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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/Reports/Water/basic_human.asp

http://www.lenntech.com/specific-questions-water-quantities.htm

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/articles/2004/07/28/1090694025945.html

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/index.php

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/board/

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/?view=2&id=3597

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 26^th 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)

Don't Worry about what the Gayyoom's regime's crooks, Shahid, Seena Zahir, Zahir Hussain, Fathuhulla, Hameed, Yameen, and rest of other buggers, all of whom are crazy about power, say's to you good guy's giving filth to Hon. Gasim, and other reform minded MP, Sappe, Latheef, Anni, Bodhu, Sadig and others. Keep the good faithful work. Bugger all what they say about you guys.

Kulhimajaa

Male, Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 12:52:23 (MDT)

Few days ago Justice Minister Ahmed Zahir (Rayyathu Ahammadhu) who became (Bandaara Ahammadhu) was campaigning for Nov.04 Parliamentary Election illegally, with a number of his judges in front of Maafannu Mosque, were scared away by a number of youth, who have shouted to him directly calling him Justice Minister after illegal campaigning. Imaging the extend of corrupted cabinet Minister Gayyoom have. Mind you all rest of the Cabinet Ministers are much more corrupted

NSS Guy
Male, Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 16:43:46 (MDT)

No longer is Gayyoom aware of what he is doing or what he is saying. He thinks that he is a tricky guy, but he is getting caught in his own tricks. In his Independent Day speech he did not had the guts to mention "party system" and only mentioned more democratic Presidential Election, and "more" separation of 3 Powers. His mentioning of "more". Is he claiming that there is separation of 3 powers for some extend in the Maldives. Here again he is misleading the Lobuvethi Citizens.
You are right Mariyam, We all agree:-

That the first Amendment to the Maldives Constitution' should be to GUARANTEE the right to freedom of speech, press and the right to gather and express themselves. And this amendment should be recognized as the very FIRST AMENDMENT to the constitution and should come into effect IMMEDIATELY.

Ahammadhubey <NiceGuyMal@hotmail.com>
Male', K Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 04:28:55 (MDT)

Nothing can be done if the opportunity is missed. Everybody who is involved with the reform movement found their chance under different circumstances and means. Not everybody jumped up at the same times and yelled reform. People started to come out of the wood-work in time accordingly. I feel we have not even begun to see what's on offer yet.

So is going for the correct opportunity to serve your people such a bad thing? After all some people are just good at producing media, financing, arranging debates, running party activities. Not one man can do it all. What we have yet to see is a leader who can unite all these together into a force that cannot be denied. I know people are going to say we don't need to wait for a leader to come, everybody is just as capable. I agree. But the fact is some people are better leadership material than others.

Anyways, Now lets just see it from a good politicians point of view. You would be crazy not to see the above mentioned problem. If and when a person recognise the situation we are having now and decide to be that uniting leader which Dr. Waheed had just hinted on, I say good for him. I think he would be a great leader.

Opportunity is all we have at the moment and knowing when to take it.
Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 03:59:04 (MDT)

Special Announcement from the Ministry of Oppression

It has come to the attention of this Ministry that the public have been engaging in activities that encourage, replenish and foster civil liberties. This severely hinders the mechanisms in place and used by the current government. With this announcement we hope to reduce such activities to a minimal level, and intimidate those who are already engaged in such activity. Further, I would add that such activities are illegal, by a law that is yet to be created, and unconstitutional by a constitution that is yet to come. Any person found to be engaged in any such activity would be charged under the Anti-Terrorism Law.

The Minister has spoken.

And Maumoon has left the building.

Kanfatheh
Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 03:57:56 (MDT)

What the hell are these people upto. What's this sudden excitement that had aroused in you guys. Don't you have anything more interesting to do in your lives. Wasting your energy. I wonder who the perfect people are... and who you guys want to elect as a president..

Let us the youths enjoy our short lives more peacefully.

Gurl-male'
Male', k Maldives - Monday, July 26, 2004 at 00:26:00 (MDT)

Hey Dylan,

Haven't you heard the old story about, " kah chah elhi bingaa ge" story.

Muskulhi eh
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 20:23:14 (MDT)

Those who grab the opportunity are the smart ones. The wise ones. The capable ones. If the so called "genuine" reformers truly care about reforms they should support the opportunists as well.

Yea to opportunists
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 20:32:04 (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, Honorable 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.

Fathun <niyaazu@hotmail.com>
Suva, Fiji - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 18:59:18 (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.

Niyaz <niyaazu@hotmail.com>
Suva, Fiji - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 18:44:14 (MDT)

Dr Waheed has lost all his credibility by indirectly trying to tell us he is the ONLY choice we have. Sappe and Anni are the real reasons for public awareness. And Sappe is the real fighter of our cause. So Dr Waheed, please go back to your five star mansion in the UN. Leave us alone. You just want to take advantage of our situation. Maybe you want to buy houses in US and UK for your kids just like Sammarey has done using MAPA funds.

Bodu Saad.
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 17:02:54 (MDT)

I wont say that I love MDP, DO or Even Sappe', but the point, which I'm against Maumoony actions and his family, is very clear.

Here is just a small part of the basis for my outlook:

It wasn't democratic reformers who tried to steal our law - it was Mr. Maumoon and his family. It wasn't democratic reformers who threatened to kill those peace loving Maldivians it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It wasn't democratic reformers who screwed some Maldivian business companies for some personal benefits it was Mr. Gayyoom and his his family. It isn't democratic reformers who fill personal email inboxes with warnings it was Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who send all those viruses to personal computers over the Internet - it was Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who try to block Internet access to ordinary Maldivians, - it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who are making it impossible for any political change in the Maldives, it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It wasn't democratic reformers, who have been bent upon bankrupting and imprisoning so many Maldivians, - it was and still is Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who have arrested and imprisoned Mr. Anni and all those peace-loving Maldivians, it was Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It wasn't democratic reformers who indicted a Maldivian company on baseless charges and, forced to pay 4 million Maldivian Rufiyaa, it was Mr. Gayyoom and his beloved family. It wasn't democratic reformers who arrested and imprisoned Mr. Ahmed Didi writing a letter for a Maldivian, it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It wasn't democratic reformers who sued and bankrupted some wealthy Maldivian families for their personal benefit; it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It wasn't democratic reformers who had confiscated Dr. Waheed's constitutional duties and sent him to exile; it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who have hijacked the government and the Maldives, - it is Mr. Gayyoom, his family and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who have hijacked the Maldivian legal system and are transforming it to confirm it IA a barbaric law; it is Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who run the Federal Reserve Bank, "MMA" which is in the process of destroying the local currency and the Maldivian economy - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who continue to impose affirmative action upon Maldivian people; it is clearly Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who buy off all our legislators with our own tax Rufiyaa - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers enacting hate crime laws designed to outlaw criticism of them - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his Family. It isn't democratic reformers who run organized crime throughout Maldives - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't pro-democrats who import tons of drugs into Maldives every day - it is surely Mr. Gayyoom's friends. It isn't democratic reformers who literally own and run all of Maldivian mainstream media - it is surely Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It wasn't democratic reformers who killed Maldivian prisoners - it was clearly Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It wasn't democratic reformers who looted and still destroying the Maldivian economy - it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who brag about controlling Maldives - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who advocate the use of torture on Maldivians - it is surely Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who twist Maldivian laws to punish anti government speech; it is Mr. Gayyoom and his family. It isn't democratic reformers who run the ADL, which maintains dossiers on thousands of law-abiding Maldivian citizens, for the purpose of punishing those with whom they disagree; it is Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who break into and enter the offices and homes of law-abiding Maldivian citizens, to procure evidence both for their database and in the hopes of getting evidence they can pass to the police for prosecution - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his friends. It isn't democratic reformers who have caused Maldives to go from being the most-loved country in the world - it is Mr. Gayyoom and his family.

It isn't democratic reformers who caused the Great Depression in Maldives - it was Mr. Gayyoom and his family.

All the preceding are facts - provable facts:

And, lets not forget:

It wasn't democratic reformers who had sex with own son in-law; it was Mr. Gayyoom's own brother and Honourable Minister of Atolls Mr. Abdullah Hameed.

Mr. Gayyoom, his family and his friends are guilty of those mentioned crimes and many more!!!

I let the readers to judge what the Maldivians have to do with these guys.!!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 15:28:22 (MDT)

If not it is most certainly authorised by and done in full knowledge of Mr. Gayyoom, his family and friends. - Ed

I agree on this article in WWW.MALDIVESCULTURE.COM

Ibrahim Zaki

When Ibrahim Hussain Zaki was Tourism Minister, Sunland Travel proposed a single bid for Velaavaru, Kihaadhupparu and Dhunikolhu islands. Zaki knew about this and decided to manipulate things to his own advantage.

Ibrahim Zaki

It is not clear whether Sunland Managing Director Shabeer Ahmed bid three separate proposals at Zaki's instigation but he was successful. At the time, Shabeer only really wanted one resort. After some underhand deals with Shabeer, Zaki convinced him to give Kihaadhupparu island to Athamaa for resort development. Masooda, one of Zaki's two wives, is from the Athamaa family.

Shabeer kept only Dhunikolhu island for himself, and he gave Velaavaru island to Zaki who in turn sold it to Champa Hussain Afeef. The case of Velaavaru island is unique. Maumoon Gayyoom knew that Zaki who was the head of the Tourism Ministry's resort awarding committee, had manipulated the process to benefit from Sunland's gaining of the three resorts. At one point, the case became very sensitive and Zaki had to seek the help of Gayyoom's executive secretary Abdulla Shahid and the then Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munavvar to ensure the case was laid to rest.

Champa Afeef paid US$500,000 each to Abdulla Shahid and Dr. Munavvar to 'settle things', and Champa offered the same amount to Zaki. But Zaki wanted more than US$500,000 dollars and after some bickering, Champa who was desperate for Velaavaru island, promised to construct Zaki's eight-storey house complete with a swimming pool on the terrace. Now Zaki was really happy.

However, Maumoon was not happy with Zaki siphoning off the three islands for himself, perhaps because Zaki had not shared the booty with his President. This case continued to haunt Zaki and may have been one of the reasons Maumoon deciding that Zaki was out of control and consequently removing him in November 2003.

While Ibrahim Hussain Zaki was the tourism minister, a total of 14 islands of the Maldives were put up to tender to be developed as tourist resorts. Zaki made substantial gains by receiving bribes from particular resort operators and he returned the favour by using his influence to award the resort islands to them.

Zaki and his family frequently spent vacations in Lohifushi Resort at the time. The owners of the resort entertained him well. In return, DIMMS shareholders Solih and Didi each received a resort. Long after the resorts were given, Zaki continued to receive cheques from DIMMS.

Zaki's friend Dr Mohamed Munavvar, the Attorney General at the time, also visited resorts with Zaki and had drinking parties. Munavvar has family links with the Sunland group of resort operators. Out of the 14 islands, Sunland also received islands to develop as tourist resorts.

The corruption of Zaki was tolerated by Maumoon Gayyoom but the dictator was not happy with the way Zaki had awarded the island of Hudhufushi. Abdul Raoof who operates Giraavaru Resort, had bid for Hudhufushi island and Gayyoom wanted Raoof to receive the island. Gayyoom's eldest son Farish is married to a daughter of Raoof. So the island of Hudhufushi was put up to tender again and Raoof won it. He has not, however, developed and opened the resort despite the passing of years. It is a clear violation of the contract but Gayyoom turns a blind eye to it. Hudhufushi island is a unique breeding ground for manta rays and many Maldivians believe that it should be protected as an ecological sanctuary rather than developed as a resort.

Environmental factors were not considered when the 14 islands were selected as tourist resorts. Officials like Ismail Firaq from the Tourism ministry, who is intoxicated most of the time, went to some islands and arbitrarily selected them for tourism development.

There is no doubt that Zaki was very popular as the tourism minister both within the tourism industry and also internationally. As the former Secretary General of SAARC, Zaki was known as an achiever. Other ministers were very envious of Zaki, and Information minister Ibrahim Manik ('Samarey', Gayyoom's wife Nasreena's brother-in-law) allowed him only minimal TV time.

Zaki's popularity was seen as a threat to other ministers and to Gayyoom as well, and there were speculation that Zaki would be removed from the cabinet.

After 1998 presidential elections when Gayyoom chose his cabinet, Zaki was transferred to Ministry of Planning and National Development. Some people say Zaki was not removed from cabinet because he was one of the masterminds behind the biography of Gayyoom, 'A Man for All Islands' written by Royston Ellis. This biography was sponsored by wealthy tourist operators such as Champa Hussain Afeef. The book contributed to the development of Gayyoom's personality cult.

As Planning minister, Zaki continued to show his skills as an administrator. It was also during this time that he and Munavvar became shareholders in one of the companies that started to develop Vilingili island in Addu Atoll as a tourist resort. The government also has shares in this resort, so it is obvious that Zaki and Munavvar's participation in this venture was done with the blessing of Gayyoom.

When Gayyoom announced his cabinet after the election of 2003 Zaki was not included in it. Gayyoom and his brother Abdullah Hameed had for a long time wanted to give Hameed's son Hamdoon Hameed a cabinet portfolio. Hamdoon who was the deputy planning minister, had always wanted to be the Planning minister.

Zaki could have been moved to another ministry but Gayyoom offered him the position of the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission that the president was planning to form. Zaki did not accept this offer because it did not have the status of a ministerial position.

When Zaki was Planning Minister, another incident he benefited from was by halting some developments on Reethi Rah resort owned by Minaa Kuday and also the father of Baa atoll Majlis Member Thasmeen Ali. Zaki got some two million dollars from Reethi Rah in order to use his contact with the President's private secretary Abdulla Shahid to convince Gayyoom to let the controversial development on Reethi Rah continue.

It is not clear how much Zaki paid Shahid this time and Maumoon Gayyoom is likely to have been a beneficiary of this bribe.

Like the Reethi Rah case, there are also scandals concerning Farukolhu resort owned by Club Med. The government began investigations into this resort but Zaki immediately stopped these actions when Farukolhu offered him US$15,000 - not much when compared to Zaki's extravagant bribes, but nevertheless enough to finance the maintenance of his cars.

Mohamed <mohamed@cde.com.mv>
Male' Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 13:25:35 (MDT)

On this day of independence, I call on all Maldivians to Free their MINDS.

Freedom from oppression.

Kanfatheh
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 12:45:03 (MDT)

Mr. Dylan

You are wrong to say it doesn't matter DO is biased or not.

"As things stand, with prevailing media structures in the Maldives inept patrons of the government, we can only welcome another [any] presence in information distribution."

Just because the media organizations in Male' are run by members of the government, we DO NOT have to welcome "any" media that doesn't tell the truth. After all, DO is the mouth piece of MDP and DO together with MDP claims to be trying to correct what the present government is doing wrong. It's ok for individuals like you to be biased but not for a popular news site such as DO.

Sangu
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 12:05:12 (MDT)

We support Zoom7, We never hard of Dr. Waheed, let him "Lead" UN, We will find our way, we are almost at THE END

"HE LOST THE BUS"

Mohamed <mohamed@hotmail.com>
Male, Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 11:37:32 (MDT)

About pro-reformers

I think we should be very careful in calling Maumoon a reformer, as we all know he is in a sticky situation and through time he has shown how good he is in forgetting the promises he make. Also not to leave behind the number of reformers he caught and kept in his cages.

I will say right now that MDP and others have forced him to act as a reformist. If he is able to get MDP and other reformists out of the picture he will be the same old Maumoon again.

Fazal
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 09:49:26 (MDT)

It does not matter, at least at this stage, whether DO is biased or not. Ineluctably, all media structures will be under some degree of influence from the market economy (with the steering media of capital) and the state (with the steering media of power). As things stand, with prevailing media structures in the Maldives inept patrons of the government, we can only welcome another [any] presence in information distribution.

Communication is a selective process, we can't expect it to be 'true', 'fair' and 'just' in any ontological sense. We have to be able to distinguish rhetoric and appreciate its character as one of attempting to legitimise the workings of capital and power in media structures. Again this is not to say that we should all stop reading DO, rather we should encourage new media structures as controls over the existing ones, and in consequently developing a critical-rational public sphere and a reading public who will be best placed to process the information given out by media structures in a reflective way.

Dylan
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 07:37:26 (MDT)

Opportunist? Is there anything else that describes him?

Dr. Waheed has failed to impress me. Where was he all these years when true reformers were sacrificing their careers and life for the good of this country and when things were most difficult for opponents of this regime? The problem with opportunist are they will again vanish when things starts to get rocky. They only like to lead when the sailing goes smooth.

Leaders are also human and it is ill thought to imagine even in these days leaders have to be sent to us from above and they should have extra ordinary qualities that you can not find one within you. I think any of the true reformers is more than qualified for the job. Now we are seeing many more courageous men willing to stand against the oppression. They are also voicing their thoughts openly and are actively involved in bringing the much needed reform. After all that, I just wonder why one should let the fruits of any change that may come as a result be awarded to Dr. Waheed as such.

Dr. Waheed says he is willing to take on the throne if people sees him fit, not that he will show the people that he is capable for that and will actively work for this. I think a nation's leadership shouldn't be bestowed on to such a reluctant person. He should earn the peoples trust and must propose his agenda, policies and plans for us if we are to accept him. The public must have an opportunity to assess his plans.

I think we should demand from any possible future leader, what their plans and policies are and the time frame to achieve them. Otherwise it can again be a change of name in the leadership. We have already made this mistake by trusting someone too much and by assuming one single man will do wonders for us.

NO to Opportunists
Male', MV Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 07:03:25 (MDT)

Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hangs a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all of the other monkeys with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result - all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it. Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.

Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm! Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth.

Every time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey.

After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana.

Why not?

Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here.

And that, my friends, is the basis for most bureaucracies.

John Doe
Bangalore, KA India - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 06:56:13 (MDT)

The silver bullet the patriots furiously search for is not in a statute book or a case cite. It is not in a brief or the ultimate filing. It is reflected in the mirror in front of you. It is the only thing on this Earth incapable of being bankrupt, so it is the only thing that can save us from ourselves. The silver bullet is the sovereign himself. God is always with you.

John Doe
Bangalore, KA India - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 06:46:24 (MDT)

How 'bout if the ONE guy is right an' the 10,000 is wrong...would you still call it Democracy?! Technically, yes. But where would the moral value of such system be? What about our rationale....?

IGNORANCE, STUPIDITY, AND APATHY ARE NOT VIRTUES

John Doe
Bangalore, KA India - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 06:42:28 (MDT)

The government ( Maumoon and his participants) are planning to halt all the business of Mr. Gasim Ibrahim. They are planning to do this within the next six months. I received this news from a relative of Seena Zahir. Their word is that there are lot of people who are capable of doing the business in Maldives as same level as Gasim. According to the news the government is discussing to influence or spoil the international business relations so that this will lead to bankrupt his business. Please forward this news to concerned authority as soon as possible. We appreciate your work very much.

Reporter Inside
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 06:31:55 (MDT)

DO is NOT being considered bias just because they don't talk about Gayyoom's government or good doings. Infact they do. An example will be the comments made here by some people who has praised for some of Gayyoom's environmental policies. Rather I feel that the BALANCE is not maintained. Or can there be a balance with this when we reflect on what Maumoon has done to us all, is the real question?

So what's really wrong with DO and some of the policies of the reformers or MDP?

I feel that its the ABUSE of power we see here.

Manzar
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 05:52:29 (MDT)

LOVE OF THE COMMON PEOPLE

Living on free food tickets,

water in the milk from a hole in the roof

where the rain came through.

What can you do?

Tears from your little sister,

crying 'cause she doesn't have a dress without a patch

for the party to go.

But you she'll get by

'cause she's living in the love of the common people,

smile's from the heart of a family man.

Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to,

Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can

and she can.

It's a good thing you don't have a bus-fare,

it would fall thru' the hole in your pocket and you'd lose it

in the snow on the ground.

You got to walk into town to find a job.

Tryin' to keep your hands warm

when the hole in your shoe lets the snow come thru'

and chills you to the bone.

Now you'd better go home where it's warm,

where you can live in a love of the common people,

smile from the heart of a family man.

Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to,

Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can

and she can.

Living on a dream ain't easy

but the closer the knit the tighter the fit

and the chills stay away.

You take 'em in stride for family pride.

You know that faith is in your foundation

and with a whole lot of love and a warm conversation

but don't forget to pray.

Making it strong were you belong

and we're living in the love of the common people,

smile's from the heart of a family man.

Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to,

Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can

and she can.

Yes, we're living in the love of the

common people,

smile's from the heart of a family man.

Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to,

Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can.

Yes, we're living in the love of the common people,

smile's from the heart of a family man.

Daddy's gon

na buy you a dream to cling to,

Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can.

Yes, we're living in the love of the common people,

smile's really hard on a family man.

Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to,

Mama's gonna love you just as much as s

he can

and she can.

- Elton John-

Aiminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 05:29:39 (MDT)

The creators are great but the readers and visitors are less.

Okay

Fairoo <fairoo@mail2maldives.com>
Addu atoll, south Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 03:31:09 (MDT)

I have read most of suggestions in your suggestion inbox and I like all and like to thank them and hoping for more hopes and more readers on this pages ...

Fairoo
Addu atoll, Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 03:24:09 (MDT)

Dear All,

Who are pro-reformers, actually? Is it MDP guys or anti-government guys? As far as I know every Maldivian is a pro-reformer. I have not heard of anyone who is against reform. Not even the President. In fact he is the one who convened the special Majlis to reform the constitution. Or was it someone else?

All Maldivians are pro-reformers
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 02:32:24 (MDT)

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO DR WAHEED:

If you want to lead us, distance yourself from your brothers and in laws who have committed serious crimes against us and our nation. There is no one in your family who could be a role model to us. We don't want you to bring along your brothers, sisters, and in laws to the government should you win your dream. That has become the problem with Maumoon's dictatorship. Also you should live with us and suffer like us if you want to lead us.

Samadhu.
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 02:03:00 (MDT)

Here is a report everyone should read, released by IMF on public interest, regarding Gayyoom's policy.

http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pn/2004/pn0473.htm

Thanx

Democrat
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 01:31:57 (MDT)

I'm still proud to be a Maldivian!

In a democratic society people must have the right to express themselves in a peaceful way. Whether it is the style of clothes they wear, or the democratic reform, freedom to decide is the best thing! Accepting of different opinions will only make our children more tolerant and understanding towards others. It is our best interest to integrate these people into our communities instead of shunning them away.

Banning democratic symbols... come on. Mr Gayyoom, do you really think if you ban democratic symbols there will be peace in our country... no I'm sorry there will never be peace. Listen there is no better society than a democratic free society, All the Maldivians know about it, and they know its the best and the peaceful way of living. Today the Maldivians are not only going fishing like it was some 30 years ago, please wake up!!!!

I know you might be thinking now how come some second class Maldivian could tell me what I must do, the answer is very simple. Your brutal ignorant way of handling with our daily life is not any more accepted by the people of Maldives. Every body in our country should be allowed to practise the basic human rights with no fear. That's what we are asking for not more,

Why are you forcing the Maldivians to believe that you were born to be the president of Maldives? And your family has the right to misuse the Maldivian treasury? You ugly guy you..!

Anti democrats like your self has no place in our society, and we will never give up the rally for democratic reform.

I swear you have to go.

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 02:53:42 (MDT)

DO is only considered biased because it doesn't give credit to Gayyoom. DO covers the stories of 4 different political parties. Now when this coverage is done, DO is not biased. DO provides for them to have a voice too equally as presented to DO by the said parties. DO also has provided a voice for people who are not even associated with parties (most recent one that I can think of is DO exclusive interview of Dr. Waheed who is NOT a member of a party - if my assumptions are correct, in the event that parties are allowed to register and operate legally Dr. Waheed is most likely to join MDP. Not because the members of MDP are close personal friends and associates of Dr. Waheed, but because he believes what MDP stands for is the correct way to go about it - I might be wrong. I am only speculating.)

Can somebody tell me why you are calling DO biased? I know DO is not perfect, but its damn good!

That DO to be not biased DO should acclaim Gayyoom? For what? I know DO editorial team does not believe Gayyoom to be capable of delivering reform. So they obviously criticise Gayyoom. I do not support for DO to be not "biased" by writing articles acclaiming Gayyoom. I personally don't believe Gayyoom is capable of delivering either. I have nothing but contempt for that man. A lot of people like me will boycott DO is they start praising Gayyoom in their articles just like the way Gayyoom wants to be acclaimed despite his obvious failings.

PS. Much respect and love to Dr. Waheed. I am a great supporter of you sir. I look forward for the day you will serve us as our leader. I believe you would not become a dictator like Gayyoom. I believe you can deliver reform to our democratic institutions. I believe you have seen enough pain and suffering of innocent people in Afghanistan to know what not to do and what to do so that people would live a better life.

BY THE WAY, I DO NOT CONSIDER TO BE "BRAINWASHED" BY DO AS SOMEBODY PUTS IT. I WAS ABLE TO CHOOSE WHAT IS RIGHT AND WRONG BY ANALYSING THE ARGUMENTS PRESENTED BY DO AND OTHER WEBSITES AND MY CONCLUSION IS DO IS MORE FAIR TO THE IDEA OF REFORM THAN ALL OTHER SITES COMBINED.

DO HAS PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN MALDIVES POLITICAL SITUATION OF THE MOMENT. IT WILL PROBABLY GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS WELL (IF ITS A FAVOURABLE OR UNFAVOURABLE IN HISTORICAL RECORDS WOULD ONLY BE BASED ON THE ONGOING PERFORMANCE OF THE SITE. REGARDLESS IT WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY).

DO-it-for-reform
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 01:10:03 (MDT)

Dr. Waheed is a true leader. True leaders exercise power creatively. He left Maldives because he knew if he fought for the freedom of the Maldivians at that time it will be for worse rather than for good of the people.

Manzar
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 01:10:03 (MDT)

Dear Whaddya - Jaya,

Infact I do fit in to the majority group of the description of a common man you have described. Infact in all aspects. Some one doesn't need a degree or qualification, to be able to analyse the situation critically. You should try and accept it that ordinary young women like me (common people) can be able to assess the situation critically. Its your "eliteness" (correct me if I am wrong) which thinks otherwise. You should try to accept that the unprivileged can be made the privileged not simply by giving them a degree or any qualification nor by having any riches. Education doesn't mean you should have a degree or qualification.

"With the level of nepotism that exists in the current Government and the opposition, its inconceivable that these factions should be left to exploit the people"

That's why we are discussing these issues. And DO does allow us to do that don't they? If you feel otherwise why don't you make your own website and publish your own ideologies there and let the common people like me as you have described, judge what you say. Its a good question you have asked. Why did DO become so popular in such a short period of time? DO was in touch with the youngsters. DO knew that they can manipulate their minds.

You are an example of how effective DO has been. DO being biased has urged us unbiased people to stand up for our rights. What ever DO's intention is, it has served the purpose of the common people like me.

Aiminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 00:44:36 (MDT)

Dear Lahufa,

I agree with you. DO is biased. It has no ethical standard and is powered by hatred. But what I don't understand is how people like you, common or uncommon, can benefit from it when all it tries is to brainwash you!!!???

Sangu
Maldives - Sunday, July 25, 2004 at 00:15:49 (MDT)

Is Dr. Waheed a true leader or an opportunist?

He is the first person to get a PHD in Maldives, so he must be a very smart guy. But is he a nice guy? Can he really lead our country? or more importantly has he done any thing for the country lately? For the DO exclusive interview he mention and I quote " 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"

I totally agree for the first sentence of his quote, but the questioned is what has he done recently for the country. I agree he has a very impressive resume for serving in UNICEF. But did he serve us did he tried to change anything for the past decade. I agree that he is very famous to people of his time, but people like us (young generation) has basically never heard of him.

Again I would like to mention a quote from the interview "Let me tell you that I feel as though I have never left. In the past twelve years when I have worked abroad, I have followed every development that has affected the citizens of our country. A part of me never actually left the Maldives"

This an interesting quote because in some sense it contradict the his assumption about "to lead would be to serve" as I mentioned above. I mean its simply not good enough to sit back and read the developments in Maldives. So all these years Dr Waheed was doing his job [ must mention an impressive amount of money for his work] while we regular Maldivians are suffering here in Maldives under a dictator. So all he could do was follow the development, thus for me I think he is not yet ready to lead.

I do acknowledge his work earlier to bring positive changes to the constitution and bring much needed changes in 90's, but he also disappointed me by leaving the country for his own benefit. I guess all I am trying to say is in my opinion he did not stick with his reform ideas and more importantly did not follow throughout it. Shouldn't people like Dr. Waheed take some responsibility for what has happened to us down the track. I mean like DO editorial says, there was huge fan club when he came to Maldives back then, and people supported him. But back then he did left us.

I also know that any reformers then or now will face challenges, it happens in all the countries. But if you can't stand up to the challenge and run away are you really worth a leader? In my opinion bring reform to Maldives, especially standing against Maumoon, is like a starting a hunger strike. Reformers should know they would be hungry (face obstacle), so after starting the strike then it's unnecessary or not even a reason to leave the strike because you feel hungry.

So there are many Maldivians like me thinking if Dr. Waheed is an opportunist or a true blue reformer? My question to Dr. Waheed is do you want to be a leader now because you see a good opportunity at the moment? I guess Dr. Waheed has lot to prove before we see him fit as a leader.

-MPTT-

zoom7
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 23:32:27 (MDT)

Finally DO has presented a person of presidential material. I will most certainly vote for Dr. Waheed if he was a candidate on the ballot paper for Maldives Presidency. People like Gasim, Sappe', Saadiq may have done great services to bring reform, but they are not president material. We appreciate your work guys, and will be remembered accordingly. But Dr. Waheed is definitely in a league above you people. If you want to lead the country, you will just have to wait till Dr. Waheed is done with his two terms. In the meantime you guys can do a lot of soul searching and find out about yourself, what it is that is in your character that is not president material, and work on it and fix your own selves. Then we might consider.

I had tears in my eyes reading Dr. Waheed interview. Knowing that our long search may just be over. God bless you Dr. Waheed. This is a very overwhelming moment for me. But I love you. You are our future.

For a better Maldives
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 22:15:38 (MDT)

I agree with many points given by Dr Waheed in his interview. Specially regarding our armed forces. They are supposed to be something that we as a nation should be proud of and trusted upon. But during the last decades they have been transformed into an internally oriented private militia, who's main duty it seems to be the protection and continuity of the president and government, at any cost. They seem to have forgotten that there foremost duty is to the people and constitution of the country. Maldives is in dire need of an Armed Forces which is professional, capable and efficient in its duties, at the service of the nation. An efficient armed forces is necessary as a country with limited resources we cannot afford to spend recklessly on irrelevant defence spending. Things such as Radars (even though its a gift, we still spend on maintaining and operating it), these are not defence items which the country needs right now. We need patrol crafts but not ones which are furnished for transportation of VIP's as one of its main specifications. The reform/restructure of our armed forces is going to take years and it hasn't even started yet. The step to separate the military and police is a step in the right direction. I hope to see a day when the country has an armed forces that we as the people can be proud of.

Dhivehi Dhariyeh
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 20:25:20 (MDT)

"Dhivehi Observer is a 110% biased information source....When sources like DO exists, its the common people like me who will benefit from it"

I wonder whether thoughts ever encountered Ms Adams' train of thought. "Common people", she should not forget - includes those who have disadvantaged backgrounds, people who weren't given opportunities to get a decent education or training. Ms. Adam. What I am trying to say here is that the majority of the "common people" you've dubbed yourself to be a part of, belongs to this group. Their lack of analysing a situation critically is not their fault. Like you say, if DO is 110% biased, most of the people in the "common group" would not be able to formulate opinions in their best interests. So who's interest will they be serving at the end of the day? Is it DO's? Sappe's? While capable persons such as yourself will be paid off at the end of the day, do you believe that these people will be given the opportunity and support needed to reach the decisions, which in effect affect their lives?

With the level of nepotism that exists in the current Government and the opposition, its inconceivable that these factions should be left to exploit the people.

If the reformers wish to utilize the rich resources of qualified personnel as connectives to the less informed of our society, we cannot undermine DO or any other political media to dictate vested interests disguised as the liberator of us all. Sappe should acknowledge these issues and come off clean. While many would like to believe that the DO entered into history by proving to be successful despite its many shortcomings and failure to establish standards and journalistic integrity, we, the people should not overlook the implications of vendetta-driven media. If there are faults, the DO should try working it out with its readers and convincing us that it does not happen again. Apart from the Govt, reliability and accountability is also expected from the opposition media.

"Whaddya" - Jaya
Malé, Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 19:16:35 (MDT)

I feel sorry for Scorpion and his/her facts

LOL scorpion
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 16:24:25 (MDT)

Heard a lot about Kangaroo Courts, and their biased Judges and sentencing but never had a chance to see any of them until very recently here in over beloved country. The Maldives Criminal Court is more Kangaroo than all the other Kangaroos together. This Kangaroo even refused to take the case of Mr. Hameed.

Ibrahim Hassan <ihassan@gmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 14:31:31 (MDT)

Reliable human spies informed me that on July 22, Mr. Zahir Hussein was on his way to Fuammulah and had a stop in Gan Airport. A team led by STO Hithadhoo shop Ibrahim Bebe, Hassey, Fauzy, another staff from STO Gan shop, Ahmed Naseem of Hithadhoo Jeymuge, All Season Shop Hussein and Ali Didi (STO ship unloader) visited Zahir and told him that they represent people of Addu Atoll and they were there to tell him that the three Addu MPs who walked out do not represent the people of Addu and the true MP is Hiyalee.

For information: Ali Didi is the person who unloads all the ships at Gan harbour without any bidding. All Season shop is financed by corrupt money from STO through Ibrahim Bebe. The rest of the team except Ahmed Naseem are STO staff in Addu. No information about Ahmed Naseem's background.

Ibrahim Hassan <ihassan@gmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 14:13:54 (MDT)

I think it would be worthwhile for Defence Ministry or any other government body for that matter to quote the relevant rule that they are referring to when they make public announcements about laws which we have never heard of. I don't trust anything the govt. offices are telling me these days. They can just make up laws as and when required.

Ismail
Male', K Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 11:53:45 (MDT)

It is certain that all island chiefs are fully controlled by Hameed, Gayyoom's brother. In most of the situations Katheeb's are not content in following Hameed's instructions but because of the threat paused by Hameed on their career, they are compelled to follow these barbaric instructions. I think this should be a turning point for the Katheeb's to stand against Hameed and stand with the people.

Musa fulhu <fulhu2004@hotmail.com>
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 11:35:55 (MDT)

Dear Suvaida, Refer to your posting on July 23, 2004. Thank you for giving your 'keen' legal insight to the issue of whether 133 applies or not. In reply to your first point that 'qualification' and 'right' are not the same, I fully agree. However, I implore you to READ THE CONSTITUTION because Article 134 clearly states it is the RIGHT (Haqq) of any Maldivian who fulfil the criteria prescribed in the said Article to vote in all elections to which the said article applies. Now, therefore I have the right to vote in the election of Speaker of the Special Majlis, IF, and ONLY IF, Article 134 applies to this election. You argue that because I don't belong to the 'constituency' of the Special Majlis I cannot vote, and then conclude that Article 134 does not apply to the election prescribed in Article 97(1). My argument, in case you missed it, is that IF Art 134 does not apply, then Art 133 does not apply either, BECAUSE the same wording is used where it defines which elections the Article applies to, i.e., those prescribed in Art 132, which also uses the same words. It would be a sorry state of affairs if we can take some Articles of the Constitution and interpret it in one way, and then take Articles with the same wording and interpret it in another way. The Constitution is not STO Supermarket where you go and select the brand you prefer!

AG
Male, K Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 08:12:14 (MDT)

People living is small island communities are lead to believe that any development project in their island is given by Gayyoom himself. Wake up. Its your own money and its your right as a citizen to have all public services. After 25 years in power how many islands have running water?

The Reformer
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 08:26:54 (MDT)

I would say the walk out from the parliament was a good thing if we see it with the view of the event as something which has kicked off the "real debate" of amending the constitution.

Not only Maldivians are talking about it, but even New Zealanders and their lawyers too. Everyone is contributing, which is a good sign. The public is now more aware than before in realising how loose a ground our constitution is based on.

Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 08:53:32 (MDT)

Dr. Waheed has truly spoken like a real politician.... dho...At last someone who can truly serve us all Maldivians has spoken. From his words I can see his willingness to pursue peace and integrity. Peace comes with creativity. Power needs to be exercised creatively. His view of Maldivians belonging to a much wider aspect truly emphasises his vision for us. Thank god.

Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 06:39:15 (MDT)

Defence ministra, Finance ministeruge haisiyathun Raeesul jumhooriyaa rayithunge majlis ga innan jeheyney. By the way rayithun magumathy baarah echehi bunun manaa kuraa qanoon numbaraa page numberu bunedhyfaanantha. Aharemenves beynun egaanoon balan. Thikahala iullaan govaigen aharemen vaavedheyne dhuvas maazeeve hingaje. Noveltya ahsha reform minded opposition ah varah boda shukriyaa. Government was trying a similar thing as Nasooraah dheenuge faadhiryn Injeeelu badhalu kuran ulhunuhen. Some ayathakuge bunaa echeh nuvatha eyge maana mihaaru verikamugai thibevi bodunnah kamu nudhathy. Opposition ge pressure neiynama ekameh nuvees. Vasaalaam

Rayithun
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 04:51:10 (MDT)

Questions n' questions!

I just would like to congratulate all those courageous people who truly are struggling to bring changes to our political system. As an ordinary person I want to see a change that would benefit not only a few people but to the whole countrymen. In this regard I see a number of people who are acting to be reformers with a long history of ill doing. Firstly Dr. Munavvar as a defector of current regime has numerously benefited by abusing his power and his behaviour is not new to those who are working in resorts. Its not clear how many nights he has been dragged to his bed by the employees of the resorts he stayed . Yet suddenly he emerged as a politician who is about to make promises that could challenge the current dictator! Atleast Maumoon had been very careful not to portray such a behaviour in public if indeed he is that type! The wealthy Gasim is very helpful and generously grant few dollars to those unfortunate people who seek medical attention but behind the scenes he can not even sleep a single night without having sex with a blonde'. He has hired a PR agent in each resort which the agents duty is to set the single European gals who come there to spare a night with Gasim in return the full compensation of that persons stay.

Can we follow these leaders if infact they get hold of such positions or are they suddenly become clean!

We need to bring reforms but not with the help of these people that I mentioned here!

A true reformer
Addu, Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 10:18:04 (MDT

My Question to NSS ...

What did we say that was against the law?
Is it that we want Maumoon resignation?
Is it that we want Abdullah Hameed's Resignation?
Or is it our beloved MP's are getting wet in the rain?
Please verify it for me

Thank you,

Maladi....
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 09:47:27 (MDT)

Dhivehi Observer is a 110% biased information source. I don't consider it as a bad thing when I reflect upon the political situation in Maldives. When sources like DO exists, its the common people like me who will benefit from it. We now have a choice to decide who is right and who is wrong considering that there are other websites which are biased towards the present government and which are moderately fair in dealing with the issues. The end choice will be ours of course when the time arises.

Aminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 09:42:32 (MDT)

We want a society where political bickering and personal jealousies give way to creativity, literature, art, music and spirituality." Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik in an exclusive with DO's Sappe' -

Sappe': I hope you learned some valuable lessons from Dr. Waheed and stop political bickering and personal jealousies.

No political bickering please!
Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 09:21:18 (MDT)

I support the idea of pluralistic democracy. And I believe Maumoon has too much of his family involved in his government. If we really look at it, its only two families.

I am with Democratic Ideas and activities

Murad Hassan <dolfin7@hotmail.com>
Melbourne, VIC Australia - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 08:57:59 (MDT)

Sadly, Mr. Gayyoom you're not one of the smartest reformers but, you are a stupid dictator, history will judge it.

After having scores of innocent Maldivians murdered, instead of listening to their crying, you have them carted back to police headquarters and virtually bury them somewhere for any one to find! We will bring you to justice or will bring justice to you!

You are so damn stupid, you are power corrupted, You will be there alone conducting your own defence! I promise you will be removed!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 07:03:08 (MDT)

An interesting post by goodnessbeyondylan in Anti-MDP forum.

Islam was never meant for the paradigm of the nation state. Even the first Islamic 'state' under Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was never a 'state' in the current understanding of the word. It was more of a 'community' than a state.

There has to be a strict distinction drawn between saying something against Islam as a religion and suggesting a critical re-evaluation of interpretations of Quranic texts and the the Hadith. Are we to hold that these interpretations were made in a vacuum free from any socio-cultural influences - are we, in effect, being a bit too generous with the term infallible? Note again that I am merely calling attention to the various political and cultural influences that may very well have come into play in this interpretation process.

We are operating in a world of realities which we have too often come to dismiss by pointing towards some sinister forces of Western imperialism - to dismiss 'Western' thought, as it were, under the blanket of homogeneity is misguided - the ideas of 'rationality' so gleefully criticised on AdduOnline and attributed to all 'Western' academia indiscriminately has in fact been criticised by 'Western' academia itself. It is important we learn to distinguish between the various trends in discourse without giving it an essentialist reading whether it's from the East, West or both at once.

The challenge facing Muslims must now be to accept a deficiency in conceptualising a workable theory of political philosophy within Islam to accommodate contemporary realities - for example - the nation-state; or at least address the issues involved with the decline of the nation-state as it were - and furthermore, to try and develop a viable political philosophy without indiscriminately blaming the 'sinister' forces of Western secularism.

Let me also say, Al-Mister, that the notion of 'democracy' cannot be given an autochthonous conceptualisation. That is to say to ascribe to an idea of 'democracy' one does not necessarily have to ascribe to those basic tenets of understanding that may have given rise to it - if you are indeed referring to the body of discourse heavily influenced by the Enlightenment period. For example, my idea of a democracy is a society where the only strength is that of the better argument. Notice how this does not necessarily imply a 'Western' standard of rationality - the best argument may actually be decided by recourse to Islamic principles or whatever.

Interesting point
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 01:10:13 (MDT)

Could you believe that our country must be more prepared than what we are today to protect our citizen’s rights not leaving one aside? Yes! We are now going through a very a challenging time in our history. The special Majlis has a chance to offer a constitution for the Maldives anchored in our enduring values and the rights of the people, a constitution for the people, to the people by the people energized with new ideas.

The present constitution has been a drag, and after a few years has resulted a disaster what a waste of time.

We have talked about our sufficiency, in education, health and some boasted about the constitution when they did not realise what they talked about it, which was only a imagination.

Now surely there is a sense of pride in the country among our people, especially in one another (if not for a very few), a totally new experience, affirmed their faith in their neighbours and their fellow Maldivians? I am sure it will be even better in the long run.

We should be proud of what we believe and be committed to our main beliefs. It is essential that we develop a sense of unity, personal responsibility, and mutual respect for one another and must move away from the mistrust and the bad discipline if any! And to give room to ensure that the truly needy are cared for and that we have a strong intelligence for adequate food and housing and giving room for political parties when the amendments are made.

Now Maldivians too want political leaders whose behaviour matches the selflessness of the certain respectable daring Maldivians who sacrificed their blood to this nation?. Regardless of the background, it is my dream to see the day when the amendments have been made, ensuring all Maldivians have their rights, freedom of expression, hope and opportunities not leaving one behind. Now it is just the illustrations of how values have affected the political environment, which is seen in the difference between people's attitudes, toward the direction of the country and economic reality?

I look forward for a constitution that would ensure your jobs are safe and that people will be able to provide their retirement savings when they need it for the family to ensure that all children are safe, well cared for, and have extended opportunity to practice their dreams in harmony.

Thank you,

Nazeer Ahmed Jamaal <njamaal@hotmail.com> by email

Hi KKKK,

Just to tell you all Majlis members are also automatically Special Majlis members, in addition. So Hiyalee would have been in the Special Majlis on 19th July.

Manikfan
Meedoo, Addu Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 00:52:24 (MDT)

Kuda: What is my greatest strength?

First witch: Your family members

Kuda: And what is my greatest weakness?

Second witch: Your family members

Kuda: Will I ever be defeated?

Third witch: No man or woman in Maldives will defeat you.

Kuda: Thank you, thank you. That's all I wanted to know. I will rule for ever.

[Exeunt Kuda]

First witch: Why did he leave before you could add his nemesis will be living in exile?

Third witch: deaf blind and dumb, they are led to their doom

Second witch: None sees the trap he falls.

Manikfan
Meedoo, Addu Maldives - Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 00:48:26 (MDT)

Why are the lawmakers from MDP trying so hard for a secret ballot? Is that worth halting the reform process?

One reason why I believe they are doing this is because one day when they want to criticize the government, they can say, the election was rigged. So I say to temporary chair of the parliament, NO secret ballots please! We want you to keep records of who voted for whom so you can put the records in to public domain, if they ever say the vote was rigged.

Transparent Maldives
Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 22:40:53 (MDT)

November 3rd, that's an interesting story, that we would like to know more. Will the DO interview this Hero and share the view with us.

Anbaree
Abdul Sattar Abdulla
Brisbane, Australia - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 12:10:08 (MDT)

WAKE UP before its too late.!!!!

Its time to understand! Most of us were born into this world at different times; this is like walking into movie after it had started. Unless you watch a movie from its beginning you can miss the true intent of the movie. And unless we go back and study history then you won't know the true intent of the Holy Scriptures! Question is, why was the 3rd November 1998, and why it was so carefully COVERED UP? Over a 19 Maldivians died, doesn't the death of these people account for ANYTHING? Who is responsible for all the money that was stolen from the country's treasury? Who's responsible for the inhumane treatment of Maldivian businessmen? Who is destroying Systematically the political opponents? Mr. Gayyoom is not only corrupted he is unbelievable.

We the ordinary Maldivians are very worried about Maumoony actions; we feel that he is going to destroy our country.

Please, All pro-reformers, we support the work your doing, and we are desperate like you people to bring down this government.

A true Maldivian voice.

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 11:34:20 (MDT)

"Without freedom of discussion, without the right of examining the methods and objectives of the party in power and criticizing its acts, democracy becomes an empty name. Unity of purpose, however essential to the existence of the nation, cannot be achieved by suppressing this freedom; but it can be realized in a democracy where common standards are accepted and where the principles of the Bill of Rights are maintained."

J. C. Miller, Crisis in Freedom: the Alien and Sedition Acts

Abdull <fere@hotmail.com>
Rasheh, Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 10:35:52 (MDT)

Interview: Gene Sharp

Gene Sharp

Gene Sharp is a senior scholar at the Albert Einstein Institute for Peace and is the author of the seminal texts on the theory behind non-violent conflict.

On the strategies and techniques of successful non-violent opposition movements:

Among the factors that increase the chances of success are:

The clear determination of the issues and the selection of achievable objectives and careful assessment of the conflict situation, including the strengths and weaknesses of the two sides and then the dependencies between the two sides;

Wise planning of how the non-violent is to be conducted; that is, the development of a realistic strategy for the conflict in the face of the opponents � people also talk about strategy, but not everybody who does knows much about it.

Building on the strengths of the non-violent group in focusing their action on the weaknesses of the opponents, which are really there, believe it or not, especially relating the dependence of the opponents on the non-violent group, which is at present makes the opponent subject to the influence of non-cooperation.

Aggravating pre-existing weaknesses of the opposing group, because they're never as strong as they tell you they are;

Ability and willingness of the non-violent group to act in a disciplined way and to apply the planned strategy despite the opponent's repression, which among other things means non-violent discipline, but not passivity, discipline in continuing resistance.

And, lastly, the action in accordance with the knowledge of how non-violent struggle operates and what makes it succeed and fail, and there are others. But probably the most difficult of these factors for groups to achieve is the development of a wise strategy for the struggle.

will be continued......

Abdull <fere@hotmail.com>
Rasheh, Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 10:23:32 (MDT)

HI Shareef / Hithadoo

I think you are very much confused .Hon Mr Hiyalee is a member of Peoples Majlis not a member of special Majlis. So he was not at the meeting at all. How can he walk out of the meeting while he was not there???????????

When we say something , why don't we look at the facts.

scorpion
kkkkkk
Male, k Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 10:21:14 (MDT)

After 30 years of dollar earning tourism, government still cannot afford medical care to ordinary citizens. Even the little money government gives to each person is given from Theemuge in Maumoon's name, which shows the hypocrisy of the man. Recently a friend had liver disease and died while he was waiting for the reply of his letter from Theemuge. Ironically, Maumoon has robbed from the people and spent US$ 64 million to build his palace and people are paying the price with their lives. We have sacrificed too much for too long.

The reformer
Male', Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 09:10:53 (MDT)

PLEASE ...PLEASE ...PLEASE ...PLEASE ...EVERYONE

Don't let them put a lid on the events of 19th July. As said Gayyoom promised justice when he was met by MP's and see how they are trying to hide the truth on the public radio, TV and on there newspapers. And what is the meaning of "NIZAAMEE" in this context....LOL

You should all agree with me that the only way to stop this is to plan a public rally calling for the immediate resignation of Hameed and to raise a case against him. We all have enough evidence this time and have 25 MP's to support the facts. I am sure if we allow this event to go by and forget we will never be able to win.

Can anyone, talk with our MP's and arrange a rally. I am sure, if we can even get a good 100 people to support this rally genuinely, NSS cannot stop us and they cannot arrest us all.

So PLEASE can someone arrange something....

PS. For our MP's - don't forget to allow public rallies in our new constitution.

Zeena <loabi_zeena@hotmail.com>
Male, K Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 08:59:34 (MDT)

Maumoon has strengthened his powerbase by promoting corruption in Maldives and giving a safe haven for corrupt ministers. He let Ilyas amass his wealth, but when Ilyas wanted to come to power, he exposed him and started court case. Same will happen to Anbaree if he doesn't keep his loyalty. This is a grand mafia where nobody can escape,

The reformer
Male', Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 07:09:02 (MDT)

Rose to power following the resignation of former president Mr. Nasir. It was not a military coup or systematic persecution which brought Mr. Gayyoom to power, he just happened to be the one. Keep in mind that Mr. Gayyoom is a dictator with a help of the Maldivian people, was he a dictator in his early years in office? against whom? Why is he a dictator now? All these questions must be answered?

However Mr. Gayyoom still think that he is as loved as he were when he was first elected into power.

News flash for him !!! I promise he is not !!!!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 07:00:48 (MDT)

The public should gather outside the Majlis next session and show their support to the elected members. We cant let our elected members to be intimidated again. They are the true representatives of the people. Hameed and cabinet ministers do not represent the people. They are appointed by Maumoon. The first law of the new constitution should be to bar cabinet ministers from Special Majlis and the other Majlis.

My Maldives
Male', Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 06:48:28 (MDT)

I hope your hard work will bring some change to this country....

Fathih/Jahaamugurige <shaiday3@hotmail.com>
Dhevvadhoo, Ga Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 06:36:40 (MDT)

My dear AG,

Please refer to your posting here on 22 July. Note that 'qualification' and 'right' are not the same. You may qualify as a voter by the criteria in 134, but you don't have the right to vote unless you belong to the constituency. You claim 134 (as well as 133) does not apply to the election of speaker of special Majlis. But surely you will agree that 134 applies to election of members of People's Majlis. Now imagine the ludicrous situation you will be in, if you belong to Male (as you stated in the posting) and if you insist that you have a right to vote in a bi-election for the Haa Alifu Majlis seat. Election officials will politely tell you that you have no right to vote in Haa Alif elections.

For each election stipulated in the constitution the constituency/electorate is quite clear. This is why there is no separate clause to say that only voters belonging to the constituency have the right to vote. In contrast, when it comes to secret ballot, a separate clause is required to specify this because the clauses describing some constitutional elections don't go to that detail. That is why 133 is there.

Suvaida
Hithadu, Addu Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 04:59:30 (MDT)

Dear Dr. Hassan Saeed,

As a fellow Adduan, I wonder why you allowed Abdullah Hameed to use your PHD as a fig leaf to cover his shame.

Please read clause 133 of the constitution which I reproduce here:

"133. Voting in election's' and public referendums stipulated in the Constitution and the law shall be by secret ballot." [Inverted commas around 's' added for emphasis.]

Now answer the following two questions:

1. If, as you say, it applies only to the SINGLE case of President's election (clause 35) then why is the word 'elections' in PLURAL?

2. If, as you say, each clause dealing with every individual election that needs to be conducted through secret ballot should specifically say 'secret ballot' as in clause 35, then won't that make clause 133 redundant? What is the big idea in saying secret ballot is required for all constitutional positions, when you have already said this separately for each constitutional position? Do you think the lawmakers were so dumb not to realize this while drafting the constitution?

Now please use your brain. The existence of 133 can only be justified if there is at least one clause describing a constitutional election without specifying 'secret ballot.' The purpose of 133 is to leave no doubt that even if each such clause does not mention 'secret ballot,' even then this method is mandated.

Puzzled? Still wondering why clause 35 mentions 'secret ballot' when 133 makes this apparently unnecessary? The clue is the importance the current constitution gives to the President. Compare the number of clauses dealing with the president and the number of clauses dealing with the Majlis. You will see that a lot of detail is given regarding the president. The mentioning of 'secret ballot' is simply part of this detail.

The purpose of going to this detail is to leave no room for any confusion that a future Speaker could use to intimidate voters to get a nominee of his choice endorsed by the Majlis as President. Otherwise, who knows, come another day and another election and the following scene will be played out in parliament:

Speaker: "Honorable members of People's Majlis, I bring to you greetings from our beloved President. The first item on the agenda is election of a president for the next five years. I intend to conduct the nomination by show of hands, since we always vote on bills presented to this Majlis by show of hands."

Opposition member: "But Mr. Speaker, the constitution specifies secret ballot for this election. We want a secret ballot."

Speaker: "The constitution is only talking about the public referendum part of the election. I'll now give the floor to our AG to clarify the situation."

Dr. Attorney General: "The speaker is absolutely correct. What we are doing in the Majlis is technically only the 'nomination.' The actual election of the president is the public referendum part. It is only that part that needs to be done by secret ballot. For the information of you ignorant guys, parliaments all over world generally have 'show of hands' as the preferred method of voting. In contrast, all public voting is done through secret ballot. It is therefore quite obvious that it is only the public referendum part of the election that needs to be secret."

[Note: this is a hypothetical scenario. Any resemblance to a person living, dead or lynched in the future is purely coincidental and unintended.]

Suvaida
Hithadu, Addu Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 04:09:44 (MDT)

Hi All

Have anyone of you ever wondered about the policies of the MDP? Well I have and I have no clue as to what they are. It is my belief that a party should make clear what their stand is on issues. They should have a clear framework or plan of action, of their intentions. As Maldivians, I think it is out right to ask this of the MDP and all the other parties that have formed. I want to know what you stand for. (yeah yeah we have all heard it, freedom, democracy and blah blah blah) But please put it in writing and issue it!

Buruga Girl
Hamilton, WK NZ - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 02:25:39 (MDT)

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Code of ethics of Aljazeera (Aljazeera website)

1. Adhere to the journalistic values of honesty, courage, fairness, balance, independence, credibility and diversity, giving no priority to commercial or political considerations over professional ones.

2. Endeavour to get to the truth and declare it in our dispatches, programmes and news bulletins unequivocally in a manner which leaves no doubt about its validity and accuracy.

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4. Welcome fair and honest media competition without allowing it to affect adversely our standards of performance so that getting a 'scoop' will not become an end in itself.

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6. Recognise diversity in human societies with all their races, cultures and beliefs and their values and intrinsic individualities in order to present unbiased and faithful reflection of them.

7. Acknowledge a mistake when it occurs, promptly correct it and ensure it does not recur.

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10. Stand by colleagues in the profession and offer them support when required, particularly in light of the acts of aggression and harassment to which journalists are subjected at times. Cooperate with Arab and international journalistic unions and associations to defend freedom of the press.

Codey
Male', Maldives - Friday, July 23, 2004 at 01:17:06 (MDT)

Good Day to you from Maldives

In the capacity of a Maldivian citizen I believe I have a right to express my views and opinion on the debate.
As we all believe we Maldivians are very sympathetic and warm hearted people, we forgive and we forget. Let us go back to some of the events of the past.

Let us take the case of STO (the biggest fraud in the history of Maldives) Mr. Ilyas and Mr. Abdul Sattar (Sato). There are lots of questions about this case- Who is the culprit? Who is responsible for all the money that was stolen from the countries treasury? Is it not questionable? These are questions that are yet to be answered.

Let us take the event of November 3rd attack. Who is responsible for the security of the country? As far as we all know a prominent business man in the Maldives informed the concern authorities almost eight months prior to the attack and the information was kept secret among the high ranking authorities. Intelligence was given but no action taken. As a result 18 people were killed – Who is responsible for the failures? The person who reported the matter or the people who are responsible for our security of the country?

On the 4th of November 1988 President did gave a speech on Radio regarding the event that took place on the 3rd November. Mr. President said that the government of the Maldives received no prior information on this attack - But the speech Mr. President gave to the parliament contradicted with what he said on the 4^th November. Please refer to the texts of the speech published in the news paper. President says and I quote ‘ A guy called Abdul Majeed Khalid had given prior information of the attack to the Defence Minister Mr. Illyas Ibrahim and the government had taken adequate steps based on the information and that is the reason why the terrorists failed. However, we did request the person who provided the information to go back to Colombo to get more information of the plot”. What a lie to the public? Does the President believe that we all are fools to believe him? We kept quite because the county is governed by an iron fist and only because of that. We all know what has happened. And we all know who is responsible.
I think we should bring those responsible to justice. We should not neglect our responsibilities.

Although I personally don’t know Mr. Abdul Majeed Khalid I know that he is a prominent business man in the Maldives maintaining a low profile. He is a respectable business man. May be we can get a clear picture of the episode if we can interview him.
Please publish this information on your web page and let the people refresh their memories of the past.

Received by Fax on 22 July 2004 from Male'

Dear Readers

Can you find more information about this company, according to my contact in Japan. THIS COMPANY HAS 2 STAFFS AND THE OFFICE IS IN A RESIDECE (MAGURUO BULDING)
THIS IS A PERSONLA FRIEND OF MINISTER SOBIR.
WE DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A PR OFICE IN JAPAN.
"UMITHOSHIMAANU TABI" IS MORE THEN ENOUGHT FOR MALDIVES
----- Original Message -----
From: Ifham
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 12:29 PM
Subject: PR Representative in JAPAN

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you that Publicis K.K has been appointed as the official Public Relations Representative of the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board in Japan. Below please find their address for your information.

Ms. Mika Archer
Publicis K.K.
10F JR Tokyu Meguro Building,
3-1-1 Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo 141-0021, JAPAN
Telephone: +81 3 5719 8901
Fax: +81 3 5719 8959
Email:mika.archer@publicis.co.jp

Warm regards.

Ifham Niyaz
Senior Marketing Officer
MALDIVES TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD

Aage, 3rd Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu
Malé, Republic of Maldives
Tel: +960 323228
Fax: +960 323229

check our website www.visitmaldives.com for comprehensive information about
the Maldives.

______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
______________________________________________________________________

Mohamed <mohamed@tourisam.gov>
Male, Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 22:56:31 (MDT)

One day Mr. Gayyoom, like all humans you too will die and will have to answer for your action, action that are against the teaching of Islam, that will be the time you will regret your action and wished you had never done such a thing, It will tooooooooooo late for you, you will burn in the Hellfire.

How long your going to ban the democratic reform in the Maldives.????????

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 10:37:03 (MDT)

I think Gayyoom is going to put an end to all this and arrest most of the people involved in these reforms. Only the people who are prudent and patience will survive to replace Gayyoom's administration.

Rasheed
Male, Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 21:32:51 (MDT)

Dear Maumoon the President of Maldives

Political websites are banned in Maldives. May be it does not protect the tenets of Islam or maybe it causes violence.

BUT THE GREAT PROTECTOR OF ISLAM IN MALDIVES, YOU Mr. PRESIDENT MAUMOON ABDUL GAYOOM YOU ALLOW PORN SITES.

I'm sick of these hypocrites.

A Maldivian
Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 08:01:15 (MDT)

Why is the government planning to set a budget for 3 years instead of the one year rule. I feel something very fishy. Can the reformers stop Maumoon from fleeing the country with our money?

I have heard from different sources that this will be his last term, and ,many of his cronies have been setting plans to flee the country from about 4 months back( this was confirmed by a son of a minister, I have recorded tape with me as proof). What ever they can they will try to "bandu alhaalan". All Maldivians should stop this happening, Maumoon and his cronies has to be tried in a court of law for the crimes they have done. We should stop them fleeing by any means.

Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 19:34:27 (MDT)

I think DO reader's poll serves a greater purpose than most people think. I know its been ridiculed by anti-reform parties in the past. I don't look at how many people have voted. To me its irrelevant, people a lot of people vote more than once anyways. I look at the percentage. And what I see is the biggest opinion poll on Gayyoom popularity. It fluctuates, sometimes goes up, sometimes goes down.

Still Gayyoom has been having around 20 percent popularity for sometime.

Ibu
Male, Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 07:47:10 (MDT)

Yameen,

You are a dictator you crazy !!

Well lets look at the check list:
Unelected? Check? Use influence and xenophobia to boost popularity? Check? Total control of the Maldivian trade so they never say a bad word against you? Check? Do anything to get your hand on Maldivian treasury? Check? Inhumane treatment of Maldivian businessmen? Check? Face it you're a dictator and no amount of gloss will hide that fact..... or the fact you're a borderline retard!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stgt, Germany - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 16:45:09 (MDT)

"It is true that Article 133 states that elections dictated by the constitution and laws should be held by secret ballot. However, it is also true that the very next Article, Article 134 states that EVERY PERSON fulfilling the criteria of (a) being a Muslim, (b) being a Maldivian citizen, (c) older than 21 years; (d) being of sane mind; and (e) not under detention; has the right to vote in any election dictated by the constitution and laws. THEREFORE, if as these MPs are claiming, Article 133 applies to the election of the Speaker for the Special Majlis, THEN Article 134 will also apply. This means that all of us Maldivians fulfilling the eligibility criteria specified in Article 134 has the constitutional right to vote in the election of the Speaker for Special Majlis. This means that Article 97 (1) which states that the said election should be held during the first meeting of the said Majlis should be open to all of us who are eligible to participate in the said election. I must be dumb and ignorant because I truly cannot see how we could all participate this meeting. IF we cannot participate, then the election would not be valid if Article 134 applies to this election. But then if Article 134 does NOT apply to the election, we do not face this problem. BUT, how can Article 134 not apply while Article 133 applies? If Article 133 applies, then 134 must apply. THEREFORE, the reverse is also true. Since 134 does not apply to the election of Speaker of Special Majlis, then Article 133 does NOT apply either"

AG
Male, K Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 17:00:09 (MDT)

It's time to change the whole government. the cabinet has definitely got to change...they are too old and high time they retired (they'd have had enough money to live a luxurious life in a Beverly hills mansion). They've emptied out the whole treasury for god's sake!!!

With so many educated people (numerous PhDs) around without a decent job, it's time they got a chance to put into action what they have learnt.

Emmen baalaa...furathama Yaantey!!

Aharen
Male, K Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 15:54:04 (MDT)

For one I am quite annoyed to hear the Defense Ministry's announcement tonight. four days after the historical walk out of the MPs from the Majlis they have concluded that the people have voiced 'something' illegal 'near government offices' on 19th July and also here they have asserted that the MPs left the Majlis because of an issue on difference on opinion about a 'nizaam' rather than a matter of conflict to the constitution.

This time they must have taken time address on this as they must have realized the old tricks are not working anymore and they are faced with a new reality but they seemed to have resorted back to the old trick of intimidation.

If the Defense Ministry can conveniently state the MPs walk out is because of a 'nizaam' issue then it seems there's no place the people can take this problem for justice. Already the criminal court has turned down the case, the AG promptly choose to oppose the claim and here again the Defense Ministry have concluded their status on this.

I call upon our MPs not to let this kind of lawless announcement take over the constitutional right of people. I remember seeing some where in the constitution, granting freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly to the people.

Constitutional rights must be protected
KL, PS Malaysia - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 13:16:14 (MDT)

Dear DO,

Comment on the article titled "Kendi Abdhu ge Vaahaka".

I would like to note that Gayyoom was abandoned from his mother at the young age of 14 or so, and he never got to see her again. This depravation would have obviously led to some psychological consequences.

Kanfatheh
Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 13:15:24 (MDT)

To M.D.P members elected for Special Majlis:-

You are becoming a nuisance.

It's time we move ahead with the reform process. Now you have successfully hijacked this process and you are trying to publicize your own selves regardless of the consequences.

We the ordinary Maldivians are very worried about your actions and reactions. We feel that you are going to destroy our country sooner or later. If you want to reform go ahead and change the constitution. We are behind you. But we are not going dance to your every tune.

Just as we quietly doubted, your intentions are not in the best interest of the country. You are interested in one thing only: power to your side and punish those who punished you. This is becoming more and more a personal vendetta.

If you think as Maldivians you have the right to do whatever you want, I must remind you that there are 270000 more Maldivians who have exactly the same rights as you have but are been ignored by both the government and you. Don't ever think that we are not listening. Don't ever think we are stupid and are going to watch you destroy our country. Now we are getting a little impatient about the whole affair. If you keep pushing for your personal gains, you will soon have to face the "people's power". We will not go to court and file a lawsuit against you rather the court will come to you.

Just keep this in mind � we are very quiet so far because we wanted to give you enough time to do the right thing for our country. We waited and listened to you as any good citizen would do, not because we don't know what's going on nor are we ignorant. We perfectly understand what's good for our country and that's exactly what we want. Nothing less (period)

People's Power
Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 12:07:19 (MDT)

Mr. Shareef from Hithadhoo

You said about Hiyalee "During your time in the Majlis, can you tell me how many times you spoke in the parliament? I head that you raised your hand only once and that was when you wanted to excuse yourself to go to a toilet."

Just before that you said "I have voted you in the last election?"

This is exactly our problem. Only when you have something bad to say about Hiyalee you remembered that he didn't speak in the parliament during all this time as your MP. But when you went to vote for him you didn't bother to find out what he did (rather what he didn't do) in the past or perhaps you just ignored what you knew about him and went on to vote because someone asked you to do so or perhaps Hiyalee promised some thing for your island foot ball team.

We need to be more responsible than this. We must find out what are the capabilities or qualifications of those we elect for public offices before doing so. Then we will not have to regret later.

I hope you will not make the same mistake again when electing members for your atoll in People's Majlis. Soon you will find out who is running for those two seats. I know for sure Buruma Gasim is financing for one candidate. Just find out for yourself which one of these candidates can do something for you in the parliament instead of looking for someone who can do something for you before election.

(Another) Shareef from Hithadhoo
Hithadhoo, S Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 11:35:23 (MDT)

Dear NSS Officer,

Your conspiracy theories grow wilder by the day. Can a dictator like Gayyoom, who is pretending to the international community to be a nice lad, afford to declare marshal law? I don't think so. Please put a lid to your theories, please. It's just so annoying.

Kanfatheh
Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 07:10:26 (MDT)

It appears that all lawyers who do not bow to the Bengali Prince Shuaib will be either intimidated, humiliated or perhaps very soon prosecuted. Dr Munavvar lost his position because he dint think very highly of Shuaib. Dr Saeed can survive as long as he places Shuaib above the law and never criticise or disagree with him.

Dhivehi law association
Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 06:16:37 (MDT)

Dear Haveeru news editor,

Just to let you know the truth,

According to the Peoples Majlis staffs, they have received special training (Riharsal) before the first sitting of SP Majlis session. They were told Mr Zahir will be the presidential candidate and the government wants him to be elected, the staffs need to practice to write down the name of the people who vote against Mr. Zahir as quickly as possible without letting other members to know.

The staffs were instructed by Mr Abdullah Hameed to write down the names of members who vote against Mr. Seena Zahir. Mr Nasheed selected a group of staffs to perform this illegal activity and each were given small piece of paper (special type) to write down the names of members who vote against Mr. Zahir. If the government is refusing to investigate this case for the benefit of Maldivian people then we will take these names to the relevant authorities to justify that the speaker was prepared to undermine the present constitution.

Furthermore, Mr. Zahir's oath was also written and prepared before the meeting knowing that he would be elected.

Please, for the benefit of this country, allow this case to be investigated, we have strong evidence yet to prove the Speaker of Majlis was ready to break the law and take everything into his own hands for his own benefit.

Maldivians will never allow this case to be buried, we know what has happened on that day and what happened before that day. We need justice.

Naseema Thaufeegu <aishathmanike@hotmail.com> by email

Mr. Abdullah Hameed,

Well done comrade! you're one of the big boys!

When you're not holding speeches about how everyone is equal in the democratic society, you're busy living the high-life while thousands of Maldivians starve for reform.

Freeze or get lost.
You zany person you !!!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 03:29:01 (MDT)

Thanks to DO for bringing out a very important legal issue in reporting the sacking of Justice Fahmy.

Does Article 117 of the Constitution give the President arbitrary powers to appoint and remove judges, purely based on personal preferences?

As DO reports, the article states : "Where in the opinion of the President, the Chief Justice or a judge of the High Court fails to satisfactorily discharge his duties and responsibilities ...the president may remove such person from office"

What does the phrase "in the opinion of the President" mean? The time has now come for Maldivian lawyers to interpret what it means. But what we know is that constitutional experts in all democratic countries are unanimous that similar phrases in their constitutions do not mean personal opinion based on likes and dislikes. Rather, it means a considered opinion, based on facts, tradition, legal advice etc.

Manikfan
Meedoo, Addu Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 03:20:24 (MDT)

Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom.

You are one of the more creative of the dictators.

When not writing poetry you're devising your own version of democracy. As over two hundred thousand Maldivians had suffered too long because of your little experiment, you should have stuck to writing sappy songs.

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 03:09:38 (MDT)

"Politician's by default"

According to Mr. Ismail Saadiq (some argue should be the next president) we must move from complaining and putting some action, sorry I was mistaken that was from an article he plagiarised. He is known to do this kind of things for some time. Frankly I am disappointed he did not apologised for this to readers. This is the standard of some our so called Politician's . Are these people really good enough to run the government. Lets say Mr. Gasim Ibrahim is he capable of running the government? I know he has sent people abroad for medical reasons or even bought few families a book list? Would that be enough, Can Mr. Gasim come up with a good health or education plan for the government?

I was also surprised when I found out what a lousy job MDP had done in making its manifesto. People can talk about borrowing ideas from others, but when copying whole paragraph is in my opinion hardly called borrowing. We do not want a Ration Democracy. Frankly I am disappointed why MDP has officially not talked or tried to change this. In my opinion when we are talking about changes we except mistakes to happen, but one would try to come terms with it instead to not talking about it or ignoring it (remember that is what Maumoon has been doing last 27 years)

Please, All pro-reforms, we support whole heatedly the work you doing, and we are desperate like you people to bring down the government. How ever, don't treat regular citizens like me as dumb people ( like Mammon has been doing last 27 year).

Please let us be informed about you guys "policies" I really want to hear about it. In my opinion parties like MDP are either not thought about it or really does not care about this issues. I want any person who is coming to president in future to be responsible for his ideas and policies. People like Sappe' or Anni always talk about about Pluralist democracy. I thought in pluralistic democracy politicians promise certain issues to their electorate before they come to power.

For example I ask this question, Will a government from MDP promise an appropriate labour laws in Maldives in the first term of their government?

I also like to ask Sappe' once a new government is in place, would that government give freedom to media in an extent about drawing cartoons about high ranking government officials. e.g. would you allow cartoons to be drawn about you and distributed .

Well I always thought politician's should be rated on their effective ness to propose then implement better policies for the country. Unfortunately some Moldavians are becoming politicians by default.

zoom7
USA - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 02:26:03 (MDT)

The smart-alec had me fooled for quite sometime. Posing as several different persons from different islands he created an impression that he had a mass base, wile actually he was just a one-man-show. But all smart guys make a mistake sooner or later.

Good bye, Mr. Smart Alec.

Rasheeda
Rasdoo, AA. Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 00:51:17 (MDT)

While Hameed is seriously ill in Singapore, Majlis announces its next session. Is this the cue for the drop of curtain on Hameed's parliamentary career?

Few people would be sorry to see the back (pun not intended) of the man who almost single-handedly blocked the winds of democracy blowing towards the Maldivian shores during the last 25 years.

President Maumoon needs to be smart like the a chess grandmaster who sacrifices his queen (pun not intended) to gain a winning position. Or perhaps, brave like a man who sacrifices his cancerous limb to save his life.

Manikfan
Meedoo, Addu Maldives - Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 00:40:25 (MDT)

People should gather and show their support for members who are sacrificing their lives, family and property for our freedom. In the next meeting of the constitutional assembly the public should gather in front of parliament house and call for the resignation of the so called president of the Majlis.

saamaraa <saamaraa@hotmail.com>
male, male Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 23:42:41 (MDT)

TheMaldivian is Maumoon's internet mouth piece. So everytime anyone refers to that site, can you please say "Maumoon's mouth piece, TheMaldivian" or "TheMaldivian, Maumoon's mouth piece"

Hussain Riyaz
Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 20:20:54 (MDT)

I am sure we can find a way to pursue this further. The members could write to Gayyoom and ask for advice. We should not let Hameed get out of this through a legal loop hole, and especially that of a Justice ministry circular.

For the record we must inform the Majlis that the speaker is in breach of the law and the members must question Hameed in the Majlis.

Raazee
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 21:24:56 (MDT)

Losing your job, going broke and moving back home after living so luxury for years would be tough on anyone. Its even tougher when you're a former dictator who once had the power to torture opponents at will. Mr. Gayyoom made a history for becoming the longest serving President of the Republic of Maldives.

"If America is the father of modern democracy we are basically the mother of the modern democracy" he said on the republic day speech in 1987.

How long is he going to fool the Maldivians and the whole world in general?

It is always a a temptation to feel sorry for the jobless, but Mr. Gayyoom would you please get lost now we had enough from you. Please let us (the Maldivians) alone.

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 16:55:26 (MDT)

I think we should not loose the momentum of these reforms, but sitting and waiting for Gayoom to let us know what is in the constitution. His AG has told clearly that Hameed was right and we are wrong, so there is nothing Gayoom can say about this. He is buying time and we should not let him off the hook.

I think we should continue to meet in the evenings. If he can give Nazim the authority, we can find another 100 Nazims to apply for meetings. This should continue and please don't loose this opportunity.

Latheef
Perth, Australia - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 16:24:58 (MDT)

Dear readers,

Can a Maldivian judge issue an international arrest order for Mr. Gayyoom, if he resign now and go for exile???

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 16:11:01 (MDT)

I have some comments and some advice for Dr. Saeed (Attorney General) and Mohamed Rasheed (Hiyalee) Honourable member of the People's Majlis for Addu Atoll.

Dr Saeed! You are educated, respected and above all very young. You must remember that this is a dying regime in it's death bed and they have Maldivian blood on their hands. As the AG, you are supposed to serve the Maldivian State not the government which is beyond all doubts corrupt and incompetent. You will have enough time in your life to become much more respected and loved if you stop backing such a regime now. You see they are using you as a puppet and a "boy" to support their illicit and illegal activities and they are making you as a fool. When you make stupid comments on their behalf like you recently did in the first session of Special Majlis they will tell you that you are great, but when they go home they will laugh each other and say you are nothing but another half fool. See what happened to Dr. Munawwaru. When they are done with you they will dump you too. I and most of my fellow citizens of Addu Atoll feel that you deserve some respect. So stand up on your own feet. If you can not do your job properly then tell Maumoon, enough is enough and go home. I am sure you will get a better job. So don't interpret the constitution in their most stupid and laughable way, we also know Dhivehi and we can easily understand a sentence with less than 20 words like Article 133 of the Maldivian Constitution. Can you please refer to the Oxford Dictionary to see the real meaning of the word "transparency". By the way you were out of Addu Atoll for very long time and have you been here recently? I am not sure and if you haven't been here recently, come and visit us in Addu including your own island Feydhoo, see how far we have progressed and how rich and wealthy we are, how many of us are employed, how many schools and hospitals are here and how good their services are. Let me tell you a truth. We are third class half citizens of Maldives. Give you a very simple clue. Why are you staying in Male' in a rented room when you have your own family house in Addu. Simple eh. So this is the real face of the regime you are trying to cover. Among the Maldivians we the people of Addu have a proud history and we deserve a little respect. I hope you read this and decide some thing better for you and respect our dignity at the same time.

Hon. Member Mr. Rasheed (Hiyalee). You have shown who you really are on the 19th of July. I have voted you in the last election and have every right to question you. It was not Maumoon nor Hameed not even Yameen who sent you to the Parliament rather it is we the people of Addu Atoll who elected you to the seat now you are sitting. Why the hell on earth you didn't go with the rest of our members in that parliament. Were you stuck to the seat you were sitting in the parliament. You are nothing but a waste for us so shame on you. There is no need to remind you of your duties as an elected member from Addu Atoll. It is very clear now that you are either incompetent or unwilling to fulfil your obligation as a member. We are not thirsty for your water melons any more, it tastes bitter now. So don't try to fool us any more. Your time is up. Get ready to be appointed by the President rather than elected by us. There are few other appointed members when they are heavily rejected by their respected Atoll voters, so be among them. When we rejected Sikkagey Manikfaan, Maumoon appointed him too. So we won't be surprised. During your time in the Majlis, can you tell me how many times you spoke in the parliament? I heard that you raised your hand only once and that was when you wanted to excuse yourself to go to a toilet. Now we now who you are so don't expect us to repeat same mistake again.

Note: Sappe, could you please email this to both these gentlemen. I don't have their email address.

Shareef <sharif0665@hotmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 16:08:10 (MDT)

LET US ALL GO TO DHIRAAGU TOGETHER ON SUNDAY TO SOLVE THE INTERNET PROBLEM LIKE WE DID ON 19TH JULY 2004 IN HEP'S OFFICE

MS <ms@peoplesmajlis.gov>
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 12:53:07 (MDT)

I have just received a call from a long time friend of mine requesting to represent an opposition group to stand for elections from Male' Atoll. I am told they are courting possible candidates and is offering free election posters and travel to all the islands and to offer the people of the atoll a comprehensive development plan including special discounts for imported goods & medical trips to neighbouring countries. They are also "promising" large donations to island development projects and an office space in Male' for running the affairs of the campaign.

I just want to know whether anyone else have received such an offer. I am offered Rf.50,000 for a sign up bonus. I am told credible, & educated people are among the candidates.

Hassan
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 11:32:28 (MDT)

Contingency plans are made for a military take over of Maldives. We have been informed that the constitution will be revoked and emergency rule will be used to quell if there is any violence.

The President is going to dissolve both houses of parliament until a new constitution is introduced and he will run a caretaker government until the elections are held late 2007.

Gayyoom will offer Munawwaru a caretaker cabinet post and appoint Gasim as a senior Advisor.

NSS Officer
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 11:19:45 (MDT)

Dear Fazal,

"Can democracy and secularism co-exist? When a majority of the people rejects secular laws, how can we become secularized? At this issue there is not even need to think about globalization."

Your point is valid in the sense that we as a country disregard the view that a country cannot perform on its own in this sphere of ours (especially a country like ours). The sovereignty is ours to perform with the will of the people. Is there a chance that we be alienated in doing so from what we see what's happening around the world today? As I can understand, secularism is different from saying that the state should be separate from religion.

Aiminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 10:52:44 (MDT)

I hope you take lessons from the Filipino uprisings when they brought the former dictator Marcos down. We have to continue this agitation and to involve the youth into these reforms.

We must continue more meetings and gatherings in Male and other islands to ensure we don't loose the momentum of these events. Gayyoom will do his utmost to distract us from various events, like the new increase of wages next month and to give resorts to all reformists. In the past this was his tactics and even Gasim fell for these "giveaways".

Gayyoom will do all what is possible to keep the reformists busy building the new resorts.

Hadhee
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 10:31:30 (MDT)

BY THE WAY HAMDHOON IS WITH HIS DAD IN SINGAPORE!

Haseen
MALE, K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 10:31:14 (MDT)

Hey RAAMIZ! I tried taking your advice and giving money to Mrs. Zahir to overturn a decision in court. However, not only did she refuse to take the "tea money" from me, but she even refused to discuss the problem with me. I was told to go and speak to Mr. Zahir at 11.00 am at the Justice Ministry (which is his allocated time everyday to receive complaints regarding the courts). It turns out that this is the standard answer that both Mr & Mrs Zahir or any other residents of Seena give to people who come over to discuss court issues.

Why don't we all drop these petty claims and stick to something more constructive? Some readers are of the view that Mr. Zahir is not in tune with the public, and thus may not be fit enough to be the President of the Special Majlis. There have also been concerns that as Mr. Zahir represents the government, the proceedings at the Majlis may not be impartial. As for the other candidate, Mr. Gasim Ibrahim, not too many people have discussed what we stand to gain from from him. My question to readers of this forum is that how can Mr. Gasim contribute by being the President of the Special Majlis? (Don't get me wrong, but sometimes just because you are good at one thing, and kind hearted, does not necessarily make you fit and competent in other areas.)

Kuvveriyaa
Male, K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 09:41:57 (MDT)

If Gayyoom has any will to serve our nation well, he should raise the issue of Hameed, sack him and jail him for he has done.

I see Monday's happening very funny, like going to BIG daddy (Gayyoom) with complains and he pats them and sends them home. This the true Maldivian politics.

If Hamdhoon had not stopped his gay father it would have been fun, I mean real politics. There is no way we can stop this family matter other than ******* BIG daddy. He sitting in his palace plans everything ...

Zeena <loabi_zeena@hotmail.com>
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 08:30:58 (MDT)

Hameed has told Gayyoom that he will not resign from Majlis and to stop pushing him (to resign). Hameed says he has the power in the Majlis to impeach Gayyoom and take over the throne. Hameed's children (including Hamdhoon, Shaheen and Fathin are fuming at Yameen, as they all blame Yameen for all these problems.

Most of the kids agree with Hameed that Gayyoom made a mistake to meet these MPs, opening a floodgate for future grievances. According to the kids, this was a wrong precedent and people will walk to Theemuge every time they are not happy.

Breaking News
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 08:28:21 (MDT)

Hameed is NOT a politician. He is a sick, old, gay dying man.

Falah <a_falah@yahoo.com>
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 08:19:17 (MDT)

Maumoon can allow porn sites but not sites like DO.

Falah <a_falah@yahoo.com>
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 08:15:40 (MDT)

Maumoon should sideline Hameed if he is to command any respect from the people. Its time Maumoon realized that stupid arrogant politicians should go...

Magey raajje
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 08:06:39 (MDT)

I have stopped writing in this forum because the system used in DO Forum, I feel, is inefficient for quoting. Can DO bring a system where we can quote others in an easy way. Now its a big pain in the neck.

Aiminath lahufa adam
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 07:44:40 (MDT)

Gayyoom says he wants reform.. he wants separation of powers.... but one day before the first Special Majlis meeting, he invited 35 Majlis members to his office and ask them to vote for Seena Zahir as the speaker. The constitution clearly says its up to the Majlis members to choose the speaker... now why should Gayyoom bother about this? Is this the kind of separation of powers he meant on 9th June? Its just the first meeting and they were talking about electing a speaker, just imagine what he would do when they start voting on the actual reforms he promised!! And yet again, this proves the reforms wont happen.... This whole thing is a game for the international media....

AN
Male, K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 07:03:21 (MDT)

The youngest child in the family asks dad 'what is politics'. the father answered. Your mother is the constitution, I'm the government. All other children are citizens, and you are the future'. The child still confused slept that night and woke up because he 'peed' on his bed. He went looking for his mom. She was asleep. Then went to look for dad. He was punishing/hitting other children. Then the child thought. When the government punishes/hits citizens the constitution is asleep and kurimagah onnany heeslevifaye (gor*&^*^%). And this is politics.

What is politics
Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 06:51:04 (MDT)

I just read what some one have said about Hiyalee... I think he has got a brain at least... he have learned great lessons from the past ... unlike many of you guys... He has not joined a puppet show which we have seen some 40 yrs ago... That's more than enough I want say about him ... I salute Hiyalee... All real Addu people salute you... Addu people are intelligent and educated people ... The one who wrote that article, please do not express your own feelings as a community... it many not be ... thank you

Scorpion
Male, s Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 05:38:36 (MDT)

How much longer do you think you'll stay in power?

The tide of popular opinion is going against me no matter how much I persecute the people so I can't see myself being here too long.

Looking at past history, I'm pretty safe for now I guess. People plot against me but most of them are stupid! Until I run out of wars to fight, I'll still get the "stupid" vote. I might be out of power now but I'll be back! If all my men don't run away again that is "I'll be back" too no wait? no I won't! I'm dead! People have already got sick of me and kicked me out!

Until there's someone to really oppose me I'll be here forever! I can do what the f..k I like and there's NOTHING you can do about it!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stuttgart, Germany - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 02:35:16 (MDT)

How did you win your "election?"

By holding free and fair elections where a policeman stands behind people in the voting booth and beat the shit out of them if they don't vote for me!

I lost my election, but luckily my public are too stupid to count! By skilfully eliminating my opponents until there were no one else to vote for but me! By waiting and letting my opponents become more and more useless until there were no one else to vote for but me! Election? What's that? Elections are for sissies! I fought for my damn place! Compared to the others, my election was almost fair!

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stgt, Germany - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 02:28:59 (MDT)

Allo Waheed's point is true. that guy Hamdhoon is in that seat because of his father Hameed and uncle Gayyoom. It was planned since he joined the planning ministry. He got double, triple promotions and even the former minister was scared to death of him. Planning ministry hasn't been handed to another temporary while minister was abroad. Look now this month when Hamdhoon was abroad it was handed to Kamaaludeen. Why the sudden change, because when Hamdhoon was there he will act as the minister. And he was, he overrules what then former minister Zaki.

So this is a family triangle BULL %$#!!!

ARIF
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 00:53:18 (MDT)

What we need now is to see live or recordings of the parliament meetings. We elected the members to protect our rights, we need better education, health, jobs etc... when we see the videos we will know if our members are trying to protect our rights, so we will know next time to sack useless (fake) members & to elect new ones. I believe members are very much responsible for all these useless laws.

Hussain
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, July 21, 2004 at 00:17:39 (MDT)

Fathulla Jameel calls Gayyoom requesting Hameed to resign from Majlis. He is suggesting a younger person to take charge (of the Majlis) in order to cool down the "opposition". Mr. Jameel reminded Gayyoom that he was Foreign Minister long before Gayyoom became the President hence to listen to him if he wants to save his job. Jameel told Gayyoom that a new constitution will not stop the people and if he drags this issue and listen to Yameen the end is just around the corner.

Ahmed Latheef
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 23:13:10 (MDT)

Don't blame Hiyalee Mr Addu Husdhoge. Why do you guys elect him when he doesn't say a single word in the parliament? He is Yameen's little boy. And he will use IFC to win his next election. So its up to you Addu people to get rid of him.

Abdul Rasheed Hussain
Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 23:07:31 (MDT)

I think it is not right to put Hameed's matter to court. It is disturbing to see the people voicing democracy fall back to the same practices of the present government. Hameed was in clear breach of the constitution and it would have been more acceptable to public for members to send an open letter to the president advising him to consider punishment under the law. The walkout from parliament was an unprecedented historic win for democracy and it speaks for itself, don't taint its glory.

Vathan edhey gothah
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 22:58:17 (MDT)

To all parliament members.

Could you tell us your contact number, e-mail, (please publish the info. in the newspapers) fax and where is your office in the islands and in the atolls, so that we can reach you easily with our problems and suggestions throughout the year. Becoming a member and going to all houses only once and other such one time practices are over. This wont be an easy job for you guys to enjoy the money and do nothing till the next election time.

Dhaleyka
Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 20:56:12 (MDT)

DO is trying to solve this problem. We are currently working an a data base and would bring one to our readers soon - Ed.

Gayyoom has told Yameen that he will replace Hameed from the Majlis if he can find a solution to the constitution crisis. According to Yameen, Gasim is trying to embarrass him in public.

Yameen is worried that the government will loose the upcoming election and he is speculating not to run for Noonu atoll as Mr. Azeez is planning to run against him. In return he is counting to be nominated to the parliament, but he is afraid that the new constitution might ban any nominated members.

Yameen has suggested Gayyoom to promote Azeez as a minister provided he doesn't run for Noonu seat. Fathulla Jameel promised Mr. Azeez a "bonus" when he voted for Gayyoom instead of Ilyas. Azeez was sent to Colombo, but failed to get a cabinet position because of this ambition to take back his Noonu atoll seat.

STO Director
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 20:12:26 (MDT)

Manikfan [Meedoo, S. Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 02:29:31 (MDT)] SAID:

"If H. E. President is keen on reforms, why is his brother putting the brakes? Why is an 'old convention' of 1980 more important than the ruling constitution of 1998?"

Isn't it even more interesting to note, of those members who walked out today, some of them were seated inside the Majlis since/after mid-1990s?

Why did they fail to cite the traditions to be unconstitutional back then?

Coincidence?

Are they seeing things in a new light??

Some members, who we appraise highly of, need to account for cases of corruption and absconding when the time comes. Under current legislation it is impossible to crack down on corruption.

Will the time ever come?

Especially, now, when everyone seems to have forgotten the millions of dollars that some of these MP's/Lawmakers sniffed right under our noses, would justice ever be delivered?

Are we going to pay them back into the coffers for ourselves? Who's accountable? Does anyone care?

Question, Questions....and more Questions
Seenu Hithadhoo, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 18:52:45 (MDT)

Can anyone clarify whether Mr. Manik has been reinstated in his post in Police? With hindsight of what happened with Adam Zahir, is it a surprise? I think not.

The question arising now, supposing that the claim is valid, is: would Mr. Manik prevail to fulfil his capacity as the public fornicator of Police, hand in hand together with his official duties?

Another Victim
Wellington, NZ - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 18:37:40 (MDT)

At this point, it is merely superfluous to take count of the number of academic exams Mr. Seena Zahir entered. The suggestions about clarifying his participation in the exams belongs to the gutter press, try sending it to Sandhaanu. If there is a need to publish sensation, then what you are looking for is either Sandhaanu or the MDP newsletter.

While some readers are concerned about trivial gossip and hear-say, matters of significance are still at large and unattended. The actions taken on the 19th are only the beginning of, hopefully what will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I am thankful to the members of the Sp. Majlis who walked out of Parliament and set the working standards for the first time, in the Parliament. Rejoicing the moment, we as common citizens have more serious issues to attend to. Most importantly I think the proposal to air the meetings over radio, TV (internet audio/video live streaming is also instrumental to inform Maldivians living abroad) is potent of bringing the masses actively into the discussion of reform and keeping them fully aware of the extent to which their elected representatives are carrying out the duties.

In my view, members should explain to the public the proposals they are going to make in the constitution and make the knowledge available BEFORE HAND - so that they can gauge exactly how and when the instated laws would take to effect. The meetings held so far in Malé have been very helpful to nurture the public in an environment of independent thought and constructive criticism. Sadly, the proposals for reform were largely over-shadowed by the consistent campaign for registration of Political Parties by certain Groups lost in their own conquest. While Multi-party system remains an integral part of the Reformist Movement, it is not the epicentre of the reforms. DO should inquire to find out why there has been a certain drift towards this motive while we - ordinary salt of the earth Maldivians - have graver problems to address. The proportions of this particular issue is misleading and is a source of serious suspicion and foul-play. These meetings, in addition, should facilitate debate about accountability on part of the Government, the Judiciary, Constitution and the Fourth estate; clichés and popularising idealism is simply not enough. The time is now ripe for the elected members to publish and disseminate your plans for reforms, outlining in great detail and clarity the ends to which those reforms serve.

We have faith in our elected members, including those who had the courage to participate in the walk-out. It is a shameful day for those who were aware of the infringement AND did not participate in the walk out, on account of their vested interests. To those who did, our hearts are with you.

And close behind follows our minds. Do not forget that. You are truly heroes to have boldly acted in the interests of your constituents. However these actions you've taken does not consume the official duties of accountability. This is a historical moment which all Maldivians should be aware of. It is one that will shape our future. I urge strongly to all the Maldivians to visit their MPs regularly and be informed of the changes to the laws that are to be proposed. Raise your concerns and your lawmakers/MPs about the difficulties you have in dealing with Offices in the Islands, Atolls, the Government agencies and if need be, any difficulties in dealing with your Parliament Members themselves. To the very end, we shall see the compliance of the MPs to the duties they are bound to. Without saying, there is no preferential treatment to any of the lawmakers/MPs, including the 24 courageous members.

This is a wake up call for Maldivians. We cannot go on blaming despots and autocrats whenever they capitalise on our collective negligence. We are as much to blame.

Our MPs and eminent members of the Sp. Majlis have proved their worth to us. Let us harmonize our efforts and show responsibility on our part by participating in the political process. Should we fail to heed this opportunity, the chances of our future may lie in and between prolonging the agony of the current Government to putting in place a more vicious protégé of the Government in Office. The choice is ours.

Ballad of the Guinea Pigs (1965-present)
Seenu Hithadhoo, Addu - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 18:26:58 (MDT)

Filing a case of treason against the speaker of the Majlis at this time was a very childish thing to do. They should have waited for Mr Gayyoom's reaction on the issue. Now, there's absolutely no chance that Mr Gayyoom would say his brother acted against the constitution because that would give ammunition to the people who field the case. This is a very stupid thing the members did. They should have waited ...

Siyaasee Guru
Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 16:54:39 (MDT)

I was wondering why Dhiraagu wouldn't ban The Maldivian. Now I know why....! Gayyoom's chief spokesman is writing there.... after all he is the "mouth" of the small man (what a match)!! The guy is doing his job!! No surprises!! He behaves like Saddam Hussein during the last few days of the Ba'athist regime....!

none@nowhere.com
Male, K Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 15:20:12 (MDT)

I am sure Gayyoom now gets good advice. If he refused to meet the parliament members two days ago he knew too well that it is going to be his last day in office.

I hope the rest of the cronies will get the same advice and start resigning like Mr. Faroog. We are watching this closely as Gayyoom is being advised by Yameen to ask Hameed to resign and answer his case in court.

The time has come to hold the next meeting without Gayyoom bugging all the members.

Rushdee
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 15:02:08 (MDT)

5 O levels and the Guinea Pig
Manchester, UK - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 15:08:12 (MDT)

Zoom7,

I agree with you. We, the commoners from islands were cheated time and time again and I do have a feeling that the same scenario is about to repeat.

We support reform wholeheartedly. We want the government to be held accountable for the mistakes they make. We want fresh brains to plan our future.

What we got so far is a bunch of very angry people determined to bring down the current government, no matter what. They are very quick to reveal the weaknesses of the government and its policies. But they have always refrained from talking about themselves and their policies. I maybe naïve but I cannot understand what a new government would do to bring prosperity to the remote islands far away from Male'. I wonder what they would do differently from the present government. They simply didn't reveal, not at least yet.

To make sure that change of the government this time is not a replay of what happened 26 years ago, we must get the new constitution passed before we are asked to vote for a new leader. I disagree with everyone including DO and MDP who calls for President Maumoon to resign immediately. It may be in the best interest of MDP and its wealthy supporters but definitely not in the best interest of us. We cannot let the politicians, new or old, influence the way we believe is best for our country.

If we are sincere to ourselves and to our country we will not agree to remove the government in the middle of the situation we are in right now. Our constitution is about to be changed just the way we wished. President Maumoon's proposal to change the constitution is a dream come true. This is perhaps the most important months and years of our country's political life.

Who can guarantee that the reform process will not be moved to the back burner if we find ourselves in the middle of a transition? How long will it take for a new government to restart working on the reform process, if ever?

This is our country. Not only of those who are louder and wealthier than most of us. All of us share her joy and grief. We are all responsible for the well being of our motherland. It's not only the job of the white collared men among us. We have brains too, just like the new and old politicians. We should be able to decide what's best for us and stop giving lip service to politicians.

We suffered enough. We were cheated again and again. We cannot tolerate this injustice anymore. We need to ask every politician what they could do for us before we bestow our trust on them. We must stop assuming - the enemy of our enemy is our friend.

Mohamed Shareef
Hithadhoo, S Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 13:49:11 (MDT)

Let me make the facts clear. Haftha Zahir was among the first people to start these reforms (mid 70s) when Nasir was in power. He started the Haftha newsletter which was sponsored by Abbas Ibrahim. This made a difference in this new government. Zahir's Dad was a Ghazee who helped many people including defending Abbas and other relatives.

So when the new (Maumoon's) administration came into power, Gayyoom was told that this Zahir was the "blue eyed boy". He later started a private school through which he made a dent on politics. He is not a very religious man but was accompanied with his Dad to the Mosques. He may know how to read Qur'an but never read it in public, when he was in the Masjid with his Dad. I went to Fareedee Mosque with him and his dad but never saw him reading Qur'an. However, his wife is a simple girl with no formal education, (but with a piece of land) and learnt to read Qur'an in special Qur'an class with my sister. He is personally an arrogant and rude person, who works with 2/3 staff in the office and not very happy with Gayyoom (at least not openly), but due to his involvement in Paradise Island and other resorts (while he was tourism minister he knows he has very little or any future with any other leader).

He is totally unfit to run the Justice ministry, but that is not a serious point under Gayyoom. Just because his father was a Gazee, he has no clues about the system. People can meet his wife and pay "tea money" and over turn court cases in any court of law in Maldives.

Raamiz
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 13:44:23 (MDT)

We have again been denied to hold a meeting to discuss political reforms by the atoll office. Why is this double standard.

We have suffered more than all the reformists combined.

Waheed
Villingili, GA Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 11:57:58 (MDT)

Just imagine a world without DO. Sappe thank you! You will always find someone to blame you for one thing or another, and the last straw is religion.

Islam is a religion where wrong doers are asked to repent and to go back to the creator. Like all of us, you have room to improve in your own drawbacks. At least you did not commit murder or cheat the people who you were in charge of. People loved you in the office and your friends today admire you for what you are doing.

Most of all thank you for keeping us all informed. Without DO we are back to square one.

Lamha Naseer
Brisbane, Australia - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 11:50:28 (MDT)

It is now time to pursue this case in the courts and to see what Gayyoom does next. Whether he will uphold the law or cave into his family.

Let the cronies know that we will not stop and give into the demands. We will take every matter to Gayyoom and let him listen and will let the world know what's going on.

We are advising the tourists that it is safe to visit our islands and our arguments are with the government and completely without any violence.

Saraf
Perth, Australia - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 11:45:05 (MDT)

IBRAHIM: You said that you fully supported the Article "Sad but True". Your main reason for this was that some flimsy letter was not delivered to Seena Zahir. Instead of blaming him, don't you think the post is incompetent??? What are addresses for? Letters can be delivered to both his home address and to his Ministry. What is with these people? Your comments are getting more and more petty!! I will probably hear next that Seena Zahir does not have an assasee thauleem! Why don't you people pose some intelligent questions about the issue?

Masood
Male, K Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 11:33:50 (MDT)

What's this about mail not reaching a person not making him a viable representative? So now even when the post office doesn't do it's job, it's the recipient's fault?

Nice work guys.... just work a little bit harder and your mentality would be indifferent from lab rats.

Hypocrisy
Male', K Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 11:26:07 (MDT)

Please do not abuse other contributors to this forum simply because they disagree with your opinion. If you disagree say so, but don't go calling names just to subject and force your point of view on other people. Present your argument. Lets for a second be civilised enough to know that all readers can read all arguments and make up their own minds and to what is more logical. In future if any contributor abuses other contributors, those messages with NOT be published. - Ed.

I'm tired of reading comments about how Mr. Ahmed Zahir can't read the Quran and he failed GCSE exams 5 times. The original comment challenged to ask his mother and I did just that. She said OF COURSE he knows how to recite the Holy Quran.

As for failing the GCSE five times, he got a scholarship and studied abroad. He never even did the stupid exam. Some of you people are retarded beyond one's imagination

Tired Of Lies
Male', K Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 11:20:45 (MDT)

Why we don't like to discuss about Islam in this forum is because this is not an Islamic website to discuss the do and don'ts of Islam. Besides, many are not knowledgeable enough to discuss them instead we see pieces of articles here and there.

I think if you acknowledge we have these bad people in the government please teach them some Islam instead of teaching us. We went to school learnt Islam and we adhere to the teachings of Islam.

Habeeba
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 10:10:56 (MDT)

To Say Mr. Gayyoom will burn in the hellfire is incorrect as we do not know what Allah has planned for him, but what we do know is that he does not believe in democracy and he is against any reform that alone is serious enough.

The Maldivians are afraid of this so called "Badhige Democracy" is an illusion that he himself implemented, while knowing it is a false doctrine he is just trying to fool all of those who believe in true democracy.

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stgt, Germany - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 09:26:34 (MDT)

Dear DO,

According to the staffs of Peoples Majlis, Abdullah Hameed has fallen sick yesterday afternoon and has flown to Singapore last night for a medical treatment, he seems to be very sick.

Staffs say they were instructed to write down the names of the members who vote (show hands) against Seena Zahir, to practice this unlawful exercise they had three training sessions (rehearsals) before the day of Sp. Majlis first sitting. These instructions came from Hameed and Nasheed. It was pre-planned to elect Zahir. Its hard to believe such things but this is the truth which took place just before the Sp. Majlis meeting.

Please keep the sender anonymous so that the staffs at the Majlis will not be intimidated or will not lose their job or risk their lives. Its hard to get a job these days.

Thank you so much for the hard work and we all Maldivians wish you the best. May god bless you. Our hearts pray for you all and we realise how important you all are for this country.

Thank you

Name and email withheld upon request.

Dhivehi Observer,

My friends,

Thanks a lot for the hard work, dedication and most importantly the awareness that you have brought in to Maldivian citizens.

I have one message to pass Mr. Hiyalee. Appreciate if you can help me on this issue.

Hiyalee is the Seenu member and I am very much worried that why he did not follow the 24 members. Because most of the Addu people really support the action taken by the 24 members. If you want a proof, Munawwaru, Thohir and Shareef did followed.

Most importantly 4 of them (4 members from Seenu) were elected by the peoples of Addu. So why does Hiyalee stuck with Puppets?

He should show the courage and the feelings of Addu people. The rest of the Addu members have shown that and we are proud of them.

I did vote for him last time, but I will never repeat that mistake.

Also I do appreciate if you could write a short biography of this "Puppet".

Like how he is surviving in his jobs without any academic qualifications.

Thanks a lot for the Sacrifice

Husdhogu <dhogu@avasmail.com.mv> by email

WE WANT MAUMOON'S RESIGNATION NOW

We have been thinking so many times that his Excellency Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom has been trying to rule Maldives like W. Bush. Because if he wants any one to be rich he will change him/her rich. I mean like giving money/buildings & jobs.

You can see for your own eyes from Maldives . From India/Bangladesh & Sri Lanka they are bringing people to work.
And MR. MANIK the film star of Maldives is joining the police again. Is this a game or a cartoon film. The law of Maldives is like a puzzle game that can be thrown to children's festivals.

GET OUT OF MALDIVES BE FOR WE THROW YOU OUT FROM HERE OR LEAVE RESIGNATION ON THE DESK AND GET LOST

Shaheex Abdulla <shaheex@yahoo.com> by email

How can they elect Mr. Ahmed Zahir as the president for special Majlis. we people kick him out and yet he is trying to come. He is a person of loss of self-respect and slippage of integrity, so we knew about him a lot. he took part in the GCE for 5 times and yet failed and he does not understand the Quran and cannot recite noble Quran. Though even he tries to regain the control of integrity for himself we will not elect him in the future.

Hiriyaadho, G. dh. Gadhdhoo <nafeesa@gmail.com>
Gadhdhoo, G. DH Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 01:52:29 (MDT)

What Is Politics???

A small boy went to his dad and asked "Dad What is politics?"

The father said my son let me try to explain "I am Management because I have to provide for the household, your mother is the government because she have to take care of the household, Your little brother is the country, the helper is working class, and you are the people" The small boy was even more confused, however the following night he heard his little brother crying in his room and on investigation he found him full of shit. He went to the mothers room and found her fast asleep. He went to the helper's room and found his father f**king her, he went to back to bed.

Next morning the little boy went to his dad and Said, "Dad now I know what politics all about, When the Management f**ks the working class the government is fast sleeping, nobody is there to the people's needs while the country is full of shit"

Abdulla Rasheed <rasheed-a@web.de>
S. Feydhoo, Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 01:43:43 (MDT)

Hello,

An article highlighting the resignation in DO as what I would recall is a piece of reckless and immature writing. It had mentioned him as a respected Sheikh. Respect my Ass! You think he's respected. When was that today or in the past. Jumping ship from Maumoon doesn't make that S.O.B respectable.

FOR THE PAST YEARS HE HAD HELD AND MANIPULATED ISLAMIC RELIGION TO THE MAUMOON DOCTRINE. ISN'T THIS THE GREATEST SIN ON EARTH. WHAT AND SUDDENLY HE REFUSED TO OBEY VOTE PRESSURING BY A MERE MORTAL MADE HIM INNOCENT.

MY GOD THE GUY SHOULD BE HANGED! THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL THAT YOU CAN COMPARE TO DEFYING GODS WORDS AND JUST BECOMING A SAINT JUST DENYING A LOUSY VOTE SCANDAL.

I HOPE IN THE FUTURE THE DO EDITORS AND STAFF ACTS AS A JUSTIFIED PRESS RATHER THAN JUST TO CATER FOR YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS.

NEXT YOU WILL BE TELLING ME CROOKS AS YAMEEN, SAMMAREY HAD JOINED THIS RESPECTABLE STABLE.

Judge
Male', maafannu Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 04:20:51 (MDT)

Good article from a correspondent - in Maldives culture - about the current political climate in Maldives.
http://www.maldivesculture.com/news/island_politics_mdp_01.htm

It seems that changes in the Maldive political system are imminent. It is not a matter of if, but rather when, and I sincerely thank people in Maldives and abroad who are putting an effort into changing our current corrupt government.

However, one very important issue still remains. Will Maldivians be any better off with a new government? Especially, will the islanders get a fair share of the country's wealth? Let us look at the current situation facing us.

1. Most of the basic necessities e.g. water, electricity, health, even education, are still considered to be a luxury items in many islands.

2. Jobs are almost non-existent in many atolls.

The list goes on, and perhaps the most degrading of all is that islanders still have to thank and almost 'kiss politicians' bums' for the small favours these men do. Politicians are supposed to be serving the people; that is why we elected them!

So how did it comes to this, and will the new generation of politicians bring much needed changes. I am worried, because I don't want my children to go through what I am going through.

Going back to how Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom came to power, what we see is that there are many similar signs which indicate that things may turn out exactly the same as they are under current government.

Just before Maumoon came to power, fresh graduates arrived from Egypt and other Arab countries. They called for change, the removal of government corruption and the end of torture.

They did not talk to the public directly, and they were influenced by a few wealthy people. By not promising citizens any policies, they thought they could not be held accountable.

In the current political climate there are fresh graduates from the UK and other western countries, and they are calling for change, the removal of government corruption and the end of torture. It seems to me that they are not talking to the public directly, and are influenced by a few wealthy people. There are very few signs that the common people's needs are being addressed. It remains to be seen if there will be any major changes of policy. Basically, all we hear is how bad the president is.

Will change just be a replay of similar kind of events that happened before when the government changed a few songs, people fleeing to other countries, and all of sudden a new government! That's what happened 27 years ago.

All I hear is that people are trying to bring down the current government at any cost, and I agree we need to do it. But I am concerned because I don't know what is going to happen after that. Will the new government try to keep power with the same president for another 27 years? If that happens, is change worth it?

Wise people say always look on the bright side. Well we Maldivians did, as we went from a kingdom to Ameen Didi and back to kingdom again, and then to Nasir and Maumoon. In every case we have been cheated, humiliated and treated with double standards.

So who will give me enough to hope to tell my daughter that she won't have to learn from second-class teachers sent to islands, and then have to spend rest of her life without a job. Can anybody promise me that my son's life will be protected from drug dealers?

I guess I still have to wait and see whether the new generation of politicians maintain their integrity with the people of Maldives and make some real changes. Like always, I hope for the best.

zoom7
USA - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 02:46:56 (MDT)

If H. E. President is keen on reforms, why is his brother putting the brakes? Why is an 'old convention' of 1980 more important than the ruling constitution of 1998?

Manikfan
Meedoo, S. Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 02:29:31 (MDT)

THE TWO BROTHERS? OR THE CONSTITUTION?

History repeats itself. On the day Shamsuddin III abdicated the throne in the 1930s, the crowds were chanting, "The father-son duo? Or the constitution?"

Seventy years later, this historic question has come back to haunt the ruling duo, only this time they are two brothers, rather than father and son. Only time will tell, whether their word is law, or whether the law will take its own course.

Manikfan
Meedoo, S. Maldives - Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 02:16:40 (MDT)

Dear Editor,

If I may ask a bold question, why do you think religion should be a separate issue from Politics? Why is it we cannot talk about religion on this page? Does it bother your conscious? Is it not an integral part of our politics which you don't want to acknowledge? Perhaps in the UK its acceptable, but in Maldives? No, you would have to walk over a lot of dead bodies before you dare spread your vile propaganda amongst the people of Maldives.

You see, Sappey. We accept your atheism. We know you love Maldives (with a few motives of your own) and you have shown it to us all. Even though we appreciate your effort through out this difficult period for Maldives, do not, for a second mistaken that we have lost touch of our religion, culture and heritage. Religion encompasses all of the political reformations that are about to take place in Maldives. True too, as many have pointed out that there are homosexuals, adulterers, drunkards, drub-addicts and openly atheist citizens in our society. But that does not mean we want to increase that part of the population. If it so happens we need to bring them back to Islam and take corrective measures for them.

If I am being a tad Nationalistic, you will have to excuse me. But I will do all in my power (apart from making this post in DO) to ensure that Maldives Politics is embedded in Islam. Sappe, please let go of your atheism and revert back to Islam. You know very well that there is an afterlife and that you will die. Your doctorate certificates nor your website will be able to help you then.

@tt@ck
Malé, Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 23:35:05 (MDT)

It is the dream of Hameed to replace Gayyoom with Hamdhoon not Yameen. This was not planned but since Hameed is so dumb, his son just gave him some common sense advice. This was a total surprise.

We intercepted several calls to and from Gayyoom and we knew he too was surprised. The world has changed and Gayyoom cannot hide behind his high walls.

Sabeer
Vancouver, Canada - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 23:26:11 (MDT)

How many of us know the constitution?

hearme
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 23:23:27 (MDT)

I Fully support the article "SAD BUT TRUE"

Mr. Shuaib has posted a letter to the 108 members of the peoples Special Majlis. From this 108 letters 5 letters could not be delivered. Among this one members was Mr. AHMED ZAHIR, minister of Justice. How can he be a member of the Special Majlis if the government post office can't deliver a letter to him saying he is not reachable.

FREE MAJLIS

Ibrahim
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 23:06:47 (MDT)

Ti alathunahedi kiha bodu balaey mee

I will be the president of the special majlis even if the secret ballot is taken?.. you think you can rule this country in exile. No way my boys. We know what is good for us and what is bad

So u better back off

SEENA ZAHIR <fadaboye@hotmail.com>
Male', Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 21:28:24 (MDT)

The Dhivehi Observer is cool!

I do believe that people do not believe this regime. However, there are people how we will not believe as LOYAL TO THE PEOPLE in your ring. I also believe that Sappe Moosa is a Hero in the new era of Maldivian politics. Your point is clear and we are with you and hope you will be more transparent in your new news blots. May god bless you and Maldives.

Mohamed <colonel2013@hotmail.com>
male, male Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 21:19:59 (MDT)

Congratulations to Hamdhoon Hameed for being a good son first and being a good citizen. We need people like you. Sappe be fair. You did not mention the crucial role he played in not making yesterdays affair a disaster. Whether we like someone personally or not we should celebrate their good deeds. That's how people change for the better. I would also like to congratulate president for following the constitution in this matter rather than anything else. Its a welcoming change. Keep it up! We want you to defeat all evil forces within and outside you, and all of us (including you) to succeed in taking this country to safe shores in the near future.

Congratulations
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 20:38:58 (MDT)

Be careful guys, Hamdhoon talking against his father could be a planned drama. The govt. may have anticipated some MP's walking out and may have planned in advance that if that happens, Hamdhoon would advice his dad to abandon the meeting. Otherwise do you think he would speak against his dad? his dad is the reason why Hamdhoon is in the cabinet. I think the idea is to promote Hamdhoon and perhaps elect him as the chair of the session in the next meeting.

Allo Waheed
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 17:44:11 (MDT)

LUCID OBSERVATIONS: Good point! Did the author of the article, Ashfag, want the Justice Minister Zahir to organise meetings within the government, seeing that he is NOT an elected member? Ashfag, tell us, how well does Qasim Ibrahim associate with people? Is it through his "kind contributions" of money? Sad but True???

Azzie
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 17:24:53 (MDT)

Gayyoom has informed the senior officers that he is planning to leave for Singapore around August 6-16, and he wants their assurance that they will protect his throne until he is back.

Let us say Good-bye to Gayyoom. We need your support.

NSS Officer
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 16:34:01 (MDT)

Dear Lahufa,

Please take two minutes and read this carefully before you make any further ignorance and wrong decision about the religion of 1 billion people.

If, with an open mind, one reads the Glorious Quran, or studies the life of the Holy Prophet, or examines the principles of Islam, or, indeed, reviews Islamic history from its primary sources, the first thing that would become evident is that Islam is not a religion of warfare, or of bloodletting and terrorism. On the contrary, that exercise would clearly establish the fact that Islam is truly a religion of peace, compassion, justice, and magnanimity. Indeed, Islam promotes unity, social harmony and fraternity. It calls for co-operation and the spirit of friendship amongst everyone, and for the pursuit of progress, common interests, and the well-being and happiness of all.

Islam upholds the dignity of man, protects human life, and teaches that all humanity is one "descended from one ancestor" and that all should live together in peace and harmony. It stipulates that all people must be treated with respect and that human life should be safeguarded. It promotes brotherhood and solidarity amongst all, and calls for the protection of the rights of all humanity. The Almighty Allah says in the Glorious Quran:

"Help you one another in righteousness and piety, but help you not one another in sin and aggression."1

and,

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (Not that you may despise each other). Verily, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge (of all things) and is wise."2

and also,

"Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: For Allah loves those who are just."3

In Islam, all life is sacred. It categorically forbids the killing of innocents, be they Muslim or non-Muslim. No life is to be taken except as prescribed in law. Indeed, Islam makes the unlawful killing of one human being equal to the killing of the entire humankind. Likewise, homes and property must not be destroyed. No person, Muslim or otherwise, is to be persecuted or subjected to cruelty and ill treatment. The Almighty Allah says in the Glorious Quran:

"Take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom."4

and,

"On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person "unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land" it would be as if he slew the whole people; and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then, although there came to them Our Apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land."5

Islam gives pride of place to the human intellect; indeed, it holds reason and intellect in much higher regard and esteem than do other faiths. This is further proof that Islam is not a religion that advocates violence and war. The Glorious Quran calls upon the people to think about the Almighty's creations, and to reflect on the laws of nature and on the physical and moral universe. The Almighty Allah says in the Glorious Quran:

"Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies and the life which He gives therewith to a land that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth;" (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise."7

and,

"Do they see nothing in the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah had created? (Do they not see) that it may well be that their term is nigh drawing to an end? In what message after this will they then believe?"8

and also,

"Do they not look at the sky above them? How we have made it and adorned it, and how there are no flaws in it?"9

"Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice."10

and,

"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you depart from dealing fairly (with them). Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah; for Allah is aware of all that you do."11

and also,

"Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and being generous to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you that you may receive admonition."12

Islam has been sent to the people as a religion of justice. Indeed, the cornerstone of any robust state is justice. Muslims are enjoined to establish justice amongst all no discrimination, whatsoever, is to be made between man and woman; or between believer and non-believer; or between white and black.

Islam is a religion of tolerance and magnanimity. It establishes good relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, for knowing one another, for solidarity, for promoting virtue, and for achieving justice, as is apparent from the evidence cited above. Tolerance between Muslims and non-Muslims establishes peace and security for the good of all, for the protection of all life and for interacting among the followers of different faiths in a mutually beneficial way.

Islamic tolerance, therefore, includes the acceptance of the religious freedom of non-Muslims in a Muslim state. It also covers the protection of their rights, and the establishment of the equality of Muslims and non-Muslims. Non-Muslims are to benefit from measures generally applicable to all as well from arrangements designed specifically to address their needs. Under the right of religious freedom of non-Muslims, the following are particularly noteworthy.

c) Islam protects the dignity and the rights of the people of other religions, and gives them the right to engage in discourse and debate with Muslims without violence and crudeness.

c) Islam protects the dignity and the rights of the people of other religions, and gives them the right to engage in discourse and debate with Muslims without violence and crudeness.

g) Islam permits all manners of lawful dealings with non-Muslims, including commercial transactions, the development of friendship and social relations, visiting with each other, calling on the sick, and giving and receiving gifts. There are many instances that prove this. When the Holy Prophet passed away, his shield was found to be mortgaged with a Jewish lender. Some of the Companions of the Holy Prophet, if they were slaughtering a lamb, would instruct their servants to distribute the meat starting with their Jewish neighbours.

The light of Islam dawned upon a place without tolerance and compassion because habits of cruelty, ruthlessness, and ignorance were widespread in it. The revelation of Islam had come as an antidote to these social evils, to purify souls and hearts, and to civilise thoughts and minds. The Holy Prophet is a paragon of excellence and the guidance of his message is without peer

An analysis of the Islamic Sharia will reveal that its foundation and branches are based on compassion and mercy. No soul is asked to bear more than it can. In everything that the Almighty had commanded, whether it involved an obligation towards Him or towards others, the convenience of the people and their needs and welfare were taken into consideration. Should anyone be faced with the performance of a duty that he is unable to fulfil, Islam provides him with an easier, alternative way of fulfilling his obligation

An examination of the principles and injunctions of Islam on the conduct of social dealings would show that the rights of neighbours, relatives, parents and wives are based on compassion. Mercy and fairness in Sharia transcend enmity and friendship. In fact, the qualities of mercy and justice extend even beyond humanity to other creatures of the Almighty Allah. The Holy Prophet once said: "A woman was punished (by Allah) because she had kept a cat tied until it died, and (as a punishment for this offence) she entered into Hell. She had not provided the cat with food, or drink, and had not freed it so that it could eat the insects of the earth."27

Lets Pray for our sister Lahufa, May God bless our sister Lahufa

Amee

Maldivian living abroad <rasheeda64@t-online.de>
Stgt, Germany - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 11:36:55 (MDT)

Please make future posts less lengthy. This is intended not only to the author of this post, but to other contributors as well. Also we would like to point out this is a page about politics and not about religion. To continue this discussion any further please go to our discussion forum. Its not because we don't want to discuss religion. It is merely because its a lengthy subject and the discussion forum seems more appropriate. - Ed.

Unconfirmed reports say that Abdullah Hameed is leaving for Singapore tonight.

Islaakhi khaburu
Male', K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 11:23:39 (MDT)

I stand with the MP's who walked out. They walked out for justice and for our rights. Well done.

Ismail
Male', K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 11:06:56 (MDT)

A HISTORICAL DAY FOR THE NATION SPECIALLY TO THE DEMOCRATIC REFORM MINDERS

Today is a historical day in the history of Maldives as its unbelievable to imagine elected members of a Majlis walking out a session.

It should have been realized and anticipated by the President of the Majlis that there are voices openly criticizing the government for sustaining oppression and unlike other rubber stamp sittings to amend the so called constitutions would be openly challenged by the voices of democratic reform minders.

This first sitting has proven no doubt that the past sittings are conducted in a manner deemed fit by President of the Citizens Majlis. If secret ballot is purely enshrined in the constitution there is no way the members can be insisted to raise their hands unless the "secret ballot" is meant that the members can raise their hands as the voting is not witnessed by the entire population. What is interesting is that the members are being stripped of their lawful obligations where by the President of the Citizens Majlis proclaiming that this is how it was done in the past. The pasts oppression and intimidation cannot any longer be acceptable to those who are elected by the voices for democratic reforms and this is a clear sign that the previous sittings in the Citizens Majlis is conducted in a manner deemed fit by the President of the Citizens Majlis and this is a gross violation of the constitution and the rights of the democratically elected members.

It is interesting to note that this minor issued paved way for the first walk out of a session in the history of Maldives and no doubt there is much courage within the members to exercise their legal right peacefully which was mandated by the people who voted them to this special Majlis. This incident does show one thing; that is the road ahead is a as much as bleak as it can be where the majority of members are sitting ducks, at the "puppet house" who is mandated to give legitimacy to the drafts submitted by the government.

The government should not exercise double standards (like the constitution enshrines more than one candidate can stand for presidency, however this is limited to just filling the applications and grandly submitting to the Elections Commissioner. The candidate does not have the right to a speech at the Citizens Majlis nor can hold rallies to to express policy and if done so is considered a crime). Any government can stay in power on with the blessing of the people and its always wise to ensure that the interests of the citizens are brought forward rather than the greed to fill the highest post in the nation.

Ahmed Shakir <dehmar@yahoo.com> - by email

Hi guys,

Its unbelievable but true, in the nineties I was a resort boy like the most of Maldivians. Mr. Abdullah Hameed Minister of Atolls visit the island where I used work, it was a mid day on a Friday he came with a boy and directly went to his room.

I suspected the way they both walked into the room and guys I promise you I peeped into their room and found Mr. Hameed (our citizens Majlis raeesu) s**king him.

Insha-Allah, I was shocked and I still can't believe what I've seen that day.

Abdullah Rasheed <rasheed-a@web.de>
Feydu, S. Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 10:42:42 (MDT)

Dear Aminath Lahufa Adam

Can democracy and secularism co-exist? When a majority of the people rejects secular laws, how can we become secularized? At this issue there is not even need to think about globalization.

There is a lot of difference in westernizing and modernizing. Westernizing means changing our culture religion and everything, modernizing is the development of human beings in this world. I sense in your message that it is impossible to modernize through Islamic rules. In Islam we respect the views of other religions even though we do not except them.

The state of Maldives can remain as an Islamic state at the same time giving freedom to the minority of the people you mentioned who are atheists and Christians and more. It only needs an amendment of constitution with the principle that "There is no compulsion in religion" as in Islam

To straight away call for a secular system in a country with a majority of Muslims that's...hmmm I wonder how many people are listening to you. On the other hand I'm really afraid cause I believe it create a dangerous fear and suspicion in many people in Maldives to support parties like MDP who are working so hard to bring out such important changes in Maldives.

Your call is a great tool for anti-reformists to put fear in to the hearts of Maldivians about reforms. I believe if you call for this with a little bit more respect to Islam it might make a great contribution to our constitution.

Thank you

Fazal
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 10:30:58 (MDT)

About the article by Mohamed Ashfag, he clearly points out that the Minister of Justice, Mr. Ahmed Zahir is NOT an elected MP by the people, but an appointed MP by the president.

Later on he notices that Mr. Zahir never organized any seminars. I'd like to note that the seminars are being organized by the MPs for the people they represent. Does he want Mr. Zahir to organize a seminar within the government??

Lucid Observations
Male', K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 10:15:11 (MDT)

A telephone call had been intercepted whereby discussions were carried out between Hameed & Zahir and they have agreed to allow Gasim to to be the next President of the Special Majlis and Zahir to be his assistant. However, they clearly mentioned that "Gasim (opposition) should not be allowed to dictate his terms" as "Gayyoom has cleared stated not to loose control or the direction of the (reforms) meetings".

Hameed will meet Gayyoom for further advice later tonight.

Breaking News
Vancouver, Canada - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 09:41:24 (MDT)

Once again Dhivehi Observer proved reliable. Within few minutes, the news was uploaded! How do you do it guys? Sappe you really are something else! Keep up the great work! I am very very impressed. I bet this news will not be on any local news.

And, my absolute respect to the MP's who stuck up the dictator! Who do they think they are, hah?

Maldivian
Male', Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 09:36:07 (MDT)

US State Department calls Gayyoom to observe restraints and to follow the will of the people. They have reminded once again that the reforms Gayyoom proposed must be adhered to keep the region peaceful and to give the Maldivians their right to choose.

The world is watching and listening! Mr. President, please don't try to fool us anymore.

Yaaseen
Alberta, Canada - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 09:32:39 (MDT)

Today, we have seen what Maldivians are capable when they are united to find a common goal. Today we have seen how poorly organized Gayyoom is! He thought all the work of the reformists are just cheap talk and he asked his brother just to carry on his business "on traditional ways" instead of following the constitution. He must be kidding himself.

Please don't worry about BG Moosa Jaleel. He is a supporter of an opposition group. He won't hurt you; instead he will turn his gun on Gayyoom.

Fauzee
Perth, Australia - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:38:12 (MDT)

Gayyoom will cave in to our demands today. We will keep the pressure on. Today he has asked Koli Ali Maniku to find ways to assassinate political leaders.

The people will continue to insist Gayyoom to change his family cabinet and get new faces, if he wants to keep his throne extra few days.

According to senior NSS officers, they suspect foreign mercenaries have visited Maldives recently on a fact-finding mission and things are really dangerous.

Nothing will stop short of Gayyoom firing his relatives and bring meaningful reform. Gayyoom will soon be history. He has no capacity to play anything on equal footing. He has lost the support of the people.

Mahir
Male, Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:22:50 (MDT)

WELL DONE SPECIAL MAJLIS MEMBERS WHO WALKED OUT. I WAS ALMOST IN TEARS WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS FIRST. IT'S ONE OF THE MOST HAPPIEST DAYS IN MY LIFE. YOU HAVE PROVED THAT YOU WILL SERVE THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED FOR YOU. ONCE AGAIN WELL DONE AND KEEP UP THE WORK AND WORK FOR US (THE PEOPLE OF MALDIVES) SINCERELY.

Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:22:38 (MDT)

ZINDHAABAADHU for the 24 MP's who walked out. We should take note of how the MP's reacted today. I am from Male'. And let me make this VERY CLEAR. We should not elect AK or ILYAS later this year to represent us. They belong to the government. People from Male' should vote for someone who is not associated with the government. Someone like Ibra or Buruma. Someone who has the courage.

Mohamed Fazeel
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:19:29 (MDT)

Well... I can see a real difference. a point that I need highlight is that the "qaumee siffain" was really co-operative. Credits goes to Brig. Moosa Jaleel, this guy cannot be compared to other officers found in the pool.

Ismael <ismaayl@gmail.com>
Male', k Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:18:18 (MDT)

Thank you Kambulo for standing beside me. More women should speak up now. Its time that We women should make ourselves heard.

One more thing Kambulo.

You said that; "About separating state from religion. Well why not? Maldives is not a 100% Muslim country, we just have that on paper. What's the use of maintaining this hypocrisy, there are Maldivian atheists, gays, and Maldivian Christians also for that matter. So lets face things in the face."

There is more to it than that Kambulo. Its a very serious issue if you try and understand it. We may face the disturbances later in the future if it is not done now. Read about exactly what happened.

------------

Dear No ugly bellies, please,

If you look at what I said as a whole, you'll see that I wasn't making a sexist comment. I was making a point instead, which I believe you too understood. So smile.

------------

Dear Sheikh,

All that will not work today. We Muslim women are waking up from our sleep. We know where to look and where not to. Thank you again for commenting.

-------------

Dear Fazal and all others,

I see many people talking about westernizing and modernizing. Is there any difference or is there not? Today we all belong to a much bigger concept which is called globalisation. Have a think about it.

-------------

I think we should avoid discussing religion here. Islam has nothing to hold us back. It is a religion which prohibits all what we see in this government. Corruption, murder and use of public money. When Gayyoom is gone, we will enjoy our freedom and still be better Muslims.

Rightly said, Hashim.

-------------

Hello Manchester UK,

I deliberately brought up the issue of brains. I knew some one would pull on this weak loop. Rather it was my most strong point. I can refer to many scientific papers which say women's brains work better than men's, at least at a certain stage of their life and so and so. Infact in different stages of a humans life the brain works differently. How much your brain is stimulated when you were small contributes to how smart you can be etc.. The genes, how you were nurtured, the experiences, diseases etc... influences these things. I will at last rest my case being happy, very happy indeed. I'll leave that to the readers to judge upon.

Aminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:18:00 (MDT)

HAMID FATHUHULLA & MOHAMED: Seena Ahmed Zahir did not undertake GCSE exams, let alone fail it 5 times, as he was educated overseas, and has different qualifications. He returned to the Maldives with a degree. Regarding his ability to read the Quran, don't you think you are taking things a bit too far? His mother happened to be a teacher and he if didn't know how to read and write Arabic, aren't you accusing him of not having any assaasee thauleem? As Fathuhulla says, ask his Mother, she will tell you!!!

FACT
Male, K Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 07:15:31 (MDT)

The high-handed manner shown by the Majlis Chief, Hameed today has stunned the nation. His barbaric behaviour today in the Majlis raises serious doubts about the reforms proposed by Gayyoom. Hameed has committed the highest crime today by undermining the article 133 of the constitution. If an ounce of credibility is left with Gayyoom, he must fire Hameed from all Government posts immediately.

Frustrated Citizen
Male`, Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 06:33:57 (MDT)

Sappe,

With you connection, can you get the record from education ministry about Seena Zahir

More about Seena Zahir,

He has a record of taking part in GCE O'level for 5 times as he failed on all subjects every times.

Mohamed
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 06:13:35 (MDT)

Since we have no way of congratulating the members who walked out of the Majlis today we would like to thank and congratulate all the members on behalf of their constituents. Dear Members we are very proud of you and today you have carried out our voices.

The citizens who stood out side the President's Office in the pouring rain supporting their members showed the true spirit of democracy.

Khadeeja
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 05:54:40 (MDT)

NEED AN IMMEDIATE CHANGE IN LABOUR LAW TO PROTECT OUR PEOPLE AND PROVIDE BETTER AND FAIR FREEDOM, SERVICE, BENEFITS, ETC....

- All our tourism related business "resort islands' are being released by the government under very serious rules which in writing gives lots of benefits and serves us a lot. As far as I know the lease documents provided by the island bidders have made lots of promises in writing. Funniest thing is that we Maldivians are not protected and are not given the benefits that we should get. Foreigners from other countries are given more benefits than us and number of them are more in each resort. Though the situation is like, even now the labour ministry gives more quota when and then it is requested by any management. They never think of providing us a better atmosphere!!!!

i.e.:- Foreigners are given more salary than our people, medical treatment, accommodation and food in Male' during their stay in Male', transport between the resort and Male', return flight tickets, work permits, treated better in all the ways, job guarantee 'cause the company has to bear the cost of sending them out from country', etc.....

I WONDER WHY OUR PEOPLE WHO ARE BEING ELECTED AND SELECTED TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY AND US ARE NOT THINKING ABOUT THESE THINGS!!!!

I BEG THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THIS 'SMALL' NOTE AND DO SOMETHING!!!

Resort Boy who is under the custody!!!

New Face
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 05:42:26 (MDT)

This was great see MP's walked out from the Special Majlis to defend their rights and all the Maldivians.

Hassan Shahid, Meeru Island Resort, Male' <hassannshahid@hotmail.com>
Male', Addu Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 05:28:05 (MDT)

I have been an ardent fan of your site and has been reading all the articles in the hope of reliable news and uncensored version of the news. While browsing for the latest special Majlis news, I came across on an article on ministry of education and on its inefficiencies. I have to stress that as far as I have worked with ministry of education, they are efficient and able to solve problems very quickly indeed compared to the ministry I was attached to before. And the credit do go to Dr. Shaugee who has taken all pending cases and solved most of it in such a short time. And to my surprise a paragraph in your article has indicated some key staff such as Solih and Akram having access to funds from World Bank. The truth is World Bbank funds are deposited into a special account created specifically for the projects and maintained at the MMA. None of the World Bank funds were accessible by these key staff as these are independently monitored at project Implementation Unit where complete set of other staff who work very long hours on the project. None of the key staff mentioned earlier has access to fidget with these funds.

Please be assured that funds are dispersed accordingly and reports are sent to World Bank every quarter. In addition to that financial statements are audited by external auditor, an independent audit firm.

I am disappointed to realize that not all news printed on this website could be reliable. Just because someone has relied a false information and it has gone published without checking, I have the feeling that not everything you publish could be accurate. In future please take extra care when articles point finger at any individual it is verified before it is made available to the public. I hope that you would take the measure to correct this article accordingly.

Observer, Male'
Male', K. Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 04:29:02 (MDT)

Today was a historic day. I wish to thank all the MP's who stood by the constitution and the people of the country. And to all the people who made there voices heard peacefully and orderly.

Since I am not in Maldives I did not witness what happened. But as the previous poster said if the NSS soldiers did handle it well and with respect to the people my appreciations to them, specially Brigadier Moosa Jaleel, who is a true professional soldier of rare calibre.

Dhivehi Dhariyeh
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 03:28:08 (MDT)

More about Seena Zahir,

he has a record of taking part in GCE O'level for 5 times as he failed on all subjects every times. Emme bodu gamaaru meehaa raajjeey ga huri. , I hope this is a world record.

And confirmed reports:

He belongs to a Maldivian Muslims family but he doesn't know how to recite Quran. Please ask his own mother for every details. And on one occasion while visiting an island, the atoll chief requested him to lead the prayer and he refused and went home without the prayer.

Hamid Fathuhulla by email

What we witness today in front of the President's Office is certainly something all the citizens of Maldives who have been crying out for freedom of expression should be proud of. I note the unity among the people and the responsibility taken by each and everyone to make sure that the crowd did not get unruly.

My congratulations go out to all the people who gathered together and showed solidarity with the members who walked out. This was certainly a taste of freedom. The NSS team specially Moosa Jaleel should be noted for showing respect to the peoples wishes there.

A very proud citizen
male', Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 02:19:50 (MDT)

Its a pity that Lahufa Adam has disengaged herself from clarifying the position Islam gives for men over women so soon. She went on to ask whether "Quran says that men's brains are inferior to women's". It does not say so. However, for mu'mins who are determined and enlightened will find out the "hik'mah" in the words of Allah S.W.A. After all, Islam is about submission to the will of God and obedience to his Laws. Furthermore, all of what we see here on earth and that which is ordained by God is a source for us to practice our thoughts on.

Being a Muslim and a woman, I always look for the Hiqma'h in God's revelation. It is different from questioning out of doubt and suspicion (for those who do not believe) about what the Holy Qur'an has revealed. I believe those who do (without submission) lack faith and are not proper Muslims.

To clarify certain technical aspects, I strongly advocate the position of men over women in the judicial affairs (including family matters, marriage and share of property) and even some "gendered roles" of responsibility in society. For instance, the case of 2 men = 1 woman is not wholly implausible. Recent studies into neuroscience (in reference to the Quarterly Papers in 1993, 1997, available on www.bps.org.uk) acknowledge the physiological variations in the brain of male and female species. With the advent of MIRC and Information technology, psychologists made remarkable progress in the area of verifying this subtlety. This does not automatically translate into "inferiority" on the part of women. Notwithstanding, preliminary studies have identified patterns in which male performance (we are talking about very simple tests on speech, cognition and decision-making) are in some cases better than female performance and vice versa. Hence when it is revealed in the Qur'an about men having authority over women, it is not out of blind ignorance that we believe in God's words. There is always reason, for those who are clear of heart and mind.

This does not mean however we should stop here. Like I said before, only preliminary studies have been published and research on this is still underway. Although Lahufa Adam and her supporter here have pronounced their conclusions, it remains inconclusive to much reason. I call for women all over Maldives to be properly educated, first about Islam as Muslims, and then find the Hik'mah. It is apparent that Lahufa nor Kanbulo is well read in Islamic Literature and shows minimal (either out of ignorance or slow-wittedness) understanding of what Islam is about. This being said, I do not disagree about some roles of women (without contradicting Sheikh and Ahammadhu) in Arabic society which exists only out of tradition and culture. We, as women need to recognise what our gendered roles are, and attempt to diversify our stake on society through enrichment and proper support. Instead of imitating offshoots of the Western Feminist Movement, I ask women of Maldives to think for themselves and restrain themselves to what God has ordained upon them. Let us make open conversation with our Islamic Scholars in understanding and communing within the proper channels about the well-being of women in Society. May Allah guide us to the righteous path.

2 men = 1 woman
Manchester, UK - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 00:58:07 (MDT)

Maumoon akee dhuniyeega huri enme bodu MUNAAFIGU

Hypocrite
Maldives - Monday, July 19, 2004 at 00:15:57 (MDT)

A recent polls shows Gayyoom will get less than 15% vote if Hameed and Yameen are removed from their respective positions. If Ilyas is included Gayyoom is expected to get less than 5% vote.

People reacted to the recent meetings by reformists and suggested that if they are allowed to continue, Gayyoom will be out of office without any help from "outsiders".

Among the cabinet ministers only Hon. Aneesa got 32% approval rest of the ministers got less than 20%. The most unpopular minister was Summer Blue Ibrahim Maniku who got only 2%, Umar Zahir 3%,Anbaree, Jameel, & Yameen 4%, Ahmed Abdullah, Abdul Rasheed Hussain 5%,the rest between 7-20%.

Rameez
Male, Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 22:38:02 (MDT)

Rayithunge majilis memeberun miadhu vafaatherve thedhuveri vanvy thi emeehunge hedhvifarathasha, gaumatha nooni maumoonahtha? mikamaa dhetherey visnaanulaa kantha kofiya dhedhuniyegaves thimeehunaky gelenivegen vaa meehun. eyee amila athun feyhunu iloshi gandekey efadha. ekamuge hithi hithaama thahamal kuran thibeyny thimeehun ge dharin. mihaaruves ekudhin e ulheny efadha haalega. drugaa anekachaka boakah ekudhin nuthibys zinmaadhaaru insaafa loabikkura vazyfaathakah hurumatherikoh hitha baeh sarukaarey mikiyaa echege ulheynamaka. Dheen gelije, Musthaqbal gelije, raaje miogen andhavalhaka veteny, Maain Baifaina emeehunge haalathu rangalhukurumakah sarukaarah kodhevey eves kameh ney. Eyee thi izatheri majleehuge memberun hissavegen alhugandumenah dhevi hadhiyaeh. Thibeyfulhun ves thibeyfulhunge zimaa adha kuravaafa sarukaaruge thibey kantha nukurevey zinmaa nagan nukerey meehun/office thaka dheytherey suvaalukoh kantha rangalhu kuran ulheynamaka eheneh nuvees. Aaadheys kofa mibuny thimaage amila zameeru dhuniyege madhu vaguthu kolhega libey sharafaka nuvatha izathaka takaa vikaanulaa amila zameerah ves vafaatherivashey.

Rayithun
Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 21:00:26 (MDT)

Hashim
Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 20:08:48 (MDT)

It is really sickening to see Jameel addressing about drugs. He is the first person who started importing cocaine into Maldives through diplomatic channels. Abdullah Shahid, and the staff at Foreign Affairs were the carriers. I don't think these are new stories even for Gayyoom. Is the pot calling the kettle black.

Yumna
Male, Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 17:00:57 (MDT)

Abdullah Hadhee is there because of Maumoon not Yameen. Hadhee is Gayyoom's badminton partner and a frequent visitor to Theemuge & Aarah. He also get an entertainment allowance from Theemuge. Hadhee is notorious to take naps even in Gayyoom's presence. These are untouchables even if they take all the money from STO.

Busra
Male, Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 16:57:34 (MDT)

Lahufa,

For me Allah's word is true. Allah knows best why one male witness may be replaced by two female witnesses, at least regarding financial transactions, as revealed in the Holy Quran. We can only attempt to understand these things, and our understanding may not always be correct. I repeat part of the verse again for you.

"And get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her." [Surah Baqarah :282] Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

There is no reason for interpretation in the case of this verse it's clear for all. You ask again, "how can 1 man equate 2 women". I say because Allah has ordained so. You do not question me, Lahufa. You question Allah's word. May Allah help us understand Islam and guide us in the right path. Amen!

Ahammadhu
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 13:18:02 (MDT)

I have given a lot of thought about this talk about religion, the extremists and separation of religion and state. A lot of people fear that Maldives is westernizing and that this is a threat to Islam. I say it is not westernizing but it is development. I do not know if it is stated that party system is legal or illegal in Islam but lets check it. It is quite clear in so many instances religion is used improperly to give excuses, lets see how we can protect that from an Islamic point of view.

It's the system in Maldives that needs modernizing not Islam.

Fazal
Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 10:49:11 (MDT)

Dear Lahufa,

Please don't take this personally. I really don't think that you understand some of the principles of Islam that you are addressing.

I will just quote some translations from Quran: [transitions by YUSUF ALI]

Surah 04 Aayat 011 (on inheritance)

Allah (thus) directs you as regards your Children's (Inheritance): to the male, a portion equal to that of two females: if only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half. For parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased Left brothers (or sisters) the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases ('s) after the payment of legacies and debts. Ye know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-knowing, Al-wise.

Surah 02 Aayat 223 (union between husband and wife)

Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how ye will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that ye are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.

Sura 02 Aayat 282 [ not the whole Aayat] (witnesses)

YUSUF ALI: O ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and not diminish aught of what he owes. If they party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her.
[read the whole Aayat at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/002.qmt.html#002.187]

Surah 26 Aayats 165 and 166 (on homosexuality)

"Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males,
"And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!"

Surah 4 Aayat 034 (role of men in a household)

Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (Next), refuse to share their beds, (And last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means (of annoyance): For Allah is Most High, great (above you all).

Surah 6 Aayat 116 (who not to follow)

Wert thou to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead thee away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie.

END OF QURANIC TRANSLATIONS WITHIN THIS POST.

If you must put forward an argument or a notion for reform do it without using anti-Islamic views. I know that the non-Islamic views that are part of your opinions are not meant to be non-Islamic or anti-Islamic.

You really need to learn some more basic principles of Islam before you make statements like those that you made. [1 witness or 2 witness].

If you must know Ahammadhu has quoted a Quranic verse, read it and learn from it.

The male homosexuality issue that you have referred to is not part of any Islamic sect. Islam nor its different sect support homosexuality. In fact no religion supports it. Some western societies have allowed it and made it legal. Islam has not. Allah has not. Sadoom is a good example.

Please don't equate all Islamic scholars as the same. Look at them, see their actions and you will know if he is truly loyal to Islam.

I am very happy that you question peoples word and statements to find the truth. But please don't question Allahs words.

My previous comments posted on this forum were based on Islam. I have no ulterior motive of personal gains (except the sawaab from Allah).

I wish you well, I pray that you find within you the strength to study atleast those parts of Islam and Islamic Shari'ah that you need for your daily life.

One final message: If YOUR personal belief is that ISLAM is not the best religion, you have the freedom to believe that. Choose Islam only if YOU believe it is what is best. Allah has certainly said that it is. And Allah only accepts it as the religion.

May Allah show US the right path.

Sheikh
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 08:30:36 (MDT)

Dr Hassan Saeed! Watch out! Once you leave the post of AG, Maumoon will make you a scapegoat of everything gone wrong even if you did that on his orders. Please follow the constitution strictly rather than amending bending everything and be faithful to your country rather to Maumoon's wishes.

Advice
USA - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 08:15:37 (MDT)

Do you really have to take an extra permission from home ministry to hold meetings that is allowed in the law. Informing them before/after is another matter. If NSS, home ministry, Maumoon, Anbaree tried to stop it you can sue them personally.

Sue
Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 08:05:54 (MDT)

"Her Majesty the Minister of Gender and social security",

I would like to Take this opportunity to raise some concerning points and ask for your Immediate resignation from the post.

My claims are justified as such:

Drugs in recent years had become a grave threat to the public. Drugs encourage young people To commit more crimes, where the recent rise of Crime level contribute more to it. In short Drugs will cripple any society. Being a public figure to set this example it seems that you had been unable to control, counsel or hand your son to the proper Authorities. The true fact is that your son is one of the Most Leading Drug dealers in the Maldives. The sad back drop is that he is the son of a high calibre individual as yourself, and most importantly his Father is the Second Highest Ranking man in the Police Force which would bar him from any arrests had been let go to roam free while several of his accomplices had been arrested, and I do think the son of both high Government officials would have the slightest difficulty importing the stuffs. Ultimately adding to the drug stock of the poor street youths. Have you ever thought that how young street youth can get expensive drugs where they can't even Afford to buy 1 cigarette as my memory is not mistaken you had confessed on the media that you would like to see him behave as your daughter. What you failed to say is that he was a drug addict.

The other most important point since Gender included is that you are a Bad example to Women in an Islamic Society. Your hairstyle doesn't fit in the rules in Islam. The prophet had Clearly Condemned women pretending to be as men Vice versa.

So with above points and mostly as this society being an Islamic one I see that you are Unfit to represent the said ministry and state. Rules and Laws are to be respected and Executed.

A Maldivian Citizen
Male', Henveiru Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 08:05:04 (MDT)

Faroog is a good example. Many other needs to step down if they fear their oath. Please stop being stooges to Gayyoom, stand up and show your humane side.

We should ask Gayyoom to remove his cronies one by one, before we remove him by whatever means. Let him remember what happened to Zia ul Haq. The same fate awaits him unless we see him remove his brothers, in laws and drunkard friends.

Mahir
Male, Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 07:26:43 (MDT)

Do you know the STO's cashier-cum-accountant, Abdul Haadhee who was sidelined because of the post-dated dishonoured checks worth nearly US$700,000.00? It is true that this guy and his family is lodged at the STO's flat with electricity and water bills paid from STO's account. What do you say to that!

STO insider

Abdulla Saleem <misguided_missile@go4.it.com>
Male`, Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 07:19:46 (MDT)

Dear Ahammadhu

I'm with Lahufa all the way. I'm always baffled to note that when it comes to Quran its translated literally and applied to the T, where a women is concerned, but any quotes about man are translated broadly giving much leeway to man.

Why is that? In countries where Islamic rulings are applied why are women's position degraded to that of a second-hand citizen?

I'm a Muslim a believer, but I think it should be upto me to choose what I want to do in life, not to any male around me. And if we are left to the charge of a man, would he go to paradise or hell (depending on our action) in our place. Are we not responsible for our own actions in the end????????

If you are a practising Muslim learning more and more about Islam, please do not do the injustice of reading only things written by Arab sheikhs or translations of Quran for that matter. There are billions of Muslims in the world of all races and colours and with different viewpoints. If you open your mind and read stuff that comes from all corners of the earth you will be much more informed to form your own opinion instead of gulping down someone else's version.

About separating state from religion. Well why not? Maldives is not a 100% Muslim country, we just have that on paper. What's the use of maintaining this hypocrisy, there are Maldivian atheists, gays, and Maldivian Christians also for that matter. So lets face things in the face.

I do not need the state to tell me how to live my religious life, and I do not think that if you are a real believer your faith should be so weak that you need constant supervision and fear of punishment to follow your religion. Not to mention a lot of comments here which seems to indicate we have to maintain Maldives as a Muslim country at any costs, some one who wants to believe in something else so be it (he is loosing the gates of heaven not me), it does not bother me in the least.

Religion cannot be forced on people and whom exactly are we trying to impress by declaring that all Maldivians are Muslims, the international world? ....... they would be more impressed if they find out that we don't persecute people in the name of religion, or is it God...........I think he knows the truth (no doubts about this).

Islam does not need modernisation but the scores of men who translate it whichever way they want and try to relive exactly the era of prophet (impossible, since our prophet Mohamed PBUH, is gone) needs to open up their eyes and see its the 21 century, pureness as a household, as a community, as a state is not possible to achieve anymore cause you cannot forcefully make others comply to your bidding, cause people are too different and have their own opinions.

You can just try to be pure yourself as much as possible. And please stop telling us women how to live our life in the name of religion, we are perfectly capable of reading Quran (translations) and deciding for ourselves the shoulds, and should nots of our religion.

Kabulo <Kabulo4@hotmail.com>
Barcelona, Spain - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 04:34:05 (MDT)

Maumoon has urged writers to deliver the coming generations with the true facts of what has happened in the Maldives. What he really means by his call to to the writers is just to write stuffs in the same way as that propagates by his media. However, it is important to let the coming generations be made aware of his weakness and his failures. Perhaps we can write a book on "a critical analysis on - the man for all islands.

Me <dhivessei@hotmail.com>
Mle, Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 02:20:10 (MDT)

ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM
(Steve LaSala/Gene Kowalski)

Baby's using big words
She wants me to look dumb
If things are going smooth
She speaks of equilibrium
She says she's been perspicuous
'Bout how our love should be
It may be so, but it all sounds like gibberish to me.

CHORUS Antidisestablishmentarianism
She managed to work that one in last week

To stay with her requires a degree of masochism

Antidisestablishmentarianism.
She says our relationship has nebulosity
And this vicissitude she claims is all because of me
If I complain she says it makes her incommodious
And all this craziness has left her so vertiginous. CHORUS

Antidisestablishmentarianism
For fifty bucks we'll translate that last verse
If I say we're drifting apart
Then she calls it a schism
Antidisestablishmentarianism

BRIDGE We used to have concupiscence but now its plain to see
That her vocabulary's ended our propinquity.

They say God works in wondrous ways
And I believe it's true
If you need proof let me conclude her tragic tale for you
She died last week and confirmed the doctor's diagnosis
Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis. CHORUS

Antidisestablishmentarianism
The words kept getting longer everyday
She had an awful case of sesquipidalianism
Antidisestablishmentarianism
Antidisestablishmentarianism.

© 1995 by Stephen H. LaSala and Eugene R. Kowalski
All rights reserved
128 Torpedo Rd.
Manahawkin, N.J., 08050
609 - 698 - 7618

Did u hear
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 02:03:42 (MDT)

Thank you Hassan for the insightful comment.

Aminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 01:18:10 (MDT)

So Ahammadhu tell me how can 1 man equate to 2 women? We are talking about two brains, two different individuals here. Like wise 2 women cant be equated to 1 man. One man can be equated to 1 woman only. And one woman to one man only. A baby too would know this. Doesn't this make sense? Are you saying Quran says that men's brains are inferior to women's? Its up to you to choose to be in the shadows. This will be my final involvement in this issue. Take care all of you may Allah guide you all to the righteous path. Bye

Aminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 01:08:50 (MDT)

Assalaam Alaikum Sister Lahufa,

There is no such thing as moderate Islam and radical Islam. If you modernize Islam to suit your (un-Islamic) lifestyle, you cannot call it Islam.

May Allah guide Lahufa to the righteous path. Ameen.

I. M. Kareem
Male', Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 00:50:10 (MDT)

I found a very interesting point Lahufa made which actually tells us that her views are only one sided or perhaps sexist. She wrote: When women wear tight fitting dresses who gets the nice views? Its you, the male species."

Let me ask Lahufa this. When the male species admire women's "nice view", who gets satisfied? Would you, Lahufa, wear a tight fitting dress if you think the male species wouldn't admire your figure? I don't think so. If you have a belly of a sumo wrestler would you wear a top that reveals your ugly belly?

No ugly bellies, please
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 23:32:42 (MDT)

I am close associate of Gayyoom, but I don't like or agree with him. He has come to a stage where he believes everyone else is wrong and he is right.

He has come to a level where he cannot even think how the rest of people are surviving with so little income. He is planning to increase the wages proportionately so he and his cronies will get their fair share.

Today he is spying on his ministers, his in laws, friends and specially senior NSS officers. His biggest fear now is to leave the country as there are many who are just waiting for him to say good bye.

Hadhee
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 22:22:27 (MDT)

Hulhumale is a wonderful project. Hon. Ali Maniku made 5 million dollars, and Jameel made $1m Yameen made $500,000 and smaller guys made "handsome" trips to Denmark and to Bangkok.

We are now looking at other islands as we cannot send these guys back but need them to keep us "full".

Mauroof
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 22:14:30 (MDT)

Fully agree on the point of amending the constitution;

1. not to give power to someone who are unable to serve the nation.
2. to avoid corruption
3. to serve everybody equally
4. to have a good labour law which protects us and our nation.
5. to have a good justice system
6. freedom but not for the drug gangs!!!
7. etc.....

- to do this we need to bring a big change- such like;-

- bringing a lot of changes to most of the senior positions in the government.
- to give power to the island people to select their leaders.

To say simply we should cut down the old generation "island chiefs, atoll chiefs, etc.." who are unable to fulfil their duties in this century. I mean those who are uneducated!!!.... lot to write.

I wish my point of view is clear.

Nihad Mohamed <nihadm@hotmail.com>
Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 06:14:36 (MDT)

New message on Debate Constitutional Reform

Mu'thabarru News Agency

It's been reported that Abdullah Hameed, Current President for the Special Majlis, has rudely commented today that "He still has the power [in the Special Majlis]" to an MDP member. What he was obviously trying to get at, was the fact that some of the members in the Special Majlis are still his cronies, and he will not go down easily from his post of President of Special Majlis.

Mu'thabarru News will be there when news happens.

Mu'thabarru News Agency
Maldives - Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 05:54:04 (MDT)

Lahufa,

I am no religious scholar or Sheikh but I am a practicing Muslim and am constantly learning about Islam as any sincere Muslim should do.

I believe your comments indicate that you are among one of those who believe that Islam needs to be "modernized". This is very apparent in your statement, "this is not khadheeja's zamaan. Much has changed since then. We don't need to go back to the cave age".

Your comment has an underlying assumption that the principles and fundamentals of Islam belong in the caveman era. It is unfortunate that you associate Islam with uncivilized barbarianism. Islam was and is the most civilized religion and if you would really look at "Khadeeja's zamaan" as you put it, you will find one of the most just, and democratic societies in the world flourishing in Medina. If adhering to the principles of Islam means going back to the caveman era for you, I'm afraid you grossly misunderstand Islam.

You also contradict and object to the clear and stipulated laws in Shari'ah. You said "there is no way 1 man can equate to 2 women. One witness is one and 2 is two". However it is clearly stipulated in the Quran regarding financial matters that if two male witnesses cannot be obtained then one male and two female witnesses would be accepted.

"O ye who believe! When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, reduce them to writing Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah Has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear His Lord Allah, and not diminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable Himself to dictate, Let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as ye choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her." [Surah Baqarah :282] Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

As Allah has ordained two women equals one man as witness in financial transactions. Do you doubt Allah's word, Lahufa?

You also said "I am some one who supports that the state should be separate from religion". I am afraid, Lahufa, you understand and use the term religion in the strict western sense. Islam cannot be equated to the western sense of religion, for Islam is not simply about the spiritual side of life. Islam is a complete way of life - the way of life as ordained by Allah. The question of state and religion arise only when we view Islam as simply a religion in the reductionist sense of western philosophy. Let us try and stop viewing everything through the contorted lens of western thought!

Ahammadhu
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 17:02:18 (MDT)

I am referring to the post about Munawwaru, since he acted as the lawyer for an ordinary Maldivian Absee, who took the banner asking for Gayyoom's resignation, the governments' media appears to be going against him with more force. So what, he is a member of the MDP and he is supporting reform now, what else matters? And, he is probably the most qualified lawyer in the country. Now, about the advise he gave, if you listen, he said that the current constitution is not adequate for political parties to be formed in the Maldives, based on that advise Gayyoom decided that he should undermine the constitution and ban the forming of parties. Dr. Munawwaru did not ban political parties, or undermine the constitution, Gayyoom did! And, we all know that Munawwaru will be a handful for Gayyoom, he knows that even better, so these attempts to discredit him. Now, lets just wait and see what happens! Munawwaru is with us, as in with the reformists, so should be not be happy! Whether we like it or not, he is a powerful ally to us! And finally to Munawwaru, please show these anti-reformists their worth! Together, we will discover new meaning to our lives! Thank you for helping one of us!

Reformist
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 14:54:35 (MDT)

Gayyoom has instructed foreign ministry, & high Commissioners in London & Colombo to inform all the countries that MLD & MDP are not banned in the Maldives, but they are unable to register their organizations due to a constitutional ambiguity. The government is assuring other governments that a process to amend the constitution is now on its way and soon they will be allowed to register their organizations. The government insist they are now allowed to hold peaceful meetings.

However, the catch is that they are informing that the current leaders of these groups are seeking mercenaries to over throw the government without having the patience to wait until the constitutional amendments are implemented.

Gayyoom is seeking assistance to arrest these leaders who represent these groups stating they only want to avoid violence in the country.

Abdul Gafoor
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 14:41:55 (MDT)

Dear Sheikh,

Thank you for replying. First of all don't be so shocked. You are seeing the real world. Only if you wish to open your eyes and dared to look you will see more.

You say: However, I don't blame you for your misunderstandings about Islam. You never got any Islamic education during your schooling in the Maldives, you didn't get to live in an Islamic environment, and your understanding of Islam is what has been filled into you by the "government" approved (and heavily restricted) Islamic teachers in the schools. Your Islamic knowledge base was increased by those articles and presentations made by "Muslims" and "scholars" who had "modernised" Islam to fit to the western and eastern ways of life.

My say: Any way, It doesn't matter from where I get it as long as I question what I am being preached before accepting them.

You say: Islam does not degrade women. Islam gives them a position that has never been given to women in any other religion. Men and women are equal in front of Allah on the Day of Judgment. They will be treated justly and fairly. They will each get their due on that day.

I Say: I agree. I didn't say Islam does. I said some people who preach Islam do.

Some of the things you say which clearly differentiates men and women in Islam which I don't believe in are:

1. A married mans income has to be spent to support his family. A married woman's income (if any and they can work: Khadeeja was a business woman) need not be spent as such if she doesn't so desire. This again shows greater responsibility on the shoulders of the men.

(my say: this is not khadheeja's zamaan. Much has changed since then. We don't need to go back to the cave age)

2. In legal issues as witnesses, 1 man is equal to 2 women. Being a witness is a big responsibility, it is a responsibility on the shoulders of men. However women can and do function as witnesses. The difference IS there is Islam. Allah has perfected Islam in this way, the reason HE knows. It is not for us to debate and fight over.

( my say: there is no way 1 man can equate to 2 women. One witness is one and 2 is two.)

3. In Islamic Sharia only a man can become a Ghazi. Only a man can become a Khaleefa (ruler). Islamic history from the times of the prophet and his companions shows evidence for this. Some Muslim countries have women rulers today. Pakistan had Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan is an Islamic State), Bangladesh had 2 women rulers (but Bangladesh is not an Islamic state, even if it has majority Muslims) and Indonesia had women rulers (but again is not an Islamic state, even though it is the country with the highest number of Muslims).

( My say: I am some one who supports that the state should be separate from religion. Read what I have said before again.)

You say: I have never known any Islamic scholar, Sheikh, Usthaaz or even a mullah call women dirty. The differences between men and women in Islamic Sharia are there because of Allah's wishes. Any disrespect towards women or any injustice is because of non-adherence to Islam.

I Say: You need to see more and you will see these Usthaazes, Sheikhs and Mullahs.

You say: (@)Aiminath Lahufa Adam said: "There will be no life for women in Maldives if they are given power. Women like me will be living in a hell hole. Most women in Maldives will be aware of this, I guess. I see these radical people even refusing to shake a hand of a woman. If their intentions are so pure why should they refuse to shake hands with a woman?"

Referring to life in a would-be Islamic state, she is saying that there will be no life for women. There would be a better life for you in an Islamic state. You can choose to stay at home if so you wish! You can work, within appropriate environments, if so you wish. All your earnings will be yours, should you desire not to spend them on your husband and family. Your Husband (if you are married) or your father (if you are not) or your son (if you have a grown son) or the state (if you have none of them) will be responsible for your care, financially, medically, socially...etc. You can choose who you marry and you will be safer in your own home. Men will die to protect you (your father, your husband, your son and all other men to whom you are a sister in Islam).

My say: You have twisted what I meant by THEY. Spare me please. I can take care of my self. Even The day I am unable to do so I wont go to people like radical Islamists . LOL

You say: Some might not know this but individuals who wore the male "shalwar gamis" (Pakistani men's dress) and Arabic jubbah were persecuted by the government for portraying religious diversion. This was at the same time when it was allowing Pakistan dress for women, tight tops, short skirts and other figure hugging dresses for women.

My say: That's exactly what I was referring. These people who are educated from these Arab countries doesn't respect women at all. When women wear tight fitting dresses who gets the nice views? Its you, the male species. So obviously you wouldn't ban it. Would you?

You say: (@)Aiminath crosses respectable boundaries by saying: "So why don't these people go and practice firihenkulhi. In fact we do see that. In most of the churches it happens, so does with these mullahs. They say women should stay below them. You are wrong mullahs. These days women like me like to be on top"

Like you said these unnatural sexual offences happen in churches. Unnatural sexual offences are practiced in many parts of the world, and we are wise enough to know that that do occur in Maldives as well. But please don't ascribe these actions to Islam. If an Islamic scholar does practice this act that is not because of Islam, Allah cursed them in the strongest words and our prophet cursed them and those acts. Don't give the bad name to Islam. Islam is pure of that evil.

To the second part of the quote, Islam does not forbid particular positions in union between a married man and his wife. I don't know any religious scholar, mullah or otherwise, who has forbidden non-missionary positions. If you enjoy and are more comfortable in your selected position rest assured that it is legal in Islam.

My say: I didn't cross any respectable boundaries. What is not respectable to you may be because I called some of these mullahs firihenkulhi. It's good to hear that at least, you are aware of firihenkulhism being practiced in Male'. I never ascribed them to a specific religion. Instead to a sect of people I did. Since you don't know any religious scholar who forbids "non-missionary positions", I ask you to open your eyes and see with an open mind and you'll see heaps of them.

You say: You maybe right in saying that a good Islamic education in this day and age is possible from western countries. And from Malaysia as well. However, I wonder why you prefer the western, or let me say the non-Arab countries for Islamic education. Is it because they are more "moderate", "modern" or "liberal" in Islamic teachings and practice?

My say: You know the answer. But you will want to deny it. Heheh.

Aiminath Lahufa Adam
Male', Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 13:37:50 (MDT)

Great heroes please keep up your work, we are here to support. We need to educate our public.

Illey <iyanilyas@hotmail.com>
Dhoondigum, R Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 04:40:42 (MDT)

އަޅުގަޑުމެންނަށް އަބަދުވެސް އިވޭ އަޑެއް މިއީ، އަޅުގަޑުމެން ފަޚުރުވެރިވާން ޖެހޭކަމެކޭ މިއީ އަޅުގަޑުމެން ދިވެހީންނަށް ވީކަން. މިވާހަކައަކީ ކޮންމެ ހުކުރުދުވަހަކު ޓީވީން ހޭޔަންބޯގަވެސް ހަދާންކޮއްދޭވާހަކައެކެވެ. އަދި އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ ޒައީމްވެސް އިރުކޮޅުކޮޅުން އަޅުގަޑެމެންނަށް ހަދާންކޮށްދޭ ކަމެކެވެ. އެކަމަކު' އަޅުގަޑު މިކަމާ ވިސްނާ ވިސްނާވެސް މި ކޮންސަބަބަކާ ހުރެ ވާންޖެހޭ ފަޚުރެއް ކަމެއް ނުވިސްނުނެވެ. ފަހަރެއްގައި ވެދާނެބާ އަޅުގަޑުމެން ފަޚުރުވެރިވާން މެޖެހެނީ އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ ތެރޭގައި ދުނިޔޭގެ އެހެން އެއްވެސް ގައުމެއްގައި ނެއްފަދަ ގޮތަކަށް ހިގަމުންދާ ވެރިކަމުގެ ނިޒާމެއް އޮތުމުންކަމަށް؟ ނޫނީ އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ ތެރޭގައި އަދުލު އިންސާފުގެ ހަމަހަމަކަން ނެތުމުންކަމަށް؟ ނޫނީ އަޅުގަޑުމެންގެ ވެރިޔާ މަގާމުގައި ހުރި މުއްދަތުގެ ދިގުކަން؟ ނޫނީ ކެބިނެޓްގައި އާއިލާގެ ބޭފުޅުން ގިނަކަމުން؟

މިއިން އެއްވެސް ކަމަކާހުރެ ހަމަ ކަށަވަރުން އަޅުގަޑު ފަޚުރުވެރިއެއް ނުވޭ. ނަމަވެސް އަޅުގަޑު ފަޚުރުވެރިވާކަމެއް އެބައޮތް،އެއީ، މިނިވަން ބަހުސްގެ އެއްވުންތަކަށް ދިޔަ މީހުންގެ ހިތްވަރު، މިއީ އަޅުގަޑަށް ފަޚުރުވެރިވެވޭ ކަމެއް. އަދި ހަމަ މިފަދައިން ދިވެހި ދަރީންތަކެއް ދިވެހި ފަސްގަޑުން ބޭރުގައި ހުރެގެން އެކުރަމުން އެގެންދާ މަސައްކަތް، މިއީވެސް އަޅުގަޑަށް ފަޚުރުވެވޭކަމެއް

17 ޖޫން 2004

އިސްމާއިލް

I do not think the article "More Saudi Vandalism" is against Islam. But rather it points out a very important factor. That there are Islamic extremist everywhere who would rather push their own agenda instead of being true Muslims. These people hide under the facade of Islam (Islam being fully comprehensive respects other people and religions and history , etc). I think the point of the article is to be aware. Just because they are Mullahs or whatever doesn't mean they are right. There are some mullahs who do things rather different than is told in Islam. Just because they are Mullahs Doesn't mean we have to follow every word they say. We have to look at what they are teaching and evaluate that and then believe. lets not jump the gun.

The response in this forum by a Sheik to Aminath Lahufa's comment is clear of this. The sheik out lines the real ways its done. Now we have to ask the question why did Lahufa have to make her comments. Her comments aren't their just because she can write. She has a valid reason. From these 2 postings we can tell that Islam in its truest form is really beautiful. Its the problem of interpretation and implementation that creates the problem.

I feel this problems could be over come by having an Independent Islamic council to deal with issues of religion and to set a National Standard rather than allowing just about every Sheik Tom, Dick and Harry to come and dictate terms to us the way they see fit. This council should be elected by the people among the Islamic scholars in Maldives. Not appointed without evaluation just because a person is "an Islamic scholar".

I am for a National Standard for how Islam is going to be practiced. This national standard should respect all humans regardless of religion, colour, creed and social standing. This national standard should respect both The Islamic declaration of Human Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human rights. This national standard should respect the different sects practiced in Islam. This National council should base its national standard in a manner acceptable to the people of Maldives and our culture within the confines of the provisions of Islam.

PS. My opinion of DO editorial policy is not to have an agenda but to present articles, both controversial and other wise to make the people think about stuff in general. The fact that you don't agree with DO or disagree with DO is irrelevant. The fact that you thought enough to agree or disagree and took a position that you believe to be is correct after reflecting and thinking on the material is what DO aims to achieve. I might be wrong... But seems highly likely.

Just keep in mind we don't have to agree with what everybody says. Treat other peoples opinion with respect. If you disagree with their opinions, then, present your arguments in a civilised manner. Debate - and - Discuss. Even still if you don't agree with each other, then agree to disagree. Everybody is capable of being civil and respectful to each other. Not everybody is same. That's what makes us unique as humans. To learn and understand this and to treat others with respect only lifts a person above the rest.

PSS. I fully agree with Ismail Faid's post.

Hassan
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 01:015:46 (MDT)

Yes you can blame Munawwaru, Zaki and all the rest. But the fact they were left behind from Gayyoom's cabinet is a sign that they were involved in the reforms.

They have no reason to believe that we are going to accept them as our next leaders, but they can be a part of this reform and the next administration.

What we are trying to avoid is a system where you employ only your family members, relatives and friends.

We are tired of this regime, because this guy believes only people from his and his wife's families have brains.

Younus
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 01:07:59 (MDT)

I FULLY AGREE TO MR ALI SHAMEEM'S POINT, IF YOU ARE SINCERE, HONEST TO YOUR COUNTRY "MALDIVES" YOU WOULD HAVE ADDRESS TO PRESIDENT ON SAME MANNER AS YOU HAVE ADDRESSED TO THE MEMBER OF THE PARLIAMENT.

I HAVE A QUESTION

DO YOU WISH TO RUN MALDIVES LIKE VILLA SHIPPING.???

DO YOU WISH ILYAS IBRAHIM TO TAKE THE REST OF OUR MONEY. ILYAS IBRAHIM AND AN INDIAN MAN (BASED IN DUBAI) IS MAKING THE NEW MALDIVIAN AIRLINE, ACCORDING TO MIADHU NEWS PAPER DEP. OF CIVIL AVIATION DID NOT MENTION THE NAME OF THE COMPANY WHO PROPOSED FOR THIS AIRLINE. THIS COMPANY IS PROPOSING TO RUN 2 RUSSIAN AIRCRAFTS AS THE MALDIVIAN FLAG CARRIER.
DO YOU WISH QASIM & ILYAS TO OPERATE OUR NATIONAL AIRLINE?

MOHAMED <mohamed11@hotmail.com>
Male, Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 01:07:35 (MDT)

To DO Editors,

I really do not know the goal of your editorial policy. But if it is to promote the image of MDP as a viable opposition and to increase its mass base, then the article about Saudi vandalism is counter productive. It gives a chance to your opponents to label you as anti-Muslim.

Manikfan
Meedoo, S., Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 00:35:43 (MDT)

Dear Ali Shameem,

You have really no reason to fear democracy. The majority of Maldivians are Muslim; therefore any law passed by the majority will be compatible with Islam. In fact, democracy will ensure that a dictator who turns Christian cannot convert our motherland into a Christian country through police brutality.

Please don't let yourself be scared by cut and paste articles from internet, which only talk about homosexual marriages. Use your own mind.

Manikfan
Meedoo, S. Maldives - Saturday, July 17, 2004 at 00:10:33 (MDT)

Read this guys, http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/news_show.phtml?id=3538&search=&find=. Haveeru sees fit to quote Reporters Without Borders about the lack of safety for journalist. What about the lack of safety for journalists in Maldives. How come non of that has been covered by Haveeru? How come there hasn't been a proper analytical report on the situation we are facing today with many journalists being locked up and being treated unfairly. NO its taboo. Always look for somebody else's lack of respect for journalists.

Ismail Faid
Male, Maldives - Friday, July 16, 2004 at 21:58:13 (MDT)

DO editors,

I am sure you guys know that only a hand full of people post in this forum out of the thousands that actually read the site. So 2 or 3 people who criticises the way you guys operate the site really is simply a drop in the water. We all know you guys are doing this on the fly - learning this as it comes and everyday we are seeing improvement in DO.

The truth of the matter is some people are happy to criticise somebody else or how they do it. These people only knows how to criticise other people. If they think they can do better why are they not doing anything about it? I mean if they can provide a second forum, even better right? Healthy competition and all that. But NO.... They would rather criticise you guys or somebody else. After all what gave you the right to take on this role? Nobody. You recognised your national and human duties and did something about it. For that I am grateful.

With the lack of funds, means and actual permission to operate legally with journalist running around free getting the reports like in a decent society, DO is doing incredibly good against massive odds. And all these people do is criticise. Forget them!!

Keep up the good work guys. Its much appreciated.

AS for the nay Sayers, Well do something constructive or shut up... There are greater things to worry about than picking on the person who reports what is happening. The real work is done in the field, in the debates and other meetings between reform minded people. Not on a website. This is a site that reports these things so that people know what is happening. And they are doing it exceptionally well considering the odds.

Ismail Faid