the drama again, what we have
to do is ''BRING AS MANY PEOPLE TO THE MAJLIS
DATE IS 2 AUGUST 2004
NASHEED <nasheed@hotmail.com>
male, Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 12:05:56 (MDT)
My advise is all the Maldivians to listen to your father. Don't believe Gayyoom, his Minister and his crooks. If you want a free Maldives. Join Hon. Gasim Ibrahim, and make sure that you vote to the Candidates, Hon. Gasim supports. Consider Hon. Gasim, and group including the the gutfull people at exile are your well wishes, who will liberate the Maldives as a free and a just society. When we have the freedom from Gayyoom and cronies we will have a real democracy, when we all will have our say. Love and kind regards. Father of all Maldivian
Ali
Hamid <NiceGuyMal@hotmail.com>
Kulhudhuhfushi, H.DH Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 09:42:43 (MDT)
Why are those people in the higher ranks act as cowards? Don't they know accepting favours from Gayyoom is to sell their freedom? I urge you guys to fulfil your responsibilities in the best interest of the people rather than Gayyoom. Remember it is sweet and glorious to die for one's country.
Musa fulhu <fulhu2004@hotmail.com>
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 09:32:35 (MDT)
To Zahir Hussain.
I want ask Mr. Zahir are you in deep sleep for last 25 years. Is some
one hammered near your ear. You crook does not have to come , and beg
for vote. You are a corrupted scandal in this dying regime. We don't
need football ground and music bands , we know we cant get true
democracy if you b**tards were elected as our members. Fuahmulah was
there last 25 years, you never come and beg for votes. why should now?
You will get a very clear message from the public. Your campaigners
were, thief's, drug addicts and traitors. Do you think public will
accept them . No way. You will see the result soon. Get lost from our
beloved island.
Haribo
Gn Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 09:18:03 (MDT)
A platform like this for a new forum would be great.
http://www.filesoup.com/forum
Forum
Master
Singapore - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 08:58:50 (MDT)
I wish DO could bring a forum like this one.
http://www.israelforum.com
Scarr
Marseille, France - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 08:52:26 (MDT)
I would like a forum where its easy to quote from others. Also if different issues can be categorised it would be great.
Daood
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 08:46:10 (MDT)
Everyone in Maldives is complaining about the internet
restrictions imposed by the Maldivian government yet Haveeru publishes
articles about the Chinese government being wrong about banning web
sites!!!!
Top that!
http://www.haveeru.com.mv/
MSF
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 08:19:13 (MDT)
It gets funnier by the day doesn't it? - Ed.
what I want to say is that , what you have written about the staffs of STO Hithadhoo branch Ibrahim Didi , Hassan Habib and DD is 100% true .....and thanks 4 writing this and the great work the DO team does
a Maldive guy at Malaysia
Maldivian <maldiven_guy@hotmail.com>
Malaysia/Addu, s. Hithadhoo Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at
07:49:54 (MDT)
"If anything is wrong with the Maldives, Gayyoom sighs,
it is that he has been too successful. "Everything is looked after
today. Food, clothes, everything. People don't have to work like their
parents did, and people take it too easy. It's a problem we are faced
with" Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom. (in an interview given to the Times
Magazine).
How many things can you find wrong with this. Let me see. Maldives has
been successful, but has its people been? Sure some of them have been
able to make millionaires out of themselves. But these are only people
who were given ample opportunity and resources. The result of nepotism
and playing favourites among his cronies.
Everything is looked after? I don't know where to begin. All I know is
that food and clothes don't magically appear before me, unlike it does
in the President's Palace. And that comment about us not having to work
as hard as out parents? Bull! I know I have to work in my government job
(for pittance) and another two three jobs just to make ends meet. If I
want to have a good life and provide for my kids, there is no relaxing.
Its hard ass work all day and night long. Perhaps the comment might have
been more justifiable (from his view) if the government paid wages that
could cover at least one of the bills. Yeah that would be the
Electricity bill that goes to Yameen's account and the water bill to God
knows where and the phone bill to Jahannam.
I am beginning to have doubts about Maumoon's sanity. Him sitting in his
big chair up in his Palace, has he lost his touch with reality? Doesn't
he hear the cry of the Nation???
Princess
NI, W NZ - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 06:17:29 (MDT)
When
Maumoon first took office and started land reclamations project in Male'
(a project which Nasir initiated) he said in his speech "the purpose is
to give land to poor people with dire housing problems". But Maumoon
actually gave the land plots to his loyal supporters holding high
offices in the government. Most of the people who were given land didn't
even move there because they already had a house in Male' and were
living comfortably. What an injustice to common citizens!!!!!
If Maumoon rules, hypocrisy and injustice will rule...
The
Reformer
M, Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 05:25:04 (MDT)
Dear
editors,
I think it would be an excellent idea to improve the forum to a better
and modern system, keep up the good work guys.
Thanks
zoom7
USA - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 03:20:40 (MDT)
With regard to the separation of the 3 powers, I noticed that there was a significant deviation from what the President proposed on the 9th of June 2004 and what he said on July 26, 2004. He said, the powers would be separated "mihaarah vuren bodah" which means there would not be any real separation of these powers.
Frustrated Citizen
Male`, Maldives - Tuesday, July 27, 2004 at 01:36:35 (MDT)
How
many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.
How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.
How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.
"A song that will unfortunately last for a very long times." Stevie
Wonder
Song written by Bob Dylan
My song
of the day..
Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 09:20:52 (MDT)
Dear Readers and the Editor-in-Chief of DO Mr,
Sappe'
Lets put things aside with this BIASED story. Look we all want to send
Maumoon out of the People's House. In fact I would vote a hay sack
rather than vote for Maumoon. So lets all stick together for now
atleast.
Mr, Sappe' as I've read DO as the peoples press, I would like to
remind you keep it as such. Not the mouthpiece of MDP. Like to include
any corrupt politician regardless they are anti-Maumoon or not. Like the
two hired Goons Zaki and Munavvar. I think if anyone who had tasted the
peoples wealth illegally should be included in the FrontPage of DO.
Any way keep up the good work.
the JUDGE
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 08:37:11 (MDT)
Gayyoom please step down for your own good and for the sake of your matured sons and daughters. Think of what they will feel, when they see all your nice picture.
Baaluvaa
Hithadhoo, Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 08:18:30 (MDT)
It's official. The constitutional reform process is headed towards the 2020 abyss ( a void into which all the reform processes in Maldives fall into). So don't hold your breath.
Kanfatheh
Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 08:12:50 (MDT)
Abdulla Shahid, Athamaa Ibrahim Didi, Lily Nasir is having meetings to convince Lily Siva (Member of LTTE-Sri Lanka) to arrange Hit & Run or Kill MDP Spokesperson Latheef (ex Parliament Member) Be on Guard, all reformers at exile, including Anni. Sappe & Ahmed Naseer (Bondhu) etc..
Secret
Srvice Maldives
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 07:15:57 (MDT)
Gayyoom, says in his Independence Day Speech, that he
will setup a fund for those who wish to go for Higher Education.
Meantime, in all the School's he have appointed Principals who are
either very old, or people who are not qualified for the job. For
Example Welikala at Ameeniyya & Amira at SCC. Sincerely, why not those
people step down without damaging our children's. I am sure they know
that they are not fit for the job. They are criminals among us.
Gayyoom, will never wish for Maldivians to archive higher education,
that's why he have not controlled drug in the Maldives. You all know 2
generation have now gone in to Drugs completely. It is proven from the
study made by Fashan under UNDP. This study should have been published
in the news papers, so that the people of the country will know where we
stand.
Eight Nuts
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 05:58:25 (MDT)
Dear Editor,
In
reference to the recent events subsequent to the first session of the
People's Special Majlis, I wish to note with dismay, the attitude with
which some segments of the Maldivian media, including the 'cyber media'
have glorified the day. While casting aside the haloing of 'heroes' for
their valour on the events of the day, shall we as a mature polity, stop
dragging our feet on the real issues and stop making fun of our own
selves?
If we are claiming to be politically mature enough to represent the
people and act on behalf of our people, then the time has come to stop
making a mockery of our responsibilities.
Glorifying a walk-out from the Special Majlis, makes media sense, in the
common parlance of journalists, I would assume. It is flashy and it is
news for the front page.
But, I would reckon the good gentlemen who have been elected to the
Special Majlis, were given the responsibility not to make melodramatic
gestures to the people. This has all along, including from the time of
Cicero, been the plague of 'demos kratis'. Grand standing and media
mongering - can we not ask from our leaders to be humble enough to
represent our hopes?
If so, I would have imagined that these fine gentlemen and ladies that
they are, would not have made such a scene. They are men and women of
letters. Men and women of intelligence and acumen, many of whom have
broken the threshold of stolid complacence and gone on to be elected on
platforms of reform.
What is the telos of your reform, good ladies and gentlemen, may I ask?
Wherefore are you leading us, good shepherds? To mayhem and melodrama?
To confusion and grandstanding? To partisanship and political dithering?
While it may well appeal the finer senses of some Maldivians to see for
the first time, on their teles and on the front pages of their news
papers, events that many a generation of ours have only seen happen in
neighbouring India or distant Taiwan, have we given a moment's thought
to the repercussions of walking blindfolded in a pitch dark alley,
playing musical chairs and traipsing all along?
The fine gentlemen and ladies who are members of the People's Special
Majlis ought to have given more consideration to their duties and
obligations to the people of this country before they ventured out to
make flash shot for themselves. They have been elected not to a town
council, not a municipal house committee and I would emphatically
stress, that theirs' was definitely not a 'tennis court' meeting to
'remove' an ancient regime!
The mandate of the house was to attend to constitutional reform and
bring out the hopes and desires of their constituencies within a
democratic discourse before the table and before the people and ensure
that those views were heard and adequately represented in any
constitutional document that emerged there from.
Did the fine gentlemen who walked out of the house, stop to think on
these grave and fundamental obligations for which they have been
elected?
Instead, what we have seen is petty fogging. If theirs' have been a
concern over democracy, which concept I am positively sure some of the
fine gentlemen at the house would be well versed with, would they have
acted as sorrily as they have?
Voting in a legislative assembly, whether by show of hands or by secret
ballot, adds up to voting. To my mind, the difference between the two,
has very little impact or significance to the protocol.
And what is perhaps more amazing and ludicrous in the magnitude of the
act and the strangely out of place precedence of sorts that has been
set, is the fact that some of these fine gentlemen have taken the matter
to the Criminal Court of the country. For Heaven's sake!
What are we after here? Was the People's Special Majlis elected to stand
in as a Court of Inquisition? Good members of the Majlis appear to have
forgotten that theirs' is a mandate for democratic constitutional reform
and not witch-hunting. Have we not had enough of such witch-hunting in
our limited political history with republicanism? Where is the
democratic sense in this? Where are your principles of parliamentary
democracy, good gentlemen and ladies of the People's Special Majlis?
One of the first principles of parliamentary democracy, if I recall
correct, is parliamentary privilege. I am sure, these good gentlemen and
ladies, would somewhere down the line of debate within the Majlis, refer
their own arguments to this fundamental principle. But before the
kingdom comes, they appear to have removed the foundation stones from
underneath!
Principles of parliamentary privilege and parliamentary immunity are by
themselves rules that demand respect and dignity, if not for anything
else, for the sake of equanimity and fair play.
I recall the attention of these good gentlemen and ladies to their
fundamentals. Know that, that by which you wish to skewer your enemy,
shall also undo what you have set to build!
I appeal to the good senses of the readers of this journal as well as to
the fine gentlemen and ladies of the People's Special Majlis to exercise
restrain in the venting of their years of alienation and God Almighty
knows what else.
I remember well a little saying from an old man I know � you do not
defecate when you sit to pray and you do not pray when you sit to
defecate. The two, to say the least, are two different things. And the
two different things have two different places to honour their due
value.
Whatever happened within the confines of the People's Special Majlis on
that fateful day deserved to be resolved amicably and through
constitutional and democratic means, within the bounds set forth for the
purpose. Indeed, it would have been altogether different matter, had the
exercise of democracy been nipped in the bud and the turnstiles locked
from one side. But if I recall correct the events of the day, such was
not the case, and definitely, such was not the deserving response!
When we speak of democracy and constitutionalism and human rights and
freedoms, are we not speaking democracy, constitutionalism, human rights
and freedoms for all? The discourse is equally applicable to one and all
in our community, to my appreciation of the concepts and their reality.
What are we to demonstrate to the young and energetic youth of our
country, who appear to be invigorated by the sudden pace of things and
the novelty of events? Is it the responsibility of the reformist
activists and democratic representatives of this country to show a
viable future to the people?
And I most strongly hope that such a viable future is not one of
degenerated and amoralised 'demos kratis' as one may suggest. I am not
hurling anyone on the fires. It is not my intention to bring the anger
of anyone on anyone. Anger and violence only breed anger and violence.
And a society that has to continually redress itself to a continuum of
anger and violence will tire out and it is not difficult to imagine the
effects there from. A democratic future is not built on personal
witch-hunting and on mud-slinging battles. Decorum and dignity deserves
a second thought.
My only desire in writing this submission is a fervent hope that I have
nurtured all through. That in the process of our desire to reform, we do
not forget the most important thing � reform for whom and how?
There is no doubt in my mind, that what the members of the People's
Special Majlis have for as their inestimable mandate, is reform to the
people of the Maldives. And mind you, the people of the Maldives are not
just a handful of people who have fancy ideas in their top-hats and
hanging from their tailcoats with alpaca linings! Some may not rightly
comprehend the proceedings of the day and the shadows that it has cast
on the process of constitutionalism in the country.
What happens when for every disagreeable thing that is said or done
within the confines of the parliamentary house is brought up before a
criminal trial court? What happens to the lofty ideals of
constitutionalism and free parliamentary debate? Must we always be
hoisted by our own petard? For goodness sake, give constitutionalism a
chance and let it be seen that there is an exercise of responsibility
and constitutionalism, to one and all.
Gurahaa <gurahaa@hotmail.com>
Male', Kaafu Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 02:05:43 (MDT)
Dear Editor,
I would like to provide some new information about Health Minister Ahmed Abdullah. He has spent funds and all the resources of Ministry of Health to make a float for the Galohu Avashu Office. He is the Chief of Galolhu Avashu Office. A friend of mine from Ministry of Health said that he has brought some of the staff from regional hospitals and health centres to make this float. Recently there was a wedding party of one of his daughters and he has taken camera films and camcorder films from the store of Ministry of Health. Recently Ministry of Health bought some hi-fi equipments such as DVD & VCD players to keep in Ahmed Abdullah's room, but he never use that in his office and a reliable source says he has been using them is his home. I would be grateful if you could publish these three news items in your DO.
By Email 26th July 2004
After 25 years in power Maumoon suddenly says its time for the country to have democratic reform. Its so simple for him! peoples rights are given when he feels the time is right. The actual answer is that he has no choice. He says come to realize he can no longer swim against the political currents in this 21st century. Dictators all around the world are giving up their power because there is no place for them in this world, unless their is a hole in the ground to hide....like Saddam.
The Reformer
Male', Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 22:54:32 (MDT)
Re: Dr. Zahir Hussain & Dandana
I would like to confirm that the facts on Dhivehi Observer is 100% true, as I have the information regarding the connection between Hassan Khalid and Zahir Hussain.
Zahir Hussain is the person who supported Dandana to be what they are now, he has deliberately given the opportunity to perform in many social events sponsored by Youth ministry during the last few years, to get support for him.
I understand that he has contributed money from his accounts, ultimately from Haveeru (a 100% government financed company). So all money indirectly goes out of Finance Ministry.
Aslo I would like to inform Mr. Hassan Khalid not to make false promises like construction of big stadium, and many youth programmes, its nothing to do with Zahir campaign, its a obligation of Zahir in the capacity of Minister to do so, we don't need to vote him to do that, if he can't fulfil his job requirements he can simply retire from the job.
Zahir Hussain has been the Minister of Youth since 1998, why he is doing
all this at once?? Fuvahmulah was there! They didn't care about us for
the last 25 years, and we don't need it anymore, we want all the crooks
to resign and leave out of office!
We don't want undermine our national interest at the expense of your
personal interest in promoting Dandana, and we do know that you are
making big bucks out of it.
As the 2nd largest Island of Maldives, we need MP's who knows democracy, who can deliver what they promise practically, who respect opposite views, who respect humans, who knows human value, we don't need a playground now, we need NOTHING BUT TRUE DEMOCRACY, not DHIMIKRAATHEE!
Last election Hassan Khalid promoted Mr. Maseeh (no one but a crook) who made such false promises, and we do know that you, the supporters made good money every time from these campaigns, don't sell our homeland.
Also, we do know that Dandana is performing the show at Fuvahmulah to get support for Zahir, nothing else.
democrat
India, Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 21:43:33 (MDT)
Gayyoom is the number one hypocrite in the world? He is even more
cruel, atrocious, deceitful and inhumane that Hitler.
Hitler didn't lie to his own people (He killed Jews and broke peace
treaties he had with others). Gayyoom lied to his own people and killed his own too.
Hitler had the support of his own people (the Aryans race) and did not turn oppressive to them.
Gayyoom has no support, but pretends and shows others that he has support by securing more than 90% in elections. Saddam Hussain too had more than 90% supports, but was it reliable. We have all seen the reality.
Thasleem
Suva, Fiji USA - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 18:41:38 (MDT)
Hi guys,
Beware that Gayyoom is going to deceit all of us. He told in recent news
conference that he had received more than 5000 suggestions from the
general public. He also told that he would send them to the Special
Majlis to debate over.
Remember he is trying to legalize his views and ideas and convince the
whole Maldives that those are genuine opinions and viewpoints of
Maldivians. BUT IN REALITY THEY ARE ALL FROM GAYYOOM AND HIS CRONIES.
Remember about this, and make you sure, honourable members that whatever Gayyoom presents to the Special Majlis, has proper address and name written down on it if they are opinions and viewpoints of ordinary citizens. Otherwise he will insist all of you that they are also opinions and ideas of Maldivians and you have to accept them too.
Niyaz <niyaazu@hotmail.com>
Suva, Fiji Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 18:39:24
(MDT)
Hon. Gasim and the rest of the reformists. The best chance you guys have is try best to get hold of the majority seats in the November Parliamentary Election. Get the commonwealth Observers so that Hameed and rest of the a** l**kers would not be able to rig the ballot box. You will get the majority and Gayyoom will be buggered. No chance for them Hahh Haaa
Private Investigator
Naifaru, LH Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 11:13:03 (MDT)