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Open Forum - June 2004
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Instead of Mukthaar, Ahammad and Azu tell us who is right and who is wrong, please let us know who you individually favour in this quest for a regime change. I support none of the candidates you have been talking about.
Habeeb
Perth, Australia - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 23:56:14 (MDT)
I have a wonderful idea.
Let Maumoon resign and hand over the power to the contributors to this
forum and let's watch what happens next. I think we need a democracy
where even USA & UK politicians must come to learn from us. Something so
pure and unique and original Maldivian format.
There was joke, I heard years ago, saying that if you leave all the
Maldivians surrounded by a wall, no one will escape from it, because
they (the people inside) will bring down anyone who is trying to climb
over it.
We just can't accept anyone to be successful. Whether it is Gayyoom,
Yameen, Gasim, Sappe, Saadiq, Anni or Latheef.
"Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they
change it themselves." - Qur'an 13:11
I would like to congratulate Sappe for reminding this every time we
visit his website.
Yoosuf Ali
Colombo, Sri Lanka - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 23:22:09 (MDT)
The most perfect
person to run the country is Maumoon. You guys are crazy. When you
have no idea how to run a family nor a company, except arguing "mashey
emme molhee" then we are back to square one. Yes, democracy is to
bring freedom and to allow everyone to question one another and their
leaders. If you guys cannot tolerate or accept anyone than we will run
around looking for someone, and end of the day we will settle for
Gayyoom.
If you cannot support Sappe for all what he is doing, or Gasim,
Saadiq, Anni, Latheef and the rest, we will lead nowhere. Help each
one of them and give your 100% support. We need unity to make this
happen.
Raamiz
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 23:01:26 (MDT)
We, the Maldivians have national aspirations that should be achieved through collective effort of the people. I believe this task should not be trusted on to people who have betrayed the whole nation repeatedly in the past quarter century of the dictator's rule. My biggest concern is that, even today the majority of the people in the People's Majlis (or Maumoon's Majlis as it could rightly be called), have really dirty hands, who are programmed to be subservient to the Dictator rather than being faithful to the needs and aspirations of the people of the country. I wonder how many members of the special Majlis really have the integrity to stand up against the tyranny. There still is no reason to celebrate in the name of democracy. We are very far from achieving any real democracy in the Maldives.
Socrates
Athens, Greece - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 22:57:31 (MDT)
I guess we will need another Prophet to come out and bring a totally new idea to run our people of 300,000 people. I think we have to take an idle model otherwise we have to accept Gayyoom's model and keep quiet.
Najeeb
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 22:52:16 (MDT)
Dear Ahammadhu,
You can contact MLD at
mldcanada@comcast.net or to Saadiq through mldusa@comcast.net.
Please feel free to contact them.
Regards
Zubair
Vancouver, Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 22:37:06 (MDT)
Ethics, and morality.
Judge for your selves, readers.
And Naeem from Brisbane. Why is it that you don't care. Of course you
should care, we all should care of who our president should be. If its
Saadiq, MDP, Sappe, Anni or Maumoon, we should always ask these
questions whether they are eligible for presidency or not. Its not only
a question of qualification, nor from where you studied, or how rich you
are, which should be (apart from many other things) the "Sharuthu" to
become a president. There is obviously more to it as we are seeing here.
Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 21:25:07 (MDT)
Accountability is
important said "It is not a copy of the ANC Reconstruction plan. The
similarities are there because of the similar situations we have in the
two countries, although the obvious ones seems quite deferent. MLD's
Development plan is quite unique in its relevance to Maldives much the
same as ANC's plan for South Africa."
The whole MLD Development plan is a WORD FOR WORD COPY of the South
African RDP with 'Maldives' inserted for 'South Africa', 'DP' inserted
for 'RDP' and 'Maumoon's brutal regime' inserted for 'Apartheid'. There
is NOT A SINGLE original idea in the whole document, let alone anything
unique about it. . It is intellectual plagiarism at it's worst.
I am not surprised we cannot contact Saadiq or MLD. They are trying to fool us as Maumoon has fooled us all these years.
Ahammadhu
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 12:50:47 (MDT)
Gayyoom can dissolve the
parliament and ask the Special Majlis to make the necessary amendments
within 1 year and he can contest in an election where his brother is not
the minister of atolls and his brother Yameen is not the head of every
government agency that can influence the islanders through his official
connections. If he wins, I will support him under a new constitution
where there is a check and balance.
If we reform the constitution and still keep Gayyoom and his family in
power, what is the use of reforms?
I think we are being cheated again. Unless we see these changes, in the
near future, we better support some one else who can bring this entire
regime down. Either it is Gasim or Saadiq, I just don't care.
Naeem
Brisbane, Australia - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 15:50:07 (MDT)
An interesting read.
http://www.essex.ac.uk/ecpr
Sharah Ahmed
London, UK - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 11:20:17 (MDT)
Sarah, the article you posted here is very interesting. We heard rumours many years ago that an airline under the Maldives name was used in the Middle East to smuggle arms for Palestinian causes. Now all this makes sense because how come we do not register "Maldive Airlines" as the official name of our airline? Because Maldive Airlines EXISTED and operated in the Middle East for the Palestinians and went bankrupt. That's why we can never use that name again. Maumoon has sold our pride to his Arabic nationalistic ideals for a few million dollars. Maybe that's why Yasir Arafat visited Maldives many years ago. Otherwise why would he visit us? What can we do to help his cause?
AAG - Anti Azhar Group
Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 19:09:07 (MDT)
Please kindly
acknowledge the source of your articles on the main page.
There are 2 articles (from Haveeru, and the link takes us there) on the
main page of your web site.
For the reader who doesn't access the link, the article would seem to be
one of DO's work. This is unfair. And unethical!
It would be better if you could place a small note with the heading of
such articles stating that they are from "Haveeru". Those disrespectful
writers at Haveeru deserves that much respect.
Ethical writing
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 18:41:08 (MDT)
Sappe is "almost" on
his own with lots of advisors including Muju who does the homework for
Sappe. Sappe is a full time employ of DO and not of MDP.
Gasim/Saadiq I am told are full time businessmen and a part time
politicians. MDP is bunch of...(I leave someone else to describe) with a
wonderful dream that this is going to change by writing wired comments
on this forum and writing "wonderful" articles. I don't think we are
heading anywhere instead playing into Gayyoom's hands.
We just need to be patient and pray that we will find leaders who will
work for us.
Wasif
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 18:00:47 (MDT)
Just wondering .. so if Saadiq came into power with his proposed development plan (a.k.a. African National congress's developmental plan), should we expect our constitution to be a carbon copy of South Africa's as well? ... And while we are at it, should we also perhaps change the name our name from 'The Maldives' to "South Africa Junior"? or "south Africa Reincarnated"?
Azu
Melbourne, Australia - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 14:06:50 (MDT)
An original plan by
Saadiq!!! .. HA! What a laugh! .. And everyone thinks these people
supposedly wanting to bring about so-called reform to the Maldives are
angels of freedom??? They are the ones who will liberate us from the
oppression of the current regime?? HA HA HA .. well, I think this is
what the general Maldivian can expect if there is a shift in power - a
government that assumes we would be so ignorant that they could commit
blatant criminal acts such as this and claim everything is all right and
all they are interested in is the overall good of the whole of
Maldives!... people ... get a grip! ... Yes, a good change will be good
... but do we really want the reigns of our country passed on to the
people who are proposing this supposedly wonderful revolution? well, NOT
ME FOR ONE!
And a word for any other "president wannabes" .. develop an idea of your
own before you propose we place our trust in you to save the country
from whatever perils you foresee befalling us!
Azu
Melbourne, Australia - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 13:58:27 (MDT)
RE: COMMENTS OF NATASHA
ALI, FIJI
Thanks for the idea to get parliament dissolved and forming an interim
government immediately after the new constitution.
Before this, I think that there is a much more fundamental question each
and every Maldivian should address regarding the proposed changes to the
constriction.
Some of the questions I would like to put forward to President Maumoon:
What's the timeline for the proposed change? Yes we do know some changes
will come and you can talk alot about what will be changed, but more
fundamental questions are when? and how?
When will the changes will come into force? How will those changes be
brought about? Will there be any interim government or not, should there
be any role of international community in bringing this change?
Should we wait another 18 years for the new constitution?
Democrat
Lanka, Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 10:59:45 (MDT)
"And how's this for irony? Arafat, the
one-time mastermind of aircraft hijackings, is part owner of several
airlines, including the national carriers of the Maldives and
Guinea-Bissau."
read more...................
http://www.aijac.org.au
Sharah Ahmed
Cuba - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 10:21:55 (MDT)
Just hours after your
website reported MLD's connections in South Africa, Maldivian government
contacted South African Authorities who contact MLD representative here
to see whether they were playing any part to change the regime in the
Maldives. I am sure you all are aware Gayyoom's meeting with a Islamic
Organization in Cape Town. This is was not a meeting to strengthen the
relationship with Islamic brotherhood but to stop the funding of MLD.
Most South African business communities have supported Saadiq and his
political movement for many years.
I hope Saadiq learned the South African way of change. Patience not
Revenge!
Ahamad Salih
Durban, South Africa - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 09:42:41 (MDT)
I can confirm that Sappe is not working alone and he has a lot of help from Muju Naeem, who was openly engaged but his father and step mother forced him to step aside. However, he is still very much in the game and hence deserves much credit.
As a mutual friend, I
can tell that they work together and their aim is the same. They both
are working hard so Muju deserves much credit as well.
Thank you Muju! We appreciate your work too.
Maldivian
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 05:56:09 (MDT)
Can someone tell Gayyoom that Dhivehi Observer articles are all over the place. Is he now going to block internet traffic to Maldives and have a special Maldives wide intranet?... now that is an idea. He can also shut down Dhiraagu and the airports, close all the resorts, declare himself king.. perhaps GOD, he will, believe me..
http://www.southasianmedia.net
Hooray Dhivehi Observer!! Sappey you are incredible and your work is much admired and appreciated by a great majority of Maldivians around the world. This is now our source of news and information on Maldives.
WWW.DHIVEHIOBSERVER.COM
Observer Fan
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 05:53:14 (MDT)
Nazeer Ahmed Jamaal ge suvaalu aa behe gothun, Kuwait gai vanee varh fulhaa ko'h bahus koffa kamah habaru libey. Adhi ahannah fennanee e bahus ge nimun nimunu goi hoadhan vejje hen aharumenves.
Jazee
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 05:24:11 (MDT)
One NSS personnel posted
in this forum his words, "Mr. Saadiq we are waiting for your orders".
Why should you wait for Mr. Saadiq to give you an order?
Who is Mr. Saadiq to give that order?
Why do you have to wait for his order when there are hundreds of
requests by common Maldivian for the same effect?
If it is an order that you need then here it is: we the Maldivian people
ORDER you to get Gayyoom and his family to step aside to make way for
democratic governance!
If it is your undying loyalty to Mr. Saadiq that is holding you from
acting on behalf of common Maldivian, till Mr. Saadiq issues that order,
then you are of no good to the Maldivian cause. You guys need to grow
out of this culture of working for the elite and powerful. You are there
to work for the people! Your oath is to protect Islam, the country and
its people. Not the scum president.
Your country needs you to act on the oath that you took. Islam, the
country and its people are in danger from this government. We may wait
for MLD, MDP or FIP to come in due time to help the Maldivian people.
The alternative is for you to stay true to your oath and act now. GET
GAYYOOM NOW! Peacefully!
If you must know, the Mr. Saadiq order that you are waiting for has been
given years ago and it is echoing in every island of the country, too
bad your ears are covered by that beret you are wearing.
Note: some other statements!
?X NSS Officer said, ¡§I just want to tell you Saadiq, Anni, and
Sappe, we are supporting you and waiting for orders from Saadiq to turn
this around.¡¨
[Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 17:08:11 (MDT)]
He also said:
?X NSS Officer said, "Just let us know when you guys are ready"
[Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 17:08:11 (MDT)]
?X Wajeeh said, "We need some NSS officers to give a go ahead to
bring this regime down". [KL, Malaysia - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at
13:44:41 (MDT)]
?X Lachey said, "With many disgruntled officers and supporters of
the opposition within the NSS it is just a matter of time NOW"
[Henveiru, Maldives - Wednesday, June 02, 2004 at 17:31:31 (MDT)]
Get on your
feet
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 04:43:45 (MDT)
This appeared in The
Maldivian: "29 June 2004 - We know who some of those 23 members are ...
The whole country knows ... They include the recently elected Shahin
Hameed, Monaza Naeem, Nafa Naseem and the appointed members Zahiya
Zareer and Dr Fathin Hameed. These MP's have no guts. And I doubt they
are loyal to anyone but their own materialistic needs. Anybody can buy
these people.
-Ibrahim Hussain Zaki-"
I don't know about others, but Dr Faathin Hameed. Believe me, she has
lots of guts. She is a hard worker, not like many other people in the
senior Government posts, who doesn't give a "s..t" about the public. SHE
CARES ABOUT THE PEOPLE. Especially the rural island people. I have seen
her working without any proper sleep for days and though she is Daughter
of Hameed, I know she has questioned the policies of the present
government. Since I am from one of the remote islands, I have seen her
work and how effective she is when it comes to serving the people.
Jau
Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 04:19:49 (MDT)
The real reason why Dr Waheed left the Ministry of Education is because he got a better job at UN. And the same is true for the well respected former Deputy Minister Hameed. Who wouldn't want a more prestigious and a better paid job? Seedhibe was transferred to a much high profile position in another department of the government. So please get your facts right when you write about others.
Facts.
Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 03:40:31 (MDT)
BREAKING NEWS:
Nazim (Villa de Light) who works at the Maldives Human Rights Commission
has been sacked by the Maldivian Government. According to reliable
sources Nazim was sacked because he has exposed the governments
continued refusal to acknowledge the torture, abuse and injustice its
has inflicted on the people of Maldives economically, socially and
politically.
Insider, Public Services Division, PO.
Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 03:34:56 (MDT)
"Sappe, thanks for
covering the activities in Male'. You are doing a fantastic job. We are
very grateful to you. For most of us whether it is MDP or MLD doesn't
matter. We need a new government, new policies and a better future.
Seema
KL, Malaysia - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 23:54:12 (MDT)"
Seemaa , it does matter to me.
Aishath Shehenaaz
Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 03:08:57 (MDT)
Talking about
accountability, there are serious questions which the public needs
answers from MDP too.
I guess most of the readers who visit this forum knows what these
questions are already. I my self has raised some of these questions in
this forum in the past. So MLD and MDP both should become more
responsible, ethical and "clean" and more transparent than they are
today, if they want us to believe in what they say without any doubts.
As for MLD they still havent come out openly in public. So we are forced
with one option which is MDP, who seems to be the only party who is more
transparent than any other parties. But as i said before we need to push
MDP more for them to become more accountable, since it is they who will
be serving us in the future as it seems today.Let us not become slaves
of another regime, shall we?
Mukhthaar
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 01:32:30 (MDT)
Sappe is great! He is thousands of miles away but reports in such detail and so soon. The report was up within an hour or so with pictures. Does the guy ever sleep? Excellent work, this is the kind of reliability that we need and he is obviously not biased as he seems to publish all things by everybody. This is the spirit with which Haveeru and them should conduct their business and had that happened our country would not be sobbing today.
Keep up the good work Sappe and Bravo.. you are second to none..
seriously... do you sleep at all, do you not work? You must have a job,
don't you? This is amazing work. I cannot begin to tell you how much we
appreciate DO website. You have set a standard that has to be recognised
and we promise you that the day is not far.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Hassan
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 02:52:39 (MDT)
I think most Maldivian
women will support Gasim and Saadiq. Not because Gasim had 3/4 wives or
Saadiq had 3/4 Maldivian girl friends, but because they both still
continues to help them in their time of (economical) needs.
Perhaps it is going to be a long struggle before men will accept women
as equals in the Maldives.
Fathun
Suva, Fiji - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 00:10:08 (MDT)
I don't think any of
you guys are sympathetic for women in the Maldives. Gayyoom is no
different. Neither Saadiq nor Sappe' could find a Maldivian wife. We
have been sidelined ever since for one reason or another.
I just don't care how you want us to join and play this game, but unless
we are assured of full participation, we will remain on the other side
serving the men in the Maldives.
Sharmeela
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at 00:03:40 (MDT)
Sappe, Can you PLEASE fax the statement given by the 16 yr old boy from Dh Badidhoo, who alleges he was raped by the island's Senior Chief (Bodu Katheeb), to the Human Rights Commission and the Police Station. I have a feeling the Island Office may have filed that statement instead of sending it to the authorities.
Justice for the 16 year
old.
Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 23:59:29 (MDT)
Sappe, thanks for covering the activities in Male'. You are doing a fantastic job. We are very grateful to you. For most of us whether it is MDP or MLD doesn't matter. We need a new government, new policies and a better future.
Seema
KL, Malaysia - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 23:54:12 (MDT)
I think we should leave
MLD to do their work according to their pace and rules which govern
their organization. Today Gayyoom is laughing at others, whereas he has
assigned his top brass to hunt down what MLD is doing within his regime
and in the islands. Several key cabinet ministers have openly complained
that their telephones are being tapped and other senior govt. officials
and military officials are using special gadgets to avoid such tapping.
MLD has offices/advisors and fund raisers in Male' and in some islands,
Australia, USA, Canada, Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa,
Spain and also now in India. They will have new offices in Belgium,
France and Italy and in Japan from July 26th. In order to raise funds
and obtain further political support, MLD will continue to reach to
other countries including Korea, Taiwan and Singapore in the days to
come.
MLD website is ready, but awaiting green light from Mr. Saadiq and other
key members in Male'. It is just a matter of minutes not days or months
to get it going.
MLD has the contacts and the resources to change the regime at short
notice, but one needs patience and a game plan to avoid chaos and
mayhem. They need a strong economic, domestic plan and an acceptable
foreign policy like the black South Africans who were oppressed for
decades. We should learn to bring peace and harmony not vengeance. We
should follow South Africans and other countries to start a new life
without taking revenge despite their past deeds. They need political,
economical and foreign policy advisors from different parts of the world
to ensure the change over is smooth, peaceful and without any bloodshed.
It is not prudent to rush into things or even to confront and discuss
these issues openly.
MLD is working hard to bring the freedom, democracy and prosperity to
the people of Maldives.
Jameel
Perth, Australia - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 23:43:29 (MDT)
To anybody who thinks that MDP is only focussing its projects centred around men,
You have to know that MDP operates as a party for the people by the people. MDP is also run under a constitution unlike other parties making it more transparent. MDP policies are made by its members. MDP membership is open to the public regardless of gender.
Now if women wants to join the party they can do so. If they want, they can join and then include their ideas in MDP policy as well. This is how democracy works. Now if the women folk wants a man to stand-up and talk of women's issues, that's ok too. But you have to say what you guys want. Then only will you get representation. This is the equality you have been wanting. Now take advantage of it.
Waiting for MLD to help is not going to work. They still haven't made membership to the public open. That means you are dependant on somebody who is "chosen by the elite" in MLD to help you guys. That is if he feels like it.
BE PRO-ACTIVE LADIES. TAKE YOUR DESTINY INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. KNOW WHAT YOU ARE ENTITLED FOR. BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT!!!
A man defending women's rights
Male' Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 22:38:17 (MDT)
It is not a copy of the ANC Reconstruction plan. The similarities are there because of the similar situations we have in the two countries, although the obvious ones seems quite deferent. MLD's Development plan is quite unique in its relevance to Maldives much the same as ANC's plan for South Africa.
Maybe its the "same consultants" that did the report for Saadiq also did it for South Africa. After all there are some people are on this forum saying that supposedly Saadiq has a lot of money and has influence in the world because of a supposed affiliation with a Fortune 500 company or something or the other. So its completely plausible. What I don't get is that the question of plagiarism has been raised on a major calling card that Saadiq had. If he is quite serious about being a Maldivian leader, this is the most stupid move ever. Previously another writer who was writing in support of Saadiq's MLD was also caught plagiarising another article as well. This maybe something that could throw the MLD a few blows in public opinion, and would take sometime to recover from.
This also raises huge questions of legitimacy of MLD as an organisation. If MLD is serious about being a political party, firstly they should come out and claim that intention in public arena. As it seems they have as of today not done that. All we hear is "that there are a lot of members in higher organisations" that are members. We don't know who they are and what they are doing. This is not how you play politics to gain public support. I smell a sense of revenge more than a genuine need to help the public. This is where MDP excels and is gaining public support.
The other thing that really bugs me is that Saadiq refusal to make and MLD website that people can voice their concerns, make public statements, can publicly claim all responsibility to the actions of MLD members. Saadiq to this day is not directly reachable, while MDP is. Even MNC is way ahead of MLD because of these "little" details that MLD is refusing to address because they have "more important" things to do in secret. This is really fishy.
Speaking of fish. The Fisherman's Independent Party (FIB) should also should be another party that should make these things public. I request that all parties make public their rules of procedure like MDP so that the public knows how exactly the party conducts its activities. SO that we knows who is responsible to what. And when these positions of power are filled, these people should be held accountable for everything they so.
Saadiq should now make a statement regarding the allegation. If he comes clean he might still come out of this strong and still kicking.
Accountability is Important
Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 22:15:02 (MDT)
I believe that as soon as new amendments are made to the constitution in accordance with the liberal democratic manner, the present government must resign and the parliament (lower house) must be dissolved and an interim government should be established to run the country. The responsibility of this interim government should be to establish a legitimate government in accordance with democratic principles. I believe that enough is enough and Maumoon must resign as soon as the new constitution is amended.
Nathasa Ali
Suva, Fiji - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 21:05:28 (MDT)
It appears that the MLD
Development Program is a blatant plagiarism of the African National
Congress's Reconstruction and Development Programme. BAH! Are these the
type of people who we really want to take the reigns of our country. All
they can do is copy what others do? This is exactly what we don't
need....force ideas and beliefs copied and plagiarised from other
cultures and force it down our throats. MLD isn't getting my vote. Not
after this fake act and breach of trust. in case u want to know the ANC
RDP is available at
http://www.polity.org.za/html
Ahammadhu
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 20:51:00 (MDT)
I saw this on anti-MDP
site. Wanted to share with readers who never bothers to read what is
going on there.
I am glad some one is defending Gayyoom and his constitution. If that
was so perfect, why on earth Gayyoom comes just few years after it
became law and tell us we need another amendment. In fact a 180 degrees
about turn. The constitution is cleverly crafted to keep him in power.
The new amendments are going to be the same. The problem with him is he
thinks he is indispensable.
It is not Sappe' who talks that Hameed is homosexual. Ask his children
and his wife who walked out of the house when they saw his activities
from their own eyes and went to the neighbours and cried all day
refusing to return to Meenaaz. Please ask Sathaavaree Ali Fulhu's wife
(next door neighbour) what Aisha Fulu (Mrs. Hameed) told her.
In a country where we have hundreds of graduates, we still find
Gayyoom's cronies and Hameed's lovers in senior position. Ask yourself
why?
Yameen financed his family to buy drugs. It is universally known his
brother comes to his house and borrows money only to go out and buy
drugs and sell them to our children. How can we stop this? Many in the
Maldives have seen Gayyoom's son Faarish with drugs. His own brother was
arrested a dozen times for drug dealing. We the public is paying for his
daily trips to Funadhoo. It is public money. You want evidence???????
What type of facts are you looking for, and what is going to happen if
they are submitted to Gayyoom or his authorities. Poor Sappe' will be
murdered. Numerous people have written to Gayyoom about his brother's
homosexual activities. Gayyoom himself has made sarcastic remarks when
he gets notices to promote these "lovers" to higher positions.
Saleem
Perth, Australia - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 16:59:21 (MDT)
MDP is a bunch of men
who is only interested in their own ego. If you want to have a balanced
society, support Saadiq who has promised in his programs that women will
be part of his organization. His current support to women and their
children are on the only way to win the hearts and minds of the
Maldivians.
Saadiq's call to double the wages of teachers and nurses is the right
way to do it.
Aminath
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 16:34:02 (MDT)
I want my son to be
born at a hospital where his mother gets appropriate antenatal care. I
want the doctors and nurses who aid in his birth to be well trained,
competent, professional and caring people. I want him to receive the
best care during the stay in hospital. I want that hospital stay to be
affordable to me, not having to pay huge expenses for the delivery, cord
care, hospital bed for admission and medications for mother and child
(if needed). I want him to get proper primary immunisation which are
safe, effective, cheap and necessary for a country with disease spectrum
like our. I want all this for him not as a second class citizen, he
should be like every other kid, from a rich or poor, powerful or weak
family. I want him to enter this world a free and equal human being.
I want my son to go back to his parents home, which is owned by his
parents, where people live like humans, not like sardines in a can. I
want him to have decent clothing, not expensive but affordable for his
parents.
I want him to grow up, getting good nutrition, food that are rich in
nutrients to help his body and mind to grow to its potential. I want
this food to be freely available to his family at an affordable price
without his parent having to choose between the food and other
essentials of life. I want his food to be as good as that the rich and
powerful are giving to their children.
I want my son to gain entry to a well equipped, well constructed and
well staffed school where he gets the best start to his education. I
want that environment to be child friendly with child safety measures in
place. I want this school to be second to none, infact I want all
schools to be equally good to each other.
I want my son to be able to go to a good primary school then secondary
school, to get into which his parents don't have to pay a bribe. I want
him to be equally eligible for entry into the good schools as the
children of the rich and powerful. In fact I want all primary and
secondary schools to be equal in terms of facilities and staffing.
I want my son to be able to get into the higher secondary school as all
other kids in the country. I want his education to be paid for by the
government as is for all children in the country.
I want my son to get higher education, at government expence to study in
a field that he chooses without his parents having to bribe the
scholarship/selection committee members. I want him to be equally
eligible as would the children of the rich and powerful. In fact I want
all children to be equally eligible.
I want my son to be able to get a government job without him or his
parents having to bribe the ministerial staff. I want his job to give
him work appropriate for his education and training. I want him to use
his skills at work, and not waste his day sitting at a table looking for
work where it is not available. I want him to get a decent salary on
which he can support his parents and family and live a decent life. I
want his seniors at work to respect the work he does, encouraging him to
give his best for the country, harnessing his skills on the way. I want
his seniors and his bosses to not hold him down and ridicule him for the
sake of their jobs.
I want my son to be able to get married without having to bribe the "gazee"
to attend his "nikah" ceremony. I want the government to have a
provision to support newly married couples in attaining proper
accommodation that they could call their own, especially if their
parents couldn't afford one for them.
I want my son to be able to return home from his days work to find
appropriate utility bill, to pay for which he doesn't have to throw away
his full salary.
I want my son to be able to cast his vote for the public office
elections without having any pressure. I want him to be able to freely
associate himself with political movements of his choice should he
choose so. I want him to be able to participate in discussion regarding
the public services without having to make a trip to the NSS detention
centres. Infact I want there to be properly regulated police force with
modern and humane prison systems and not detention and torture chambers.
I want my son to be able to start saving money for his unborn child,
well before his conception. I want his wife to get better antenatal care
and services from the hospitals than his mother-in-law had got when she
was pregnant. I want my daughter-in-law to get paid full maternity leave
(of atleast 6 months) from the date of delivery and short working hours
during the pregnancy.
I want my grand child to get better medical care at birth and during
hospital stay than his/her father did. I want the full expenses of that
hospital stay and health care to be bourne by the government.
I want my daughter-in-law to be able to return to work to a work place
with appropriate support for a new mother. I want her to get space and
time to care for her young child at work should she choose so.
I want my son to be able to afford his growing family better than his
parents did.
I want my son to age into a healthy elderly citizen with care for his
health by a good health care system. I want him to be able to get the
best care for his ageing parents, with help from social networks working
to care for elderly citizens.
And when the time come, I want my son to be able to give his parents a
proper burial.
piggy bank
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 16:29:40 (MDT)
The pictures of this
historical gathering shows only men attended the meeting. It makes it
more than obvious that MDP is not attracting any women to support them.
This is the reason why Saadiq's plan to give guaranteed rights to women
will make Maldives a better place under a MLD led government. For 26
years we have seen a nomination of a single woman as a cabinet minister,
just to avoid criticism from the west.
Unless you bring the 50% of the population to be part of the ruling
circle, the nation is not going to improve. Gayyoom and now MDP have
failed the women of Maldives.
Saeeda
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 16:18:09 (MDT)
"And speak the truth.
Do not hesitate to say what you consider to be the truth. Say what you
feel. Let your conscience be your guide. Let your intentions be good,
for verily God is aware of your intentions. In your deeds your
intentions count. Fear God, and fear no one else. Why fear others when
you know that whatever sustenance ordained for you by God you will get
under all circumstances? And again why fear when you know that death is
ordained by God alone and will come only when He wills?" - Calipha Umar
For Truth
Paris, France - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 15:26:25 (MDT)
Before Dr. Shaugee was
given the post, he was told that Gayyoom expect 100% loyalty to him for
which he agreed. That was a precondition to hold the post.
Today Yameen calls and complaints to Dr. Shaugee about the schools in
Male' and Noonu Atoll and continue to influence the ministry and
undermine Dr. Shaugee's leadership. Yameen is mad to see that some
teachers in Noonu Atoll are openly supporting Saadiq and his party.
According to one of my former students who is a teacher in Noonu Atoll,
she was taken to the Atoll office and questioned her relationship with
MLD and why she is accepting funds from "terrorist organizations". The
ministry has warned island schools not to use funds from political
parties without their written authority.
Dr. Shaugee is another educated puppet.
A primary school principal
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 12:11:30 (MDT)
I have a feeling this Shaugee is losing it all, like Gayyoom. It's showing his incapability to handle people.
Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 08:02:28 (MDT)
I think the splash song
on opening the index of DO is very welcoming indeed. Reminds me
of home and our rich Cultural roots, which have been obliterated by the
in-flood of Hindi and Western Culture.
However, there is some concern that people may require a silent start-up
on the screen if they are browsing the page from an Office or a Library.
Therefore would it be possible to install a feature enabling the users
to turn off the Music (preferably) before the page loads?
Once more, huzza for Sappé. I look forward to hear new traditional music
and songs. Keep up the good work. Your website has become the
overwhelming medium of Political Idealism and Social thought for many
Maldivians around the globe
Baburu-dhivehin
Bridgeford, UK - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 05:21:27 (MDT)
"Let there arise from amongst you a group(s) that calls to the good, enjoins the good and forbids the evil. They will be successful" [ 3:104]
John Doe
Bangalore, KA India - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 04:55:44 (MDT)
Dear all,
Fuahmulah, is in a very critical condition. Can see the result for all
the gangsters in the regime.
Haleem
Fuahmulah, GN. Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 03:21:26 (MDT)
There is no clause in the constitution or there is no law forbidding the NSS to vote in any election. The Deputy Defense Minister, or rather State Minister Anbaree is a Member of Parliament and votes in the House of Majlis. This is again an unconstitutional act practiced by Gayyoom. You should all demand your right and stop being his slaves, we the Maldivians respect and love you all at NSS and we want you to help get rid of this regime. Please arrest all the key figures in this regime, or just Gayyoom, Hameed and Yameen will do; there are many in Maldives in the government who are representatives of the oppositions and they will take charge immediately.
Also, maybe now is a good time for the reformists to come back to Maldives, with the attention from the world media on Maldives Gayyoom will not have the nerve to arrest anyone on any charge... those days are gone now...
Demand your rights where ever you are and whatever you do...
Sappe's site is very popular now and his association with MDP is much appreciated by us all. We want them all back home soon. Home safe! We will bring you all and defend you with our lives.
A Lawyer
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 03:01:30 (MDT)
I agree that we are
paying a lot for the water we use.
But I just wonder if that list has any other country that produces water
from salt water? I do expect the price of water in Male' to be higher
than those others shown in the list simply because "production" cost of
water in Male' is much higher than in those others (the majority of who
get river or lake water).
I agree with the argument that the amount is way too high a cost.
water prices
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 01:29:07 (MDT)
I recently overheard a conversation when Yameen told some of his executives at STO that he will never allow Ilyas to fill in the vacuum in case Gayyoom leaves the office. He believes Ilyas is encouraging Sappe' and Anni to discredit Hameed to force him out of office. According to Yameen, Hameed will never leave his post as Atolls minister even if Gayyoom leaves office. In other words even after he elects a prime minister. According to Yameen's version Ilyas is going to be more brutal than Gayyoom himself! It was Ilyas who tortured the people when he was in charge of Defense he concluded with a sarcastic smile.
Zahir
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 23:02:03 (MDT)
Just like to point out that Mr. Nasheed was not a University of Liverpool of alumni. He might have received his academic credentials from Liverpool John Moores University (formerly known as Liverpool Polytechnic).
Mohonu
UK - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 17:10:36 (MDT)
I wonder why the staff at
NSS are not allowed to vote in any elections. Could anyone tell me and
my friends why we are not allowed to participate in voting. There are
many who are not happy with this murderer in power. We are laughing how
he tries to get away from this. Like your cartoon every step of the
uprising was passed on to him, minute by minute.
I just want to tell you Saadiq, Anni, and Sappe, we are supporting you
and waiting for orders from Saadiq to turn this around.
Just let us know when you guys are ready.
NSS Officer
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 17:08:11 (MDT)
I am very impressed with the case document presented by MDP to the MPs and other organisations in the world to try and bring their attention to the problems in the Maldives. It is very clear from this that they have and are still working hard to bring justice to the Maldives and a better life for the people of Maldives. This is the kind of approach that is needed to convince the international community of the need for change in the Maldives. MDP deserves credit for this orderly approach. I am grateful to the works of MDP and wish them all well. We await to welcome you all to the Maldives as heroes of our nation.
MDP has made a difference and this is a clear indication of why Gayyoom
has been forced to introduce reforms.
Thaufeeq
Male', Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 16:26:29 (MDT)
Dear Editor,
Please put this on the Open Forum. This is what we are paying brothers and sisters for water the highest in world it seems or at least in this collection... just do a comparison. Why do we have to tolerate this kind of injustices.
Our country is crying out for change and together we can do it. We should all be ashamed of ourselves for not facing up to this tyranny and saving our people all this. Is this information incorrect? What can Gayyoom say about this?
http://www.unescap.org/huset/urban_poverty/poorpaymore.htm
THE POOR PAY MORE FOR WATER
COMPARISON OF THE COST OF WATER BOUGHT FROM
INFORMAL VENDORS WITH THE COST OF WATER SUPPLIED THROUGH HOUSE
CONNECTIONS
| City |
A Cost of Water for Domestic Use (House Connections - 10 m3/month) |
B Price charged by informal vendors |
Ratio B/A |
| US$/m3 | (US$/m3) | ||
| Vientiane | 0.11 | 14.68 | 135.92 |
| Male* | 5.70 | 14.44 | 2.53 |
| Mandalay | 0.81 | 11.33 | 14.00 |
| Faisalabad | 0.11 | 7.38 | 68.33 |
| Bandung | 0.12 | 6.05 | 50.00 |
| Delhi* | 0.01 | 4.89 | 489.00 |
| Manila | 0.11 | 4.74 | 42.32 |
| Cebu | 0.33 | 4.17 | 12.75 |
| Davao* | 0.19 | 3.79 | 19.95 |
| Chonburi* | 0.25 | 2.43 | 9.57 |
| Phnom Penh | 0.09 | 1.64 | 18.02 |
| Bangkok* | 0.16 | 1.62 | 10.00 |
| Ulaanbaatar | 0.04 | 1.51 | 35.12 |
| Hanoi | 0.11 | 1.44 | 13.33 |
| Mumbai* | 0.03 | 1.12 | 40.00 |
| Ho Chi Minh | 0.12 | 1.08 | 9.23 |
| Chiangmai* | 0.15 | 1.01 | 6.64 |
| Karachi | 0.14 | 0.81 | 5.74 |
| Lae* | 0.29 | 0.54 | 1.85 |
| Chittagong* | 0.09 | 0.50 | 5.68 |
| Dhaka | 0.08 | 0.42 | 5.12 |
| Jakarta | 0.16 | 0.31 | 1.97 |
| Colombo* | 0.02 | 0.10 | 4.35 |
| * Some water vending but not common. | |||
| Source: Second Water Utilities Data Book Asian and Pacific Region, Asian Development Bank, October 1997. (tables 11 and 18). | |||
| (Compiled by C. Ertuna, Chief, Population and Rural and Urban Development Division, ESCAP) | |||
A Maldivian
Submitted by email on 28 June 2004
Its obvious that
Mohamed Haikal has given a lot of thought about our constitution in his
Dhivehi article. I praise the constitutional ideas presented by him in
general. Although the issue he highlights is whether its possible for a
woman to lead a country or not as one of his highest concerns, If
there is a "bahus" for that, I am afraid we have to wait for another 26
or more years to see the "amended" constitution.
Mukthaar
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 14:16:47 (MDT)
We need someone to send us some songs. "Baagee lava" so we could recite them or record them. Let our children learn some of them. I think that's what we need now. Guys be creative!
Haadee
Feydhoo, Seenu Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 11:36:36 (MDT)
Sappe
great job ' Yaa Maru habaaaa, ya maru habaaaaaaaaa
We give you the medal of " MALDIVES K.C.M.G"
Mohamed
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 10:55:13 (MDT)
Thanks for Sappe and
Saadiq. The islanders are collecting money to buy another computer to get
messages from MLD party. We can send about 5 dhonies to Male anytime
full of people. Even Madduveri will send 3/4 dhonies with people.
I think people from Mulaku can pick up people from Vaavu too. Just let
us know when we have to go there.
Matheen
Dhiggaru, Meemu Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 10:39:41 (MDT)
It is surprising that
you all still cannot find a common ground to oust this guy out of
office. We have not reached a stage where we can ask our representatives
to stand for us and to confront this regime. These are dangerous people
who have no sympathy to anyone.
Please follow MLD and let the people hate this regime, so everyone will
do his/her part when the time comes to bell the cat. We are getting
closer for the biggest surprise in the country's history.
Julie
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 10:04:10 (MDT)
This is an interesting
article I came up on while surfing the net.
It's titled "THE CORRUPTION OF DEMOCRACY".
http://www.theage.com.au
Prince
Wellington, New Zealand - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 09:49:07 (MDT)
From Evening weekly:
There are many people, especially among elite members in our society,
including people at various senior government posts, who would like a
chance to express their thoughts freely. But they chose to remain
silent, either for fear of jeopardizing their career or run head-on with
the authorities. Some among these people even go as far as telling that
choosing a career in journalism in the Maldives is more like walking
through a minefield -- there is a danger at every step you take!
All those in the senior government posts are not only real cowards but
also hypocrites too. Why not fight for what you really believe in? Or do
these silent elites members in our society doesn't care? I wonder why
they remain to keep silent? Is silence the best way to show that they
care? What career do these people in senior government posts have, if
they are acting against what they believe in? What do we call these
people? What do they gain, by keeping silent, other than saving their
skin from NSS?
NAAJAA IZ FAIDHAA DHO?
Mukhthaar
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 08:55:42 (MDT)
It is impossible to
remain as an MP and vote for anyone else other than Gayyoom. Unless party
systems are established, developed and authorized this is not going to
happen. Before the vote, members are asked individually about their
votes and whether some of you like it or not this is how this system
works. If you say you are not going to vote, you will loose your job,
NSS will raid your house find something wrong with you or one in your
family arrest them and ruin your whole life.
If some of you can stay in the luxury of democratic countries in the
West and tell us here in the Maldives, please stand up in the parliament
or even in front of our Rashu Office you are just making us laugh. If
you want many of us to do that, you must provide funds and secure our
families, if and when we do that. Please don't expect us to put our
lives on the edge, while you only write what is best for "you" from
10,000 miles away.
Political parties are not the solution to bring Gayyoom down. It is a
good beginning. It is not going to work and that is why Gayyoom decided
to allow them. This will allow his to reduce his NSS budget and spy on
others to find out who is supporting whom. He is going to be hard on
those people and in a country where you need a permit a license or
connection to do anything. This is going to make his life easier. Today
he is confused and he spying on his staff, cabinet ministers, military
and other civil servants as every action is leaked to Saadiq through his
buddies.
He is never going to allow political parties to operate even close to a
system that you are seeing in the countries where many of you are
living. This is going to be a club like system and everything will still
remain under permit, license and coupon systems.
Please don't push us to pressure Gayyoom to allow political parties,
(this will come in to light at his convenience) instead encourage us to
get rid of these higher utility bills, medical cost, diesel price and
transport costs. Help us to find a way where we can change this brutal
regime, not through political parties, but by any other means. So long
as these Kaamineege & Endherimaage cronies are around they are not
going to leave their perks and give this country back to its people. It
is going to be a struggle and it is not going to be easy.
Gayyoom has never heard of the word shame. Even if all of you find
Hussain Maniku Don Maniku in Hameed's trousers, or NSS torturing people,
or Gayyoom having an affair with a maid in the Palace, or Fathulla Jameel
drunk on the roadside, Yameen taking money from STO, he is not going to
take any action. For them this is normal and acceptable in Islam, our
constitution and under the rules they govern.
I find it disturbing when I see comments like, he or she did not stand
up for us but voted for Gayyoom. If you really do stand up, the
consequences are enormous. Veteran politicians like Anni and political
leaders like Saadiq knows what it is like behind bars. They really
humiliate you and make you feel like nothing. I have been through this
so I know what it is like for them.
I am not a supporter of Anni, but I admire him for what little he has
done. It was a good beginning.
I support Saadiq to break this regime from within and make Gayyoom's next
trip abroad his last. We need to find another alternative to bring this
regime down instead of waiting for political parties to work. It is
going to be ages to get this working and by then our coffers will be
empty and for generations we have to pay the debts of Gayyoom and his
cronies.
Fayaaz
Naifaru, LH Maldives - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 08:43:42 (MDT)
Sappe, why would you put that god awful song on this website? It's really annoying! Please remove it!
Zeenath
UK - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 06:39:23 (MDT)
I have been reading the article by Umar Zahir about Mr Zakariyya Hameed the Faafu Atoll chief. http://www.maldivesculture.com/maldives_island_life01.html I really felt sick at reading this article and what was happening in Faafu and Mr Hameed's gross misuse of power and his horrible vindictiveness against the people of Magoodhoo Island. The article was published end of October 2002.
If you are from Maghoodhoo or Faafu atoll and have any information to what has been happening in the last two years regarding Maghoodhoo island and Mr Hameed then please can you let me know. I know that Zakariyya Hameed and Gayyoom are very close confidantes. Just how close - do you know? Mr Zahir - if you are able to contact by email then please contact me at hotmirus@hotmail.com.
The bullies will be brought to justice soon. I just hope that they are aware just how soon that might be.
Hotmirus submitted by email on 28th June 2004
I question Mr. Nasheed's logic in asking the Naifaru
Youth to assist their MP on putting pressure to register the MDP.
Acknowledging the unruly state of Political affairs, I concede that the
grave impediments to operating the duties of a MP independently can be
partially overcome (if not wholly) by greater political bargaining via
an apparatus of a Political Party. However, to claim that MPs registered
with MDP (discreetly and otherwise) are totally incapable of carrying
out their duties and representing their constituents is wholly
unfounded.
It is not difficult to infer from Mr. Nasheed's statement that the
immediate concern of the MDP is to register the party. While I support
political party system, I cannot agree with Mr. Nasheed that
registration of the MDP is the one-stop, pill-popping solution to the
problems faced by the people of Naifaru. If Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's
claim for reform is authentic, he should visit Naifaru (or the
constituents might arrange to officially meet him) and talk to the
people of Naifaru in public forums and conventions. Then he should
convene in the Majlis and request the opportunity to present his case to
the members of parliament. As for his personal safety, I doubt that
arbitrary arrest is no longer a convenience that Gayyoom can afford.
Perhaps there maybe other limitations to the extent which reformist MPs
can gather opinion and policy from his constituents. But I refuse to
believe that the only way to help ourselves through reformist-MPs is by
getting the MDP registered
Aflaathoon
Okiwa Siarrus, Kiribati Islands - Monday, June 28, 2004 at 01:50:04
(MDT)
I
believe that internet is the medium that has enabled us all to spread
the word, pass on our thoughts and hold discussions without the limits
and restrictions that were and sill are imposed on us all. The internet
gave us the media and the coverage to spread the word fast, efficient
and cheap.
Unfortunately, this is a fact that whoever is trying to stop this
freedom of thought and speech, is well aware of. Sites have been
blocked, are being blocked and will be in the future too. Websites have
been blocked by the Maldivian ISP's using a variety of methods.
However, these restrictions can be overridden and bypassed easily.
Hence, I wish to enlighten everyone by sharing this article which I
stumbled on the net while attempting to write an article on the same
subject of anonymous and free access to information on the net. The
article "HOW TO bypass Internet Censorship" at "http://www.zensur.freerk.com/"
has detailed and quite a comprehensive coverage of various methods of
overriding internet censorship and maintaining an adequate level of
anonymity on the internet.
Also, as many of you maybe already aware of, using a different proxy to
that of Dhiraagu, while in Maldives can free you of the restrictions on
websites imposed by Dhiraagu. Atomintersoft at
http://www.atomintersoft.com
So while the lot of you continue to spread the information and publish
articles, publish this information that may help all to access that
information. :)
Bye bye to Internet Censorship in Maldives.
Anonymity <m-anon@dodgeit.com>
Korea - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at
22:28:45 (MDT)
Comrades, Please keep up the pressure. Please write to Hon Dr Shougee,
respectfully requesting him to remove Major General Adam Zahir from the
post of Chairperson of Majeedhiyaa School Board. Hon. Minister's email
is:
shougee@thauleem.net
Please tell the Hon. Minister that you do not want to see the head of
our prisons and police to be associated with a prestigious school like
Majeedhiyaa. PLEASE WRITE AN EMAIL TO HON. DR SHOUGEE.
Rayithu
Muhammadhu
Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 23:46:04 (MDT)
I don't see any difference between Ibrahim Mohamed Solih MP, Kaamineepool Shakoor MP, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakariyya MP, and Hussain Maniku Dhon Maniku MP. They are all working for the government. When did any one of these MP's ever raised their concerns in the parliament in the interest of the public - on our behalf. Never.
Fazna
CMB, Sri Lanka - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 23:32:37 (MDT)
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih voted for Maumoon in all the elections and through out his parliamentary life. He maybe married to one of Anni's relatives and may project a supportive image for the MDP secretly. But deep inside he is a hard core Gayyoom supporter. That's what he has been doing in the parliament. He has never raised any questions in the parliament AT ANY TIME about the torture and death of Eevan, government corruption, abuse of executive power or inhumane treatment of prisoners by the police. And I bet Solih will back the government candidates in the upcoming Special Majlis elections for its Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Why do you have to back him Anni? Solih is not one of us. Not anymore. I doubt he ever was.
Moosa
Jaleel
Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 23:28:45 (MDT)
We have just received our first computer but our Katheeb wouldn't let us use it saying we need approval from Atolls Ministry to use the Internet. We recently distributed some papers in Male' during our last visit there and one of Saadiq's party members has donated us this computer. Once we get this sorted, we will send you news from Dhaal Atoll.
Naeem
Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaal Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 22:31:58 (MDT)
Hello Naifaru Youth,
Yes I am sure MDP can help you and the people of Naifaru, as they can to
all the people of the Maldives. Your MP, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is a
member of MDP but he and many like him has been unable to help their
constituents as the party remains banned in the Maldives. We hope the
Youth of Naifaru will assist your MP to pressure the government to
register the party.
Thank you and best regards
Mohamed Nasheed (Anni)
Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 20:37:48 (MDT)
I
would appreciate if readers in Male', let us know when any minister or
senior level cronies leaves Maldives. We can inform the embassies and
journalists of the country and let them know, that we don't approve of
their visit and to bring them to public attention.
I think this is a good way to start with. We have notified Australian
newspapers and the government of a possible visit by Sheereen. Keep us
informed and we will do our part to bring them to the attention of their
host countries.
Faaris
Melbourne, Australia - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 09:42:35 (MDT)
'WHEN
TORTURERS CAN'T HIDE, THE TORTURE STOPS'
Torture always thrives where it cannot be seen.
That's why one of the most effective ways to prevent torture and to
improve conditions is to ensure that police stations and prisons receive
regular and unannounced inspections by international monitors.
The best way of ensuring these inspections take place is by making sure
that every country in the world signs up to the Optional Protocol to the
UN Convention against Torture.
Many states have signed; many others have not.
-Amnesty International.
Zameer
Male', Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 07:46:19 (MDT)
Deputy Minister Sheereen, Huvadhu Atoll MP, is leaving Male' to Canberra tonight. It would be very good if some journalists can go after her and ask few questions about Gayyoom dictatorship but first we need to confirm this, can anyone help out with any additional information. I think it would be a great idea to expose these people to the world media, they must not all be pressured, all those in high profile posts in the government. Please publish information here and our network is large so we can arrange journalists to go after her and get some information from her about Gayyoom and her role in the government.
Adam
Fulhu
Male', Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 05:30:43 (MDT)
Regarding the "Dhah fai" news letter from Lhaviyani atoll.
In that cartoon in the newsletter, The character representing the
president looks a lot like John Howard, PM of Australia. Is that cartoon
one of your own? or is it borrowed from another magazine or website?
Cartoon
Perth, Australia - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 03:50:34 (MDT)
Today
Maumoon is a person in his own prison. He is confined to his Palace,
Office and Aarah always surrounded by his body guards. He is scared like
hell to leave the country as it is going to be his last trip out of
Maldives.
Unless he wants to loose his throne, he is going to remain in Maldives.
So many people are watching every footstep he makes. Every airline is
being asked daily about any possible trip of Gayyoom.
I never believed when a reader who wrote that his days are numbered.
With growing support of the opposition groups and their activities in
the highest level of this government, I agree, you won't believe, it's
just around the corner.
We are at the dawn of a new regime.
Razzak
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 00:24:34 (MDT)
Today
Maumoon is a person in his own prison. He is confined to his Palace,
Office and Aarah always surrounded by his body guards. He is scared like
hell to leave the country as it is going to be his last trip out of
Maldives.
Unless he wants to loose his throne, he is going to remain in Maldives.
So many people are watching every footstep he makes. Every airline is
being asked daily about any possible trip of Gayoom.
I never believed when a reader who wrote that his days are numbered.
With growing support of the opposition groups and their activities in
the highest level of this government, I agree, you won't believe, it's
just around the corner.
We are at the dawn of a new regime.
Razzak
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 00:24:34 (MDT)
We
are starting a news letter from Thaa Atoll too and will send you copies.
Currently we are just learning how to use the computer and read your
articles. The cartoons are very popular. We support you and Saadiq's
work.
Jameel
Vilifushi, THaa Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 23:44:23 (MDT)
All this time, I was under the impression that Anti-MDP
was a group of individuals who hated what MDP stands for, or perhaps not
happy with some of their members.
MDP was not formed for the elite; it is for the common man, youth and
the people from the islands who are disfranchised from the political
environment. However, I only see couple of individuals confronting an
MLD supporter. I guess these guys are sick to defend Gayyoom may be who
knows Gayyoom paid for their "milk" since day one.
What is this Anti MDP?
Raamiza
Colombo, Sri Lanka - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 23:02:25 (MDT)
26 June is the United Nations International Day in
Support of Victims of Torture. Why hasn't Gayyoom given it the
recognition it deserves? It would have been fitting to invoke the grace
and blessings of the Almighty Allah in recognition of the victims of
torture in the jails of Maldives. Why ignore this very relevant and
important event? In ignoring it, Gayyoom appears callous and insensitive
towards the deaths of the Maafushi inmates and all other victims of
torture, living and dead, in the Maldives.
Latheefa
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 14:43:56 (MDT)
The
drugs will disappear as soon as Gayyoom leaves office. We never had
drugs before him and it will go with him as well. He is our biggest "wabaa".
We have stopped praying for a drug free country, instead we are praying
from a Gayyoom free country.
My fellow countrymen and women, please wake up and don't let this guy
take us for another ride of constitutional reform. He is not going to
leave this post instead he is trying making him the ultimate strongman
and bring his relatives as prime ministers one by one.
Support Saadiq or Sappe' or anyone else and bring this guy out of "our"
palace.
Faathi
Suva, Fiji - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 18:48:32 (MDT)
Dear
DO
I think it is very irresponsible to publicly publish umairs statement on
the internet with his real name on it. I think you guys should have
taken the decent responsibilty to cross off his real name. I would
appreciate if you guys could take off his name immediately.
thanks
eye <eye@eye.com>
eye, Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 14:35:43
(MDT)
The time has come for the people to have another uprising. If children like Jennifer could stand up to the dictator, I think we should find more to peacefully protest, join civil disobedience and to remind the tourists and other expatriates that life is going to be miserable. We need more resources from opposition groups to get the people to move. We need some NSS officers to give a go ahead to bring this regime down. We must bring fear to the homes of the cronies, and to give the youth a chance to participate in the development of our country.
Wajeeh
KL, Malaysia - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 13:44:41 (MDT)
The only way to get rid of drugs is to get rid of Gayyoom first. So long as he is around, we will have drugs. If you cannot clean up the house, how can you clean up a country. He is not fit anymore to lead us.
Fawaad
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 10:38:53 (MDT)
It appears you cannot get any reasonable government job
unless you are a Gayyoom family member or you are homosexual. What is
going wrong in this country?
For heaven's sake, Gayyoom leave us alone. You are not indispensable. We
have enough Maldivians who are willing to sacrifice their lives and use
their talents to bring this country to the forefront of the world.
Why do we have to live like this and believe that you will bring the
reforms? These reforms will only make you stay there until eternity
under one excuse or another. Please take the last penny we have and go.
We can start from scratch and still bring back our country to where it
belongs.
Latheefa
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 10:36:11 (MDT)
I guess Gayyoom has done all what is possible (within his ability) to stop the drug abuse in the country. Now the only thing left is "prayers". He has stopped praying for this as he needs the youth to concentrate on drugs, as he is unable to find them jobs and to give them proper education. Now he wants others to pray for him.
Haafiz
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 09:58:01 (MDT)
I think the identity of the 16 year old boy (who was abused by this Katheeb) shouldn't be made public.
Mukahthaar
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 09:27:58 (MDT)
http://www.southasianmedia.net
Have a look at this.
South
Asian
Islamabad, Pakistan - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 09:02:03 (MDT)
Can anybody else independently verify Fauzee's situation?
Truth
Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 06:58:28 (MDT)
RE: IBRAHIM FAUZEE
Thank you for clarifying the status of Ibrahim Fauzee, which is to date
not clarified by Maldivian government to the media.
Democrat
Lanka, Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 06:55:39 (MDT)
"The President, who today led the Friday Prayers at the
Masjid-u-Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu al-Auzam, read the supplication at
that mosque.
In the supplication, the grace and the blessings of the Almighty Allah
were invoked by the President for national peace and prosperity and to
safeguard the people from all dangers, in particular to safeguard the
younger generations from the drugs menace, which was clouding their
future. " = Min of Info. Arts and Culture =
Mr. Gayyoom why don't you just go and arrest
all these drug suppliers in the country including your own brother, your
friends, high level government officials. This is the only thing we are
asking from you, we don't' need you to lead us to pray. We pray everyday
for this, we have asked this from you several times, yet you continue to
give a deaf ear to us!
It is just ridiculous for you to lead a prayer like this when you are
the one who is responsible for this. I really hope you read this one
day. Don't' try to fool us again.
Iujaz
Makunudhoo, K Maldives - Saturday, June 26, 2004 at 03:02:54 (MDT)
For everyone to read including "Latheef".
Thank you for raising the issue here.
The Maldivian at Guantanamo bay is Ibrahim Fauzee. I know him
personally. I studied with him at Jamia Salafiyya (an Islamic University
in Faisalabad, Pakistan). [Jamia= University. So University of Salafiyya.]
Jamia Salafiya is the University from which notable people like Mr
Farooq (sheikh Farooq in the Maldives) did his Islamic studies
initially. However, the University is not accepted any longer as a
"Maldivian government approved" centre for Islamic studies. It is
impossible to get a visa from the Pakistani High Commission in Male' for
studies at this university. They have openly said that this is because
the Maldivian government does not want Maldivian to go there. This maybe
one reason why the government is unwilling to try to get him back from
Guantanamo bay.
Anyway, Fauzee was studying at Salafiyya and during that time we shared
rooms and meals on a daily basis. I found him to be a very good human
being and an excellent Muslim. He is very kind-hearted, soft spoken and
a strong believer of fair practices. He was infact the most likable
Maldivian student there because of his behaviour and good manners. He
was at one time the president of MSAP (Maldivian Students Association of
Pakistan) which had at one time received funds from the Maldivian
president himself for its activities. But Gayyoom's fear of loosing hold
in Maldives on his proclaimed Islamic platform was under threat if these
young Islamic scholars returned home to question his religious
doctrines. So the change of hearts.
Fauzee was NOT an extremist or fundamentalist. He is NOT a terrorist.
He had never taken part in any military activity during his stay in
Faisalabad. ( Apparently the Maldivian government fears that ALL student
at this university undergo military training for Jihad. It is not true.
It is true that any person in Pakistan can undergo military training for
Jihad should he choose so. It has nothing to do with the institute or
university). Since the university had many Afghan students with family
and personal links with Taliban, some of them left to Afghanistan to
help defend their country from "foreign aggression by US". It is also
important to note that most Afghanis in Pakistan at that time returned
to Afghanistan regardless of where or what they were studying. Fauzee
didn't take any part in these activities. Instead he had gone to study
at another university in Karachi during this period because of his need
to study in an Arabic medium university to improve his chances of being
able to get a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia. (The Islamic
University in Medina is now a Maldivian government accepted institute
for Islamic studies).
In Karachi, he had been at his Usthaaz's house (where many students go
to study and clarify problems in their studies). Some of the students
would even stay at Usthaaz's houses at low rent to save huge expenses.
He was unfortunate that that that was the day a joint US and Pakistani
secret service operation had planned to raid the house looking for
Taliban and pro-Taliban people.
He was "captured" that day along with everyone else in that house that
day and initially taken to an unknown location in Pakistan and then to
Afghanistan later to be transferred to Guantanamo Bay center.
His family in Male' came to know about this from other Maldivian student
in Karachi. His family had informed the required Maldivian authorities
that time and had requested to look into the matter.
Not even empty promises were given to the family (not that it would have
helped to get Fauzee back). The government must have felt relieved that
Fauzee is just one less Maldivian to return to Maldives to question the
religious practices of the government.
His family had not given up, they had contact with the International Red
Cross (with whom the Maldivian government could not make contact) and
had received reliable news that he was alive, and well at Guantanamo
bay. They acted as a correspondence between Fauzee and his family
atleast on one occasion. The family was told that he was being treated
"well" and that he might be released soon.
The action now by the Maldivian government to secure Fauzees' release is
a farce. He would have been released earlier had the government tried
earlier. Now, when by other means the government has come to know that
he could be released any day, they want to take the credit for it by
getting media attention.
Fauzee is an innocent young man. He had definitely not taken part in any
activity against the US and had not taken part in the war in Afghanistan
and is not a member of Al-Qaeda. He was an innocent man, unfortunate to
be present at the wrong place at the wrong time.
His only crime would be that he was studying Islamic studies. This is
punishable in Maldives because he was studying at a University that was
not in the "list of acceptable" Islamic universities in the Gayyoom
books.
Please don't compare him with convicted criminals.
Note: The students studying Islamic studies at these Islamic
universities in Pakistan (except for the select few who were studying at
a center in Lahore and those studying at Islamabad) are all self
financed. They are there because they are interested in Islamic studies.
These universities offer quality Islamic studies at an affordable price.
It is not an offence (as some would suggest) to study at these
institutes. It is true that they are not studying Shafee Mazhab, as
Gayyoom would want everyone to. They are studying Islam and the Mazhab
that they choose is their own right, it not
to be imposed on them by Gayyoom.
Release Fauzee Immediately!
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 21:16:17 (MDT)
Dear Mr. Sharif,
It was Interesting to read your article regarding Mr. Abdullah Saeed
(Manager Addu Regional Hospital). What you are saying is absolutely
true. However, he will get back to his post soon! Several times in the
past he was removed from the hospital due to his noxious behaviour and
fraud charges. But Minister Hameed intervened and put Saeed back to
his castle! Saeed is a sex maniac and slept with almost all nurses in
the hospital. He had sex with Ibrahim Jamal's wife. Now she is
Saeed's secretary in the hospital. I know from a reliable source that
he is getting tips from "chiko" Hussain Ali who does the repairing and
maintaining work for hospital air conditioners. He was caught red
handed couple years back and brought Male' for questioning on sex
charges. But his old lover Mr. Hameed rescued him. There is nothing we
can do! Let's pray.
Rasheed-from Hithadhoo
25 June 2004 - by email
Hon. Anbaree has informed the resorts to avoid inviting
Maldivians into a resort and to keep NSS informed if any one is trying
to "harm" the tourist. Despite these instructions, many Maldivians are
preparing to visit their islands and meet the tourists and to let them
know how their EUROS are spent by the dictator. Maldivians must have
their right to visit the islands and meet their visitors.
Breaking News
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 15:19:45 (MDT)
Dr. Shaheed has been writing to a friend of my saying he is willing to throw his wife and family if she agrees to marry him. He has been courting this girl for ages promising her everything once she completes her PhD. He has been fooling his wife for a long time, so he can fool the Gayyoom regime as well.
Rahuma
Perth, Australia - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 11:40:37 (MDT)
I am surprised to see some of the credible Maldivians on Gayyoom's "GUUMBOO" dance in Klaafaanu School., Please don's go to this kind of Gayyoom's gatherings.
Stay away !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIME IS RUNNING OUT = FEW DAYS =
Ahmed Ali
Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 05:42:17 (MDT)
The Curly-Tailed Dog: A Story
When little Gayyoom had just popped out of his mum's womb, his dad made an odd remark: "You have just borne a right nagu balhu [curly tailed dog], wife!"
No one made sense of the comment back then, but now we
know what the crook meant.
Gayyoom's dad is supposed to have been an even better astrologer than
Gayyoom himself.
Dhohmohonu
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 02:32:14 (MDT)
Born Free & Equal said:
"Regarding Dr. Shaheed, I think Dr. Shaheed had become the Mohamed
Saeed Al-Sahhaf of Maldives, who very courageously defended Saddam's
stand and who did a wonderful job at a very critical moment in time"
The analogy could not be any further from realism. Most people would
recall that Saeed Al-Sahhaf was removed from the post of the Foreign
Minister (in April 2001) because of his failure to negotiate a
coalition within the Arabian-Gulf players in order to make a stand
against the sanctions placed on Iraq just before the War. Furthermore,
Al-Sahhaf was not considered as a Regime insider as his nativity is in
South of Iraq in Karbala, whereas most of Saddam's closest allies and
"regime-insiders" who appeared on the card-set are people from or
around Saddam Hussein's Home-town, Tikrit. Despite the notoriety and
amusement surrounding Al-Sahhaf, another thing noted by most political
observers is that the reason why Sahhaf appeared on Television more
often than the key power-wielders of the Regime is because he (Al-Sahhaf's)
was irrelevant and could be expendable (which is exactly what
happened).
[And for the record, you can check with the US embassy and find out
for yourself; the United States Central Command does not acknowledge
that it has "released" the former-Iraqi Information minister, although
he is not held under arrest]
However, if you draw comparisons with Dr. Shaheed, then the difference
is very clear. Dr. Shaheed is not a low-key employee of the Government
or a puppet. How can he effectively "not tell the truth" and apply
diplomatic manoeuvring around the truth, if he does not know it? Dr.
Shaheed is aware of the situation on the ground and his job is to get
a Government, which has contravened the Law and Constitution - around
it with out exposing it. Is this not serious enough to constitute a
breach of Justice and Law? Whether Dr. Shaheed will be allowed back
into the Government in the post-Maumoon era, will be up to the lawyers
and State prosecutors. One thing I am sure of is that Dr. Shaheed
knows to tell between good and bad. And we see the choice he has made.
He is not "Comical-Shaheed" yet. But if he persists in lying to the
world media and International Community about the state of affairs of
his People on behalf of Gayyoom, there is no doubt, one day he will be
enshrined side-by-side with the likes of Al-Sahhaf. I call upon Dr.
Shaheed to re-evaluate his choices and break away from the
Government's inconsistent propaganda now instead of seeking refuge in
the post-Maumoon era. Of course I agree with earlier readers, that you
are one of the most educated persons in our generation. Please do not
waste it or delay your service and debt to your people and country.
Dr. Shaheed, may God bless you, and guide you to the righteous path
Former-Attaché at Foreign Ministry
KL, Malaysia - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 02:02:46 (MDT)
Azmee. Thanks for clarifying that to all of us here.
Scarr
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 02:00:08 (MDT)
This is a time for MDP to get strong and make the people of Maldives believe 100% in them. Listen to what the people of Maldives is saying. And take action by eliminating those elements what the people are calling for them to eliminate .
Samuel
Mohammed
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 01:55:04 (MDT)
Dear Born Free & Equal
Don't try to fool us. And don't try to mislead us with your own notion
of foreign policies (these days its not unilateral but rather
multilateral foreign policies which are supported by the majority).
You said: "One reason Americans lost control of Iraq is, that they
left the whole Saddam Administration jobless, at a very critical stage
and moment to Iraq in time. I am not saying that Saddam and his terror
cabinet should stay, but I think there would be a lot of choice less
Iraqis who served for the administration rather than ending in his
terror chambers. If the United States had given a second thought about
these "choice less Iraqis" they could have done a great job for the
United States in good faith."
Why should the Iraqis do a great job FOR the INVADING nation, United
States? (although I too agree Saddam should have been brought down,
avoiding any blood shed). The question of United States deciding the
fate of the "choice less Iraqis" after the toppling of the Saddam
regime shouldn't be asked in the first place. It shows your notion of
foreign policies is as bad as the current Foreign policies of US. It
seemed to me that you are encouraging those who are in the Maumoon
government by trying to intimidating them with the stories of "Choice
less Iraqis, and trying to equate it with "Choice less Maldivians".
You said: "Regarding Dr. Shaheed, I think Dr. Shaheed had become the
Mohamed Saeed Al-Sahhaf of Maldives, who very courageously defended
Saddam's stand and who did a wonderful job at a very critical moment
in time. BUT please do remember that Mr. Sahhaf (along with Mr. Al-Douri,
Iraqi Permanent Representative to UN) were the only top ranking
officials who were able to live a decent life in peace, after the war.
Why did USA didn't include them in their famous card-set? Because they
were conveying a message that their superiors had given to them. Its
not their fault, but rather of their superiors. Therefore, Dr. Shaheed
is also conveying a message from his superiors."
What a load of crap.
I agree on the fact that Saeed Al-Sahhaf or Al Douri did a great job
for Saddam , NOT THEIR COUNTRY. And you are forgetting something else.
Iraqi civilians ARE suffering today because of people like Saeed Al-
Sahhaf and Al-Douri as a part.
SELFISH people like them will always find ways, as it always has been
(Fen oi thaakah mas duvaanee). Its widely known that they changed
sides after Saddam was brought down. Its not that because they
delivered their "godly presidents" message.
EKAHALA MEEHUNNAH MA KIYAA HIY VANEE DHEFUKKEHERIN, ADHI AMILLA
EDHUMAIGEN FENBOVAIGANE FAITHIBI GAUMAH BEYVAFAATHERI, KHIYAANAAI THE-RINNEY.
Mukahthaar
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 01:44:25 (MDT)
SOME OF THE KEY POINTS HEP OFFICE HIGHLIGHTED
-Major developmental projects, =EVAN NASEEM=
-Important strides in nation-building,=HAMEED'S NIGHT LIFE=
-Revolutionary national transformation and which calls for
justifiable national pride, has been achieved under his stewardship.
=DRUG ADDICTION=
FROM RAAJETHERE
Maldives - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 00:42:07 (MDT)
It is so good to see people like "Common man with income < RF
1500/month>" who are strong believers.
Do good and avoid the bad and whatever else is just details.
I salute you and wish that there were more people like you. I
commend you on your financial management even with that low income.
In many ways I am a lot like "Common man with income < RF
1500/month>"; I don't steal or touch public money and I survive on
what I get from my legitimate work.
Unfortunately I am also a bit different from him:
* I have 3 broken bones in my backbone (spine) from the time I spent
in the "andha gondi".
* I have fits almost monthly from the brain injuries I suffered.
* I am impotent and can't have a sexual life since I had electric
shock "therapy" at one of the NSS "hospitality centres".
* I have minimal vision in my right eye from the same brain
injuries.
* I can't hold my wastes in my bowels due to the unnatural torture
practices.
* And I have what doctors call "end stage liver disease" from the
drugs that were forced into me at interrogation.
* And...and....
So you can imagine I am slightly different from you.
Many people know me from my days in the past, as a strong speaker
against the policies of the government. I used to be praised for my
work. But things have changed in their eyes.
Some of them now call me a hypocrite for not doing the same now.
They see me as someone who has gone soft towards the government.
I know what the government is doing, we all do. I don't need a
spokesperson to come on BBC to tell me so or otherwise. The truth is
there for everyone to see. We have matured to the Maldivian system
to know that what is always told is not the truth. And we suspect
the truth when told, to be anything but that.
I respect the constraint within which some of the people in
question, including the government spokespersons, are working and
they are not financial constraints.
I work in an office as a program officer. I have been up and down
the "sarukaaru vazeefa" ladder much like the snake and ladder game.
The climb up had always been on my own effort, the slide down had
always been when I step on the "wrong" block.
I would love to leave this government job, yes measly job. But I
want to stay and do what little I can from within for the common
cause. I still believe that I have within me some more to offer to
the improvement of the peoples lives.
I am sad that people are too quick to pass judgement. Judge
yourself, and if you must judge others judge them from their own
perspective. It is not always a judgement of right or wrong, good or
bad. You (the reader, yes you) maybe blamed by someone of an
improper deed, and you may have literally done the alleged deed, but
do you feel that you are ultimately and entirely responsible for
that. Only you will know the circumstances surrounding the alleged
deed.
I see Maldivian patriotism in some people who have been virtually
vilified in public forums. Their feelings of loyalty to the public
are genuine, they are just in difficult circumstances. I feel sorry
for them, because many of them want to leave the work that they are
made to do, to dis-associate themselves from the wrong doings of the
true villains. They don't because they want to stay to try to do
what little good that they can do. They don't because they feel that
the best thing to do would be to stay.
It is not wise to crucify someone because of some apparent inaction
to stop the bad things when they are happening. You can't expect him
to do much, because like you he is a lone man, a victim of
circumstances. He has no power, because the powerful are not with
him. The illusion that he is powerful, is just that. An illusion.
We are all innocent, until proven guilty. I stand for that slogan
and I have evidence to show for that. And with that slogan in hand I
say that I don't hold the government employees responsible for the
atrocities committed by the ruling inner circle. What someone says
on national media or international media for that matter should not
be taken as his own words if spoken on behalf of the executive
general.
(this is not meant to be an argument for what anyone might have
said, it is just the expression of genuine feelings)
May ALLAH, guide the Maldivian people to HIS desired destination.
Ameen.
Walking wounded
Male', Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 23:37:24 (MDT)
I warn all of you, that all this talk of reforms is empty promises. Now they are worried about the Special Majlis as they are unable to find a speaker to lead them. I guess Gayyoom was not aware of the constitution and how it works. You can have the best of people in the world, but it won't work unless he is committed to it. He wants to bring all the amendments, without making him to resign or leave the Presidency. If this is acceptable for all, send him letters praising him for his wisdom. Otherwise, join the struggle to get rid of this murderer and his gang.
Waheed
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 23:21:09 (MDT)
Why haven't the government found out still to this day, on what
charge the man is being detained in Guantanamo Bay?
Answer
Maldives is the only country not requesting to release their own
citizens, now he is the only man staying in the famous shell, all
others are moved to better facilities.
Received a note from US Embassy
"American army can not treat like you did for Evan Naseem"
"Sorry please send a letter from the human rights"
Gayyoom did same kind of thing before, Receiving drug dealers to his
office on red carpet.
Latheef
Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 23:13:46 (MDT)
Last night when
Haveeru newspaper went online.... I feel it was a historical event.
The newspaper is full of the failings of the Gayyoom government (I
don't think it was intended to come off like this...but it certainly
has) and how its effecting our economy, and other aspects of Maldivian
life.
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
This one glorifies the great dictator and his government. But the
question raises... why are they blaming the public? why is nothing
done to fix the problem?
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
Why haven't the government found out still to this day, on what charge
the man is being detained in Guantanamo Bay?
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
This article takes sides in what to report and what should be dropped
from reporting. It is very conveniently pro-Gayyoom when the actual
meeting concluded with party system being indispensable for a country
like Maldives. Only a slight mention of it is made. The rest stresses
the negatives of party system in some beautiful language. AHHHH.....Bless
the writer and his loyalty to the regime.
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
I am proud of Abdulla Ameen's father. But the sad thing is that he
will never get to the true killers the way the trial is going at the
moment.
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
It seems "finding public opinion" on everything is the new shtick of
the Gayyoom administration. We need more action. Wait and see how this
new game is going to be played out. If nothing gets done from now
on...its going to be the public that is going to be blamed. Cos we
didn't "see it as being important in the opinions".
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
What is the fisheries ministry doing to help our fishermen? Why
haven't anybody informed that it is possible to sweep the ocean for
tune using nets and that it is creating huge problems for Maldivian
fishermen. Maybe another "master plan" is in order.... what do you
think guys?
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
Good article by Hillath on the political sphere of Maldives. But not
informative enough about the conclusions of the meeting nor what else
was discussed. It reads like a very brief overview. Since these
government controlled media is the only way to get the news, shouldn't
it be more detailed than a few sentences?
http://www.haveeru.com.mv
My favourite out of all the Articles... details the failings of the
education ministry. Shame that nothing is being done about it other
than finding "more opinions" on how to improve the situation. Kudos to
Ahmed Hamdhoon for the expose'.
From Aafathis;
http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv
I guess Mujuthaba is doing his best... But we need more action less
talk. Just form the commissions and and empower them in the
constitution.
http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv
I take my hats of to Mujuthaba and him commission on this account. But
the question is will we see it?
http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv
When will the Maldivian government ever get of the "forming a master
plan" or "finding opinion" phase and just make things possible?
I think I might have said enough about the failings of this
Administration. There is an old Maldivian saying "waahaka dhakkaa haa
vaane". It is up to the readers to decide and judge.
Thank you.
Failings of the government
Male', Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 20:52:21 (MDT)
Gayyoom can bring anyone in the world to write a new constitution, but it is not going to work. I hope the guy knows what's going on in the country. I am sure Sappe can tell us where he is staying in Male' so we can send emails to him and let him know that he is covering a dictator to remain in power.
Saleem
Perth, Australia - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 19:37:44 (MDT)
The only way for
Gayyoom to avoid chaos is to resign. The people are not going to stop
the push to bring him down. The time has gone he can arrest anyone and
keep quiet.
The whole world is watching and there is no room for Gayyoom to hide.
Zahir
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 16:13:36 (MDT)
This is a good
opportunity for MDP to make some moves and win the trust of the
people. All they need to do is leave their hawkish agenda and belief
that Gayyoom bashing will bring the changes they aspire. They have to
bring in more "clean" people or at least obtain their support.
Today Anti-MDP site has become Anti-MLD, so the heat is off for them
to do their homework and re-group.
Ilyas
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 12:25:04 (MDT)
Can some one from Gayyoom's office list out the achievements that they are talking about on this article, IF NOT WE WILL BRING THEM OUT IN MALE' USING ARTLINE ADVERTISING
QUOTE
The years of President Gayyoom's leadership comprise a very special
era in the history of the Maldives. Major developmental projects,
which have achieved commendable success, have been implemented during
his tenure in office. Important strides in nation-building, tantamount
to a revolutionary national transformation and which calls for
justifiable national pride, has been achieved under his stewardship.
UNQUOTE
VERY
INTERESTING !!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.maldivesstory.com
ABDULLAH ALI - 19 YEARS
Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 12:19:49 (MDT)
There are no plans
among NSS to move into any vacuum created during any change of guards.
This is an illusion. None of our Generals have any support of junior
officers to join them. Many senior officers do not agree with what we
are going through. Gayyoom and Anbaree and no one else control this
place. None of the officers have any clout to do anything on their
own. The system is based on fear an intimidation. Our job is to
deceive the people we are here to protect.
If anyone knows who I am, I am out of my job with a one way ticket to
Dhoonidhoo.
Jaleel
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 12:14:54 (MDT)
Dear Mukhtar,
What Saadiq meant was that the opposition must pitch in and help the
folks with the emergency needs when they come to Male' for medical
attention and help the schools and women's committees with basic stuff
(a little more than what the atolls ministry is doing) Today many are
rejected from the social welfare and the Palace for any medical
assistance when they come to Male'. These islanders run around in town
looking for people who are willing to help them out. This is where you
gain the trust of people.
Junaid
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 12:07:23 (MDT)
As a father of
two, I support myself and my family with an income of Rf1170/-
(basic); in addition the extra income my wife makes from working at a
small private company and from her tutoring to LKG students at night.
After paying the rent, electricity and water, there is only enough to
buy decent baby-food and inferior clothing. They do not get fresh
fruits and vegetables to eat and I cant afford to buy them new clothes
and toys on special occasions. This is not a torture chamber in
Maafushi. But it is a torture chamber, it is my life; it is also
painful.
But I will go on like this. I will make an honest living and need I
have to, I will leave this measly job. But I will never betray my
countrymen like you have!
All I am looking forward to is the day that people like Dr. Shaheed,
Ministers, and Gayyoom get their portion of justice and punishment.
They are taking from public funds and eating them out. Their
underlings obey whatever order they get because they think their
livelihood will be ruined. Why are Maldivians so apathetic?
They will not be forgiven just because they claim they are CID of
opposition. The Corrupters and the corrupted are the same. We will get
justice. And none will be forgiven by Maldivians like us.
Common man with income < RF 1500/month>
Male', Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 08:59:34 (MDT)
Dear Readers
It is failing in my national duty if I would not bring the following
to the attention of my dear sisters and brothers.
One reason Americans lost control of Iraq is, that they left the whole
Saddam Administration jobless, at a very critical stage and moment to
Iraq in time. I am not saying that Saddam and his terror cabinet
should stay, but I think there would be a lot of choiceless Iraqis who
served for the administration rather than ending in his terror
chambers. If the United States had given a second thought about these
"choiceless Iraqis" they could have done a great job for the United
States in good faith.
The same goes to Maldives. If Mr. Saadiq or anyone who may be our next
leader, is unable to think seriously about the "choiceless public
employees of Maldives", he will find himself in a deep mess.
Regarding Dr. Shaheed, I think Dr. Shaheed had become the Mohamed
Saeed Al-Sahhaf of Maldives, who very courageously defended Saddam's
stand and who did a wonderful job at a very critical moment in time.
BUT please do remember that Mr. Sahhaf (along with Mr. Al-Douri, Iraqi
Permanent Representative to UN) were the only top ranking officials
who were able to live a decent life in peace, after the war. Why did
USA didn't include them in their famous card-set? Because they were
conveying a message that their superiors had given to them. Its not
their fault, but rather of their superiors. Therefore, Dr. Shaheed is
also conveying a message from his superiors.
I think Dr. Shaheed, is one of the greatest man of our generation, and
he can play an effective role as the next Minister of Foreign Affairs,
in the government after the Maumoon Administration. And to be honest
my vote is for him, even if do contest in the presidential election,
because I am sure, that he will do a great hob.
Born Free & Equal
Malé, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 08:25:58 (MDT)
"To my understanding,
there are a few members such as Anni, Nazim and Sappé who are educated
and/or experienced to actively work in the political arena?"
"Everyone knows Rastha chugs like an Irishman on St Patrick's Day,
Ziya Abbas is a cracker factory, Susan- just another pot-smoking
Bavarian whore, Jennifer Latheef (GoGo's daughter) baring her
teeth/guts and threatening the public in Malé"
I agree with Shareef (who seems to be the person making the case about
personal conduct of MDP members) on this point. From the first quote I
think it's clear that the Mr. Shareef recognises the "genuine" and
trustworthy members in the MDP. If you ask for my opinion, they are
heroes. And like you say, some people like Anni and Sappe have broken
the pattern of home-coming academicians turning into underlings of the
regime. Huzza for them.
And what about the bunch in the second quote? I think Shareef was mainly pointing out to them. I do not know any of them except Ziya Abbas, whom I happen to know personally as much as I know about his personal expeditions into smoke on water-land. The mere presence of a Sicilian-Maldivian Godfather (in the drug-trade... hehe) scares the sh*t out of me. I would not want him to be on the MDP for even a moment. No matter how much campaigning, nothing would convince me to vote for a party who harbours drug-runners like Ziya Abbas.
What's even
more ironic is that, the guy who wrote under the pseudo (morality
changing) either failed to mention or did not know that "Dr.
Munawwaru" was also one of those educated-cronies who kept silent all
these years and then teamed up with the rest of the clowns. Yet, in
the presence of Public Heroes like Anni and Sappe I don't think the
accompaniment of ex-convicts, druggies and "whores" would increase the
popularity nor the credibility of the MDP.
The problem with MDP is that it is not receptive of the Public opinion
and cannot accept any criticism. If you dare try any, it'd be called
off as "crony-craft". The MDP has to recognise that it has to adhere
to the views of the people and NOT what they think is best for us.
Since it has a zero-tolerance of any criticism, I fail to see how its
pledges of democracy can be delivered when it refuses to accept the
Public's disapproval of some members who the party had given
membership to.
I also want to take this opportunity and thank the editor of having
published this comment, which I am sure would not have been allowed
had it been posted in the MDP website.
Azmee
Melbourne, Australia - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 08:02:31 (MDT)
"The end of
morality is to procure the affections to obey reason, and not to
invade it. --Bacon."
Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 06:35:20 (MDT)
Thanks for the
constitutional insight. Particularly to: Employee at Maldives Monetary
Authority.
In Maldives like "common man" had said it is not possible to keep a
government post and speak against the government. It is also not
possible to keep a job and livelihood (and stay out of the torture
chambers of the government) if you don't do the specific things asked
of you by the president himself.
It takes someone with strong belief in righteousness and much strength
to go against these presidential "powers". Many of us don't have that
strength. I am sure that a large majority of the people visiting this
forum are following specific orders by their superiors and flowing
with the flow knowing that, that is the wrong thing to do. Simply
because the alternative in Maldives is unimaginable pain and
suffering. (I have been through that personally, and wouldn't want to
go through that again. You wouldn't either. Don't call me a coward for
this but the suffering IS unbearable, you have to experience it to
know).
In this situation the only option is to leave the government job. But
that is not possible for all of us. We are not all that rich. I hate
Gayyoom as much as any single one of you, more if that is possible,
but I work as a government employee (at a higher post) because there
is no other way for me.
I would do what is required of me to change the regime, but in secret, fearing for my life and for my families lives.
I have much respect
for Saadiq and others who have endured the sufferings and are ready
for more. They are exceptions to the rule.
I mean no offence, but most of you haven't even got an idea about the
level of suffering in the torture chambers.
So if you propose that being in a high government post automatically
implies my support for the regime, you are dead wrong. Dr Shaheed may
well be a secret agent of the opposition; so don't call names when you
are not sure. I personally don't hold him responsible for what he is
made to say, be it to the world media.
It is not as simple as you say, not all of us have the faith and
strength to go against Gayyoom that openly. The fear is real. If any
of you feel that that fear is unfounded then you know how you can
experience the fear first hand.
The way some of you suggest, the only way to not be responsible for
the support of the dying regime is to leave the job; do it.
Another common man
Male', Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 06:05:55 (MDT)
Alias' opinions are worth praising. I hope that the opposition will think about his ideas. Some of the things he said are very realistic to happen (NSS interfering the transition process which he claims is in minds of some of the NSS officers, for example). His "proposal" is very genuine. The opposition should not give way to violence and stop this from happening at any cost, if the opposition truly cares about the public. Thanks Alias.
Mukthaar
Male', Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 05:45:36 (MDT)
What is wrong
with MDP members?
Lot of people here have written about credibility of MDP and its
activities. Some have question about whether members of MDP have
proper education to lead a party. Do people have to have a PhD or
Azharu University 14 years education to become a politician in
Maldives?
It seem lot of people are confused about education and politics. We
are experiencing a government with PhD's and most highest education
qualifications from Arab world abusing a system for their benefit.
Obviously the qualifications they have had not improved their morality
in terms of what is fair for everyone. Most of the educated people who
are in the senior government posts are not doing any good. They should
stop serving under a corrupt regime. Dr Shaheed and Dr Saeed are pure
hypocrites safeguarding the interests of their God boss Maumoon. They
don't have a soul to be cheating and lyinig on international media.
What is their excuse for lying (eg: BBC interview) the whole world?
Is that they fear
that they might loss the job? Well fair enough if someone believes in
principles then he or she should stand for it. Ducking it for some
personal gain is no excuse. That is why people like Dr Shaheed, Dr
Munawwaru, Dr Saeed and Dr Latheef have become soulless puppets.
Well lets go back to the point of MDP members. It seems that some
people in this forum knows people with very high moral values. Can
anyone name any of them? My question is when the time came where were
they? Did they stood-up to safe guard common man's interest? Did they
fight to make Maldives society a free and equal society? Definitely
not. Educated people those I have mentioned above joined the
government to carryout the atrocities and to protect their God
Maumoon.
Those who came and fought for principles like fairness and democracy
are the 'thieves' and 'drug addicts' like Anni, Sappe, Go Go Latheef
and Nazim etc, what some people call bunch of thugs.
So where are the people you are talking about? The high moral and
educated statesmen? Do you mean to say that Maumoon is one of them?
Morality is changing
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 03:59:52 (MDT)
Re: Mr. Shareef's
Comment
I agree with Mr. Shareef, there is a strong point there, yeah MDP
should take into account the concern of the people regarding the
members of MDP. If it want's to present a good image among the public.
Thanx
Democrat
Lanka, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:22:21 (MDT)
Since I have recently started receiving your movement and information regarding the state of Maldives in the eyes of the world in general, I wish to state that it is not only the constitution that is law or considered law. Something equally powerful and influential is the, "Raeeesul jumhooriyya ge ofeehuge dnennevun" All the government run offices are bound by this "dnennevun" or simply when the president announces any of his views, requests or demands or wishes they become law.
I believe that there should be some reform and consistency in making dennevun and other similar written messages or verbal messages made by the president becoming law or something politically more powerful than law itself.
If you consider the following example you'll know this is true. The moment the president announces that he would like government officials (regardless of their status) to contribute to some fund, then the top authorities will force on their subordinates to contribute a said some not less than a certain amount. And in a day the government collects by the tens of thousands.
I wish you success in your bona fide course of work. Jihad is not only limited to the use of sword but also word. You've only got to remove the "s" from sword.
Yours sincerely,
Moosa Manik <asum2k2@hotmail.com>
- by email.
Dear reader,
I am not into politics. I have made a proud vow not to get involved in ANY political scheme ever. Personally, I can't confide to my religion and say politics is downright correct. It never is. Because its made up by humans.
But anyway, I read that article. What you people say are true. Its about good time that there be a new government. By new I mean, new blood. New lines. New thought. New fundamentals. But without loosing site of our religion, culture or the peace and prosperity of our country. I think its time that Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom gave up his power to a new generation, without any further hassle. What I don't want though, is havoc in the process. People are people; we know that from what happened to Amin.
Also another thing I wanted to say. The article itself was nicely written. But maybe it should be written in a bit fair language. I understand the whole idea of DO is to discredit and bring down Maumoon (atleast that is what the article suggests). These are educated times. I suggest more evidence be shown in the articles. Not just 'sayings'. Proved evidence can help that much.
Yours sincerely,
A thoughtful reader - by email.
Re: Mr. Shareef's
Comment
I agree with Mr. Shareef, there is a strong point there, yeah MDP
should take into account the concern of the people regarding the
members of MDP. If it want's to present a good image among the public.
Thanks
Democrat
Lanka, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:22:21 (MDT)
We are yet to see the worst. Sept 2003 is just the beginning. Maldives is now moving towards a huge disaster. I think the reason for the birth of extremism we see today elsewhere in the world are the result of continuos frustration. I think Maldives is heading towards such a direction. Gayyoom must leave or face the consequences of his 26 years of dictatorship and systematic ripping of our wealth. Or else very soon we are going to see the birth of extremist in Maldives and people taking extreme measures. The recent beheadings and kidnappings in the middle east is a fine example. Do we want to see this sort of things happening in Maldives. Of course not. But, when everything fails people run out of choice... I don't want to see such a day......I hope this sends a strong message.....
Hambali
Sudan - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:19:40 (MDT)
I read a
interesting news on
www.haveeru.com.mv, that Novelty is going to publish a Dhivehi
translation of Quran, which will be compiled and in hardcover bind.
It further says that the original translation was done between 26
April-30 September 1971.
But the present government is unable to finish the translation in 25
years, with a big office naming "Quraan aa behey Marukazu", with so
many Usthaaz's, modern technology and millions of dollars!
So can we say Maumoon a true Muslim, who is making false promises
relating to Quran??
Democrat
Lanka, Maldives - Thursday, June 24, 2004 at 02:17:25 (MDT)
I don't think
you are addressing this to Sappe' alone. The Gayyoom cronies are
anyone who is involved in sucking our blood and participating in any
form of corruption to take our money and use to keep this regime in
power. Also people like Hameed, Yameen and many others who are
actively campaigning to keep this dying regime alive, by forcing
innocent islanders to do things they are not willing to do on their
own will. You can be a minister a director or a clerk and still be a
crook a crony or traitor.
Dr. Shaheed as person maybe not be a bad person, but if he is working
full time to tell lies to the Maldivians and to the rest of the world,
knowing very well, that his actions are helping this dictator &
murderer in power, my opinion is that he will have very bleak future
in any future government. If he thinks his lies will keep this regime
in power for him to enjoy the spotlight, he is wrong.
There are some cabinet ministers and many senior civil servants who
are working with opposition groups. Though they follow the Gayyoom's
daily drumbeat, but they keep their contacts fully informed of what is
going on. They are helping to bring this man to justice one-way or the
other. Dr. Shaheed and many others have that option, if they want to
remain in a Maldives, which is free and liberated from this dangerous
man
Faisal
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 23:16:12 (MDT)
Dear common man.
If anyone is doing a job for someone else because they have to do it
without any choice, as you are suggesting, I would say that it cant be
an excuse. Being part of the scam is equivalent to being involved
fully and being in a senior position and cheating the public saying
that its what I have to do due to my job, although my conscience
doesn't agree with what I do, is of no excuse. If that's the case, and
anyone is truly loyal to the public and care about the public, then
why not resign, and be true to yourself. Thank you.
Shifau
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 22:16:17 (MDT)
Junaid wrote: I
agree with Saadiq, unless you overspend the corrupt regime you will
have no confidence among the islanders who has reached a point where
they won't believe anyone. The people want to see materialistic
improvements not wonderful stories about democracy in the country.
What does this mean? Can you clarify please?
Mukthaar
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 22:03:50 (MDT)
Mr. Shareef . Those are very wise words. Thanks for bringing your ideas here. At last someone else who has the same mentality as mine. phew.
Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 21:57:55 (MDT)
I would like to point out that Sappe’ is not incriminating anyone in the government, he is only incriminating the wrong doings of the current Maldivian Government and the people who were responsible for that. We cannot simply say the directors and above are to be incriminated. I am sure you and I would not dispute that there must be a whole lot of others in various levels of the government who were actively involved in many corruption scandals in the past. We have to wait and see. There is an old saying in Dhivehi which says:
"wmIgenigcnwfutib InEgnea caerwvEkoyek"
Hassan
Fulhu
Education Ministry Official, Male' submitted by email 24th June 2004
14:05
Dear Mr. Common man,
Being a regular reader and a Government Employee, I am confident that you can verify for yourself that Sappe' does not answer directly on the forum, except for editorial notes in the forum, which he posts within a particular post. However, since we are all taking part in this open discussion I would like to contribute my humble opinion on the questions you have raised. I hope that this is not taken as an intrusion.
Instead of focussing specifically on Dr. Shaheed, I direct your attention to the broader question of which Government employees will be held responsible for unfair and illegal abuse of Office and Power. To my knowledge, anyone who has the authority and capacity to exercise power AND is directly under the hierarchal tree of the person who issues order at the Executive/Ministerial level should be held accountable, if and when they are found guilty after their trial is held in open Court.
One should also remember that corruption is not always limited to higher authority. Instead, there have been many cases in which the Directorial-level/Ministerial/Executive Office-holders of the Government have used low-key employees to commit extra-judicial practices. Since they are easily disposable (a good case in point is the NSS employees in Maafushi, of most of whom had no “feethaas/ranks” and now being prosecuted) and prone to manipulation under higher authority, it is very clear that we cannot afford to narrow our analysis to that of Authority and the rank of government position.
DO need not accuse Government employees of corruption. We as people (and as Government Employees), have a right to investigate the corrupt practices of Civil Servants and bring them to the fore of Justice. As to the “blaming” part, yes, I believe it is correct to blame, or rather question (with substantial evidence and sound reasoning) the mal-practices and under-performance of Government Employees. It need not exclusively be Dhivehi Observer that reports on this. The so-called independent press of the Maldives (in reference to Haveeru and Aafathis) are equally responsible to incriminate the shortcomings of the Civil servants in high posts. This is not a measure to incite public disorder and chaos. It is the duty of the journalists and the press-media to keep the society abreast of the Performance and conduct of the Elected Government of the day. By doing so, they will be giving an opportunity to talented and well-educated pool of people in the waiting lines, who apart from fulfilling the technical qualifications also champions the moral obligations required to serve the People.
As for Dr. Shaheed, who IS AWARE of what is wrong and right, TOOK side in giving the interview to the BBC. You are correct to say he did what was required of his Job description. Furthermore, he is also an accessory who supported a person/party/Government that contravened the Constitution on more than one counts. And he is aware of it. From article 12, cl.1 and 2, we have:
12. (1) Any person who, by the threat or use of force or in violation of the Constitution, abrogates or attempts to abrogate the Constitution or attempts to undermine the Constitution or conspires to commit any of the said acts shall be guilty of high treason.
(2) Any person who aids and abets or is an accomplice in the commission of any act mentioned in clause (1) of this Article or any person who has knowledge of the commission of such act and has failed to report the same shall also be guilty of high treason.
Need I say more? Mr. Gayyoom has undermined the Constitution and denied Maldivians their Rights of Association and Expression on more than one occasion. Being the chief-spokesperson and a high-level employee shouldn’t Dr. Shaheed's first priorities be upholding the Constitution and Law? Anything that comes with the job or Spokesperson comes AFTER this. NO one under ANY circumstances is above the law. The only person, who has been doing it with the precision of a madman over 27 years, is the highest Office-bearer in the Maldives. Dr. Shaheed is his Government’s Chief Representative. If you can join the dots from here, I am sure you can find where Mr. Shaheed's performance lacks justification and legitimacy.
With regard to the part (2) of the Constitution above, I advise all Government Employees to save themselves from being guilty of high treason as per clause to of the article above “any person who has knowledge of the commission of such act and has failed to report the same shall also be guilty of HIGH TREASON”. Civil Servants, please be true to yourself, and do yourself and the People you serve a favour. Denounce corruption, abuse of power and report all abuses directly to your Members of Parliament, the Special Members of Parliament and the media. Whether it works or not is not your responsibility. By then you would have fulfilled your duty towards the country as a citizen and a civil servant.
Employee at Maldives Monetary Authority - Malé, Maldives. - submitted by email 24-6-2004 09:00 am
A very interesting article -
http://www.eveningweekly.com
Citizen
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 18:37:03 (MDT)
My
father is a Katheeb in the south. I spoke to him and was asked about
my opinion about this reform Gayyoom is talking. After 32 years as an
island chief he says nothing is going to change, but he told me that
many in the island had refused to write the letters to the President
as suggested by the Atolls Minister.
He says he got a call from Deputy Minister Sheereen saying the policy
has changed and "now we have to get ready to say no in the public
referendum". He told Sheereen that it would be easier than writing
letters as she could change the votes in the atoll office or in Male'
before they are counted. She laughed and told my Dad that you are now
qualified to be an atoll chief after (32 yrs) or by suggesting how to
rig the votes. My Dad remains confused!
Waheeda
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 18:23:40 (MDT)
POLITICAL PARTY "YES" BUT LIMIT TO 2 PARTY DEMOCRATIC & REPUBLICAN
WHAT EVER NAME YOU MAY CALL IT. OPPOSITION AND THE GOVERNMENT
PRIME MINISTER "NO REASON, WE HAVE EDUCATED PEOPLE FIT FOR A EXECUTIVE
PRESIDENT" ,NOT LIKE "golhaboa" ON NAPPY ALWAYS ,WE ARE A YOUNG
COMMUNITY LOOKING TO KILL OUR YOUNG ENERGY,
WE ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU THE PALACE AND ONE OF US TO RUN THE SHOW
FOR YOU, WE HAVE DONE ENOUGH!!!!!
KULHUDUFFUSHI YOUNG PEOPLE
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 12:29:38 (MDT)
I
hope MDP will come to terms among themselves and try to understand
that Gayyoom has labelled them as "bad people". Though some of them
and other sympathizers are good people, but the brand name "MDP" is
down the drain. This is where Saadiq came in. He was clever to exploit
the growing weakness in MDP and make a strong dent on the regime. His
organization got a wake up call and he channelled funds to make all of
them happy. Previous budget allocations in some areas were increased
by 10 folds and businessmen, dhoni owners, teachers, principals and
including foreign teachers in the islands who are working for Saadiq
for peanuts, recruit many more young people.
MDP today has no independent future to build any trust among the
people. Yes I agree 97% of the people don't like Gayyoom, but they
will not vote for MDP as an alternative. The recent surveys are real
indication that Saadiq/MLD has a huge edge over MDP.
I agree with Saadiq, unless you overspend the corrupt regime you will
have no confidence among the islanders who has reached a point where
they won't believe anyone. The people want to see materialistic
improvements not wonderful stories about democracy in the country.
Junaid
Colombo, Sri Lanka - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 11:59:27 (MDT)
We can change Gayyoom ,"if you are doing your part and doing what's right whether you're a Gayyoom's DJ in 5 Star ministry or a worker in an office or a fisherman your contribution is important, you'll have a President who honours you, respects human rights, and who will be responsible!!!!!!
''HUNGER STRIKE ''
FRIDAY- AFTER "ASURU" NEAR BANDAARA MISKIY -
Another Sappe, Another hero,
BBC Team will arrive on Friday night by EK to cover the Maldives
story.
Karo Abbas
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 11:45:55 (MDT)
To:
the Democrat.
[Ref: Colombo, Lanka - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 13:18:29 (MDT)]
"Hence there is no point in writing about the background of Jennifer
Latheef, Go-Go or any other member" -democrat
Oh, that is the kind of statement I would expect a member of the MDP
to miss instantaneously. You see, there is a point in legalising the
type of people who contend for political participation in the
Maldives. Although I strongly disagree Maumoon's sadistic excuse for
having denied the Constitutional Rights for the MDP in the Maldives
back a few years, I do believe legislative amendments need to be
brought about to specify the degree qualification and social integrity
required of the people who claim to represent their voters. By your
logic, the "Gays, Druggists, Corrupted educated idiots, thief's..."
can also contend for the political parties, which is exactly what has
now happened with the Maldives Democratic Party.
In a peremptory fit to counter the regime's decision, MDP has incorporated all types of under-done citizens; drunkards, drug addicts (suffice it to say who and who), gays/lesbians and the entire gamut of the social misfits into the party. One can hardly miss the resemblance of this to the Present Government in place; then, how can the MDP point out and criticize the moral grounds of the Office-holders in the Government when they are in quicksand themselves? Do we expect our saviours to be tainted in sin just as much as our present aggressors? There is a serious question of credibility at this point.
To
my understanding, there are a few members such as Anni, Nazim and
Sappé who are educated and/or experienced to actively work in the
political arena (although Latheef has claimed in the past that the
party members are a group of educated and eminent persons, facts point
out to the contrary). The only problem is, MDP's policy to
"increase-the-quantity-not-the
"The important point every Maldivian should understand is that, once
it is allowed to register political parties MDP will not be the one
and only party, and even they may not be the biggest party?"- democrat
I strongly disagree. The "important point" that every Maldivian
ALREADY UNDERSTANDS is that they need a trustworthy and reliable
conduit for presenting their case and claiming their rights,
preserving their culture, religion and social ethics. Had it been
another Party (unlike MDP which is sponsored by the most successful,
self-made business man, whose name I shall refrain from mentioning
here), there is very little guarantee for the Maldivians that it would
have sincerely acted in the interests of the people. In view of the
strong income disparities, low standards of education and public
awareness, one cannot afford to blindly support a Political Party in
hope that reliable parties would follow.
Dear Mr/s. Democrat, the "important point" that most
Maldivians already know is that we should stop relying on
policy-mongering political factions such as the MDP and learn to
represent ourselves or find a political party that would do the job
like we want them to, with whom we want them to. This is not a call
for division. It is the MDP that has to unite with the will of the
people, not the other way round.
SHAREEF
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 10:27:49 (MDT)
We would appreciate President's reply to Australian
federal parliament shopping list !!!!
Let us speed up , hurry up!!!
I am ready for a ''FRIDAY PRAYER''
BETTER MALDIVES WITHOUT GAYOOM
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 10:26:03 (MDT)
Dear Hameed,
May be you should scroll down to the end of the page on DO and read
the small script. "Dhivehi Observer is an independent online
news service on matters relating to the Maldives".
Maybe DO should replace this line with "Dhivehi Observer
is an online news service of the Maldivian Political Party".
As Mukhthar says, DO should clear its association with any
political parties to gain the trust as an independent paper.
Ahammadhu
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 08:43:27 (MDT)
The large amount of money spent in the Education sector does NOT reflect the investment in Education. More than 60% of the amount is spent on the salary and allowances of the expatriate teachers. So don't get misled by the graph.
ML
New York - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 07:02:57 (MDT)
Hot
Gossips part 2
-Yameen caught on the eyes of public while doing business with a
illegal alcohol supplier for little kids.
-Umar Zahir guaranteed SHADY CABIN THAUFEEG and his lhiyanu AIMA ABLO
AZEEZ to use his powers to help them to expand there businesses. UMAR
ZAHIR has flushed public funds and given to SHADY and lhiyanu on many
times.
- Section deleted as we feel it incites violence to some degree - Ed
GOSSIPPE'
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 04:18:06 (MDT)
WE PROPOSE NEXT PARLIAMENT TO TAKE A NO CONFIDENCE VOTE OF THE PRESIDENT!!!
ADDU
ATOLL
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 06:56:33 (MDT)
Alhu gandu ves edhee nee
Sappe men thi bunuhvaa kahala democracy eh raajjey ga baahvan..vaki
bayeh ge tharika mudhaa gandeh gothah raajje nubeyhvumah....iraadhakurehviy
Mohamed Ali <maadu5@hotmail.com>
Addu, Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 01:08:16 (MDT)
Dear Maldivians,
This is to inform you that we have had a very interesting meeting yesterday with all the atoll chiefs who are in Male now. All the atolls will send the letters to Male' in the way that President wants before the 30th of this month.
It was estimated that from Seenu Atoll Hamid Yoosuf will arrange more then 200 letters and Hameed promised another 1500 letters from other atolls, total of 1700 letters will arrive at this office before 30th of this month.
I can not understand what Gayyoom is trying to do.
Unless all you guys do something ,this man will never want democracy,
it is very clear , He has no intention of reforming this country.
Gayyoom personally sent a note to this meeting.
Abdullah Shahid <shahid@presidency.gov.mv>
Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 00:58:57 (MDT)
Dear Sappe'
Can you dig little about this anticorruption Farooq, I have evidences
to share with this forum. Could you tell me, how can a totally
corrupted man solve the corruption.
Haleem
Fuahmulah, GN. Maldives - Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 00:45:43 (MDT)
Polar bear said: I am sure that there are several
people who are corrupt (and enjoy being corrupt) while there are
others who are being corrupt (as there is no apparent alternative to
support a family).
There are other alternatives, other than being corrupt to support the
families, mate. It shouldn't be an excuse to embrace corruption.
Munthaaz
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 23:51:04 (MDT)
If
it doesn't matter whether DO is independent or not, then why
not DO say so. The question I have in mind is due, because of
DO's claim that it is independent. And Hameed, I agree DO
is doing a great job.
But they have to be more transparent and responsible for what they are
doing. If Sappe' resigns from MDP and keep doing this great job for
DO, it will boost the confidence of him within the public.
Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 23:27:45 (MDT)
I
have seen many people call several of the government employees (other
than the Ministers and the cabinet and ruling inner circle members) as
being corrupt and non-trust-worthy.
I am sure that there are several people who are corrupt (and enjoy
being corrupt) while there are others who are being corrupt (as there
is no apparent alternative to support a family).
Whichever way it is, corruption is a menace and will need to be stamped out completely. And yes, the corrupt should be punished appropriately.
If we do that, I wonder how many people will be left in the country who are non-corrupt. Corruption is not just at the top level of the hierarchy. The corrupt at the top may be apparently more corrupt because they are able to get their hands on more money etc. But then again, the corrupt lower down in the government ladder eats away everything that they get their hands on.
I have a friend who complained profusely when he was trying to buy a wave 110 from BMC. He is a government employee whose monthly salary is Rf.3500. Which is a very good one if you know the usual salary people get. He, I have no doubt, deserves a better salary than that because of his qualifications and work responsibilities. Anyway, his complaint was that he was having a tough time buying that motor cycle (for some Rf.28000) by paying the full amount. He would have to pay in instalments (of Rf.2500 per month). This was disturbing him so much because he sees so many people who are paid salaries in the order of Rf.2000 per month (from apparently middle class families with no recognisable positive bank balance) get new motor cycle (fully paid in a lump sum) every Ramadan!
He was also surprised that the houses next door to his have suddenly risen to 5-6 storeys high without bank loans when the families were apparent not so well to do!
He
kept asking me and other friends whether this was corruption! And
whether that was the only way to get some financial stability.
I think many people would agree that we, the general public, who work
so hard to earn a decent salary are paid so very little. We complain
more and are more concerned because we know how much money comes into
the country by tourism etc, and how much of it and other public funds
are being flushed down the toilets of corrupt elite.
I want to earn a decent living. I want my children to live a life. If I have to work 12 hour a day everyday (and not see my spouse kids, and not spend any quality time with them), I may be able to make ends meet. But at what cost. My spouse will ask for divorce because I am not spending anytime with the family, my kids don't get to know me and I don't get to know them....and my life gets ruined.
So should I take the short-cut and take the money that comes my way and stuff them into my pockets? I do get my hands on a lot of money at work, and it will not be difficult to skim some of them into my pockets and still balance the finances as nobody actually checks them. But I don't, and can't get myself to do that.
I
am sure many people would have been through that road and taken the
easy route to financial well-being.
I would want them all to be punished and given due for their wilful
destruction of Maldivian public funds. But I am afraid that there will
be none left, or very few left to be trusted.
The responsibility may well be with the elite, who gobble up the most, but the little gobblers are not immune.
I just don't know where we are headed in terms of
corruption, I just know that where we are headed now is not the right
direction.
Polar bear
Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 22:37:12 (MDT)
Comrades, This is a reminder to all of you to email to Hon Dr Shougee,
respectfully requesting him to remove Major General Adam Zahir from
the post of Chairperson of Majeediyya School Board. Hon Minister's
email is:
shougee@thauleem.net
Please tell the Hon Minister that you do not want to see the head of
our prisons and police to be associated with a prestigous school like
Majeediyya.
Rayithu Muhammadhu
Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 22:25:33 (MDT)
http://www.udhares.com.mv/main
sfad
USA - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 20:07:49 (MDT)
I don't think this is a very healthy argument. Whether DO is independent or not doesn't matter. Sappe and others have their right to remain in any party or organization and write whatever they want. It is just their right to do what they like or support whomever they want. They can adjust themselves whenever it is convenient to them. But we all must agree that they are doing a remarkable job as we all wake up in the morning and like Gayyoom the first thing is to check what they are doing. The question we ask each other is did you see DO today? Sappe is doing a fabulous job and he deserves our credit to go on BBC and tell the world he wants Gayyoom to resign. Gayyoom's spokesperson like his Boss lied to BBC and the rest of the world.
Hameed
Perth, Australia - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 19:39:23 (MDT)
Dear, In defense of DO.
I am someone who strongly believes in Party system to be the best
democracy. In fact if it is not, I wouldn't like the system to be
called any democratic. Where there is no party system, different
regimes call their "democracies" either unique, straight, transparent
etc...A good example is Libya, where they have written their own
"Green Book".
I support the work DO is doing. But still I do believe it will
be the best for DO if Sappe resigns either from MDP or give the
reigns of DO to someone else. You can't do 2 jobs at the same
time without influencing each other. This is a forum where ideas are
being bombarded. Its ideas and discussions which bring out the best of
democracy, which all of us here support so dearly.
Mukhthaar
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 19:12:38 (MDT)
HOT GOSSIP FROM MALDIVES
- Sammarey in Singapore-signed a contract with A. Manik for 5 million
$'s to get stars from Bollywood and Hollywood to produce a Bodu
Thakurufaan film and the total amount is not known or WHEN IT WOULD
REACH THE END.
- Addu Atoll airport project- 2 million $'s as commission deposited
to Ilyas account.
- Next election campaign started as Seena for G. Alif, A. Hameed for
Alif Alif. Zahir Hussain for G. Dhaal.
- One guy went to LAST Friday prayers with a T-shirt that said "I hate
Maumoon", was traced later on Saturday beaten and thrown into the
pick-up and taken away.
- MMA building contract given to Ameen construction after the second
time for bigger than last proposal. ADDU PROJECT ALSO GIVEN TO SAME
PEOPLE AMIN CONSTRUCTION - KHADEEJA BACKS THEM. AD WAS ON PAPER SAYING
THAT THE 1ST PROPOSAL WAS TOO MUCH AND CANCELLED.
DO WE NEED A BODU THAKURUFAAN FILM WITH OUTSIDE STARS WHILE PEOPLE
LIKE JAMBEY STILL LIVE WITHOUT BEEN GIVEN ANY CREDIT AFTER HAVING
WORKED FOR 24 YRS IN THE SERVICE?
GOSSIPPE'
Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 15:48:15 (MDT)
I would like to make a reply regarding Mr. Shareefs
opinion about members of MDP. I don't think that the present regime
neither represents 100% Islamists, even though they are said to be
Usthaazees or whatever. How can you say that a person is a Muslim who
openly violates fundamental principles of Islam, who makes lies?
According to Islamic principles any ruler should give importance to
the greater benefit of the public not himself. Is this what they are
doing?
The regime consists of Gays, Druggists, Corrupted educated idiots,
thief's...and so on. The regime is widely corrupted.
You should understand that in a full democratic system you have the
right not to vote any of the member you have mentioned, hence you have
full authority to reject those un-Islamic or Christians what ever you
think. Also you can opt not to Vote and vote any other party you
prefer.
The important point every Maldivian should understand is that, once it
is allowed to register political parties MDP will not be the one and
only party, and even they may not be the biggest party. So why should
we care about present members of MDP?
Hence there is no point in writing about the background of Jennifer
Latheef, GoGo or any other member.
It's time to get united and work hard to achieve a full democratic
system in Maldives, and bring Maumoon's regime to Justice.
Democrat
Colombo, Lanka - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 13:18:29 (MDT)
"..Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) will be working at the MDP
Colombo office from this week on. He will be overseeing, on improving
coordination between MDP members in Male' and Colombo..."- From the
MDP website
With regard to the above statement, I would like to clarify the
following things out of curiosity:
1) Isn't the link between Malé-UK/Lanka-UK not relevant to the
coordination of MDP activities? If so why hasn't it been mentioned?
2) Does the conspicuous absence of this mean that MDP truly believes
Maumoon's reformist Speech will lessen the need for International
Pressure and attention?
3) Is it just a matter of emphasis or have the MDP sidelined their
members working abroad in UK?
Comment by Eyebrow-raised � 22/6/2004 @ 1:39 am
Outspoken
Malé, Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 09:27:23 (MDT)
އޮޅިފައިވާ ދިވެއްސަކަށް،
ތިނަންގަނެވިގެން ދިޔަ ވާހަކަތަކަކީ ވަކި މިންގަނޑެއްގެ ތެރޭގައި އަޅުގަނޑުވެސް ތާޢީދު ކުރާ ނުކުތާތަކެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ހިތާމައާއި އެކު ދަންނަވަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް މަޖުބޫރު ވެފައ މިވަނީ ތިމާގެ ފަތިފުށް، އަދަބާއި އަބުރާއި މެދު ދޮގު ހަދައި މީހުންނާއި ކަންތައްތަކަޢި މެދު އިންތިހާއަށް އޮޅުވާލައިގެން ވެރިކަމުގެ މުގުލުގައި ކައްތިރި ޖައްސަވައިގެން ހުންނެވި ބޭކަލެއްގެ ޢަބުރަކީ އޮތް އެއްޗެއްކަމުގައި މިއަދުގެ ދިވެހިން (މިކަމުގައި އަޅުގަނޑާއި އެއްބަސް ވާ ބޭފުޅުން) ނުދެކޭކަމެވެ. އަދި ކިޔެއްތަ، އިސްލާމް ދީން އުނގެނުމަށްޓަކައި އެތަކެއް ޒަމާން ތަކެއް ވަންދެން ޢާއިލާއާއި ގާތް ތިމާގެ މީހުން ދޫކޮށް، ރާއްޖެއިން ބޭރުގައި ތަޢުލީމު ޙާޞިލްކޮށް އަނބުރާ ރާއްޖެ ދުރުވާ ބޭފުޅުން ތިދަންނަވާ އަދަބީ ބީދައިން ރައްޔިތުންނާއި މުޚާތަބުކޮށް ވާހަކަ ދައްކަވާ ފަތުވާ ދެއްވުމުން އެބޭފުޅުންނަށް މިއަދު ޖެހިވަޑައިގެންފައި އެ ވާ ޙާލާއި މެދު އެއްފަހަރުވެސް ނިކަންވިސްނަވައި ލެއްވިންތޯއެވެ. އެބޭފުޅުންގެ އަބުރު ވެއްޔާއި މޮޑެވިގެން ދިޔައީ ޤައުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން ނަގާލަން މަސައްކަތް ކޮށް، ޓެރަރިޒަމް ގެ ޢަމަލުތައް ހިންގުމަށް ރާވައި ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ސުލްޙަމަސަލަސް ކަން ނަގާލަން މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ބަޔެއްގެ ގޮތުގައިއެވެ. ދަންނަވަންތޯއެވެ. މިފަދަ ޙާލެއްގައި ތިބި ބޭކަލުން ގެ ޢިއްޒަތާޢި ޢަބުރަށް ގޮންޖަހައި ޚިޔާނާތްތެރިވުމުގައި، އެންމެ ފޮޓޮއެއް، ކާރޓޫނެއް ނުވަތަ "ކްލޯނެއް" ހާހިސާބުވެސް ޝާޢިއު ކުރެވި ފައިނުވެއެވެ. ނަމަވެސް އެކަމުގެ އަނިޔާ ވަކި ކުޑަތޯއެވެ؟
ރާއްޖޭގެ ސަރުކާރުގެ ވެރިން ދިވެހީންނަށް ދެއްވަމުން ގެންދަވާ އިހާނެތި ކަމުގެ މައްޗަށް އެހުރެގެން ފޮޢިއަޅަމުން އެގެންދަވަނީ، ހަމަ ކުޜިން ތިދެންނެވި އިސްލާމީ އުޞޫލް ތަކާއި ރީތި އަދަބުތަކުގެ ނަމުގައި އެވެ. އާދެ އިސްލާމް ދީނުގެ ނަމުގައިއެވެ.
މިހުރިހާ ކަމަކަށް ބުރަވެ ވަޑައިގެންހުރެ، ސަރުކާރުގެ އިސް ބޭފުޅުންނާއި މެދު އަޅުގަނޑުގެ ހިތުގައި އެއްއިރެއްގައި އުފެދިފައިވާ އިޙްތިރާމްއާއި، ލޯތްބާއި ކުލުނު މިއަދު އެވަނީ...ކީކޭތޯ ދަންނަވާނީ؟ ހަވާގެ ތެރެއަށް، ފަޒާޔަށް އާދެ، އުދަރެހާއި އަންތަރީސް ކޮށް އަލްވަދާ ދަންނަވާފައި އެވެ. މާތްﷲ މިއުއްމަތަށް ފޮނުއްވި މާތް ނަބިއްޔާ ކައުއިތުރު މުޙައްމަދު ރަޞޫލުﷲ (ޞ.ޢ.ވ) ގެ ސުއްނަތާއި އެއްގޮތްވާގޮތުގެ މަތީން ޢަބުރަށް ރައްކާތެރިވުމަށް ގޮވާލާ ހިނދު، އަޅުގަނޑުގެ ހިތުގައި އުފެދޭ ސުވާލަކީ ޢަމަލާއި ބަހުން މުނާފިޤުންގެ އުޞޫލުގައި ދެމިހުންނަވައި ކެޔޮކޭ ތަނަށްފުޅަށް ކަމަށް ދީނާއި އަޤީދާ އަޅައި ފޮރުވަން މަސައްކަތްކުރާ މީހަކަށް، އެދީނަކުން ހިމާޔަތް ދޭނެތޯޢެވެ.
ހަމަ މިނޭވާގައި ޢަޅުގަނޑު ދަންނަވަން ބޭނުންވާ އަނެއްވާހަކައަކީ، "ޑީ.އޯ" ގެ "ޕޮލިޓިކަލް ސެޓަޔަރ" ގައިވާ ފޮޓޯ ކާރޓޫން އަކީ އެންމެއެކަށީގެންނުވާ ތަކެއްޗަށް ވީނަމަވެސް، އެތަކި ނިސްބަތްވާ ފަރާތްތަކަކީ "ޑީ.އޯ" ވެބްސައިޓް ވުޖޫދަށް އައުމުގެ މާކުރިން، ތިމާމެންގެ އަބުރާއި ޢިއްޒަތަށް އަމިއްލައަށް ނިގުޅައި އިހާނާތްތެރި ވެގެން ތިބި ބަޔެކެވެ. އެފަދަ މީހުންގެ އަބުރާއި ޢިއްޒަތެއް ވާކަމަށް އަޅުގަނޑަކަށް ނުދެނެހުރީމެވެ. އެފަދަ ފޮޓޯ-ކާރޓޫން ފަދަ ތަކެތި ޝާޢިއު ކުރުމަކުން "ޑީ.އޯ" ގެއަބުރަކަށް ހުތުރުކަމެއް ލިބޭނީ އެންމެ ފުރަތަމަ އެތަކެތިރައްދުވާ ބައެއްގެ ޢަބުރަކާއި ޢިއްޒަތެއް އޮވެގެން ނޫންތޯއެވެ.
Have to agree with Mukthaar. DO cannot claim to be independent when it when the editor-in-chief is deep within MDP ranks. I do not understand what you mean (In defense of DO) when you say that nobody influences the material published in DO. What I see in your comment is your inability to perceive the fact that from being a slave of Maumoon you have become a slave of Sappe'. If we fail to see the underlying intentions of the politicians we will remain puppets in their hands. Cheers.
Ahammadhu
Male, Male Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 07:38:38 (MDT)
Extract from the Draft Manifesto:
"..facilitate the progressive protection and promotion of the Islamic
faith that will strengthen the moral fabric of the society and create
civility amongst the peoples"
This is all fine and well. However, the ethical or rather, the
practical question this gives rise to, is whether it is worthwhile to
entrust the above-mentioned task to a group of people who are
displaying a gross negligence of Islam or any other faith for that
matter.
Lets be reasonable. Everyone knows Rastha chugs like an Irishman on St
Patricks's Day, Ziya Abbas is a cracker factory, Susan- just another
pot-smoking Bavarian whore, Jennifer Latheef (GoGo's daughter) baring
her teeth/guts and threatening the public in Malé.
The MDP claims that it is the voice of the people. However, there is
very little to show in practice. Under the authoritarian noose of Mr.
Nasheed and Go-Go Latheef, it is apparent that they do not heed much
to the people's calls. The least they could have done is to
incorporate a little dignity and trustworthiness into the reformist
movement. As a supporter of reformation, I can express my utter
disappointment in the failure of MDP to associate itself with
something more than the company of Clowns.
I hope that this comment is published in your website. I will also
make another post in the DO website to make a check on DO
website's neutrality
Shareef <night_crawler_maldivian
Kotte, Lanka - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 07:13:51 (MDT)
ޑިމޮކްރަސީ އަކީ ކޮބައިބާ؟
Dhivehi Observer is independent because nobody influences the material DO publishes. The fact is DO believes without a doubt that party system is the best way to go. The fact that Sappe' or anybody associated with DO is affiliated with a party has nothing to do with it. All writers of DO advocate for party system and the rule of law which Gayyoom, seems to think is not important. Now Mukthaar, if you cannot simply agree with the ideas expressed in DO then get your ideas from somewhere else.
In the mean time, there are a lot of people who absolutely love Dhivehi Observer. So leave us be!
In
defense of DO
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 06:15:13 (MDT)
The credibility of DO is questionable. Why? Simply because the editor-in-chief is associated with MDP. If DO wants to become more credible, Sappe has to resign from the MDP job for us to believe, in is sincerity. If its not the case, then stop calling Dhivehi Observer an independent source with out any influence from any political parties.
Mukthaar
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 06:15:13 (MDT)
This is an interesting one too:
http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv
Mohodhu
Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 05:26:33 (MDT)
Weapons of Mass destruction.
With a long range weapon or suicide bomber
Wicked mind is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether you're stowaway's son or BBC 1
Mis-information is a weapon of mass destruction
You could a Caucasian or a poor Asian
Racism is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether inflation or globalisation
Fear is a weapon of mass destruction
Whether Haliburton, Enron or anyone
Greed is a weapon of mass destruction
We need to find courage, overcome
Inaction is a weapon of mass destruction
My story stops here, lets be clear
This scenario is happening everywhere
And you ain't going to nirvana or farvana
You're coming right back here to live out your karma
With even more drama than previously, seriously
Just how many centuries have we been
waiting for someone else to make us free
And we refuse to see
That people overseas suffer just like we
Bad leadership and ego's unfettered and free
Who feed on the people they're supposed to lead
I don't need good people to pray and wait
For the lord to make it all straight
There's only now, do it right.
- Maxi Jazz (Faithless)
We need more action people!!! I can almost smell freedom. All we have
to do is go get it.
More Action - Less Talk
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 03:05:03 (MDT)
Another interesting link. http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv/main.asp?inctype=hotopic&StoryID=3011,001100030005.asp
My 2
cents
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 22:05:53 (MDT)
Have a look at this. http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv/main.asp?inctype=hotopic&StoryID=2934,001100030005.asp This idea is being presented like a fresh idea in Aafathis. But the same suggestion was made more convincingly by Muju in his short story "History of". There are many editorials in today's Aafathis about changes that needs to be brought.
Its slowly turning out that no reform guy ever came up with fresher perspectives on things. Its always the government and its controlled mediums that has to take credit for the changes we are about to see.
Very frustrating indeed!!!
My 2
cents
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 21:35:15 (MDT)
R. Mohammedhu, my respects to you for sorting this issue. Now its a matter of having the emails in and hoping they would listen. I noticed you didn't need Sappe' for this little task either.
My 2
cents
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 21:28:27 (MDT)
Check this:
http://www.aafathisnews.com.mv
Kannannooru Ali Raja
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 20:50:14 (MDT)
Comrades, I've finally got Hon Dr Shougee's email, thanks to our comrades at the Ministry of Education AA section. The Hon. Minister's email is: shougee@thauleem.net
Please email him, respectfully requesting to remove Adam Zahir from Majeediyya School Board. This is true democracy at work. Everyone who come to this forum, please send a short email to Hon. Dr Shougee. Let's make our concerns heard. Let's kick this torturer out of Majeediyya premises. Let's lobby to push these people from holding such positions.
Rayiththu Mohammadhu
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 21:03:23 (MDT)
Rayiththu Mohammadhu wrote:
"Ali, you are clearly trying to shift the focus onto something else.
Are you being paid by Adam Zahir or by Athama Family to do so? If you
are supporting the motion that Adam Zahir be left as Chairperson of
Majeedhiyaa School Board, then I'm afraid you are indirectly
supporting the abuse, torture, rape and murder of our fellow
countrymen and women in prison. People like Adam Zahir should not be
given the opportunity to be associated with our Education Sector. And
comrade Sappe, why are you so silent on this issue? Why are you
refusing to give your readers the email address of Hon. Dr Shaugee?
Please let the readers have it and advice them to write to Dr Shaugee"
Adam Zahir may be a torturer and if he is he should be tried in court
and punished. I agree that people like Adam Zahir shouldn't be given
the opportunity to be involved in the education sector, neither I
believe he should be involved in any government post for that manner.
Like wise neither Shaugee should be involved in the Education sector.
Cant you see what he is doing. Has Shaugee done any good so far. I
don't think we'll see anything good from him in the future either.
Eh fulhah mathin fun maa li BAKARI , dhevana faharu ves funmaa nulaane
yey kihiney bunaaneee!
Ali
Male', Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 21:43:55 (MDT)
While we hear that the oppositions are working on various "options" to replace this regime, I am sure they are also working on a stable government thereafter. Gayyoom is busy looking for exile, many suspected that he was heading to Cairo, but reports are in town that he is likely to go to Malaysia. Gayyoom's next overseas visit, is likely to be his last.
Sujau
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 22:11:11 (MDT)
Finally the Anti-MDP site has become Anti-MLD. I guess the guys has lost steam and have now found some one else to attack. So long as Saadiq serves the people of Maldives and help them from his resources, the people are going to be grateful. Hundreds of families in the Maldives depends on him and their daily prayers are far superior than the hatred we utter against Gayyoom each day. Let God save him from Gayyoom. He has paid the ultimate price after his daughter was poisoned by this regime.
Hashim
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 22:50:00 (MDT)
I think the parents who attend the next meeting in
Majeediyya school also must protest and ask Adam Zahir to his face to
resign. Please go to Majeediyya School website and send your protests
directly as well. This is democracy at works. Thanks to Saadiq &
Sappe.
www.majeediyya.edu.mv
Ex
Student
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 20:12:05 (MDT)
I agree when you say Raiyithu Muhammadh is right about Adam Zahir. He most definitely is a torturer and should not be allowed to serve in a position where he can influence a younger generation. I fully support that idea. What I don't get about some people though is their complete reliance on one person (in this case Sappe') to do these things. Why cannot people organise themselves, get email address by asking around, DO is making sure there is a place for your message and a place to share and receive ideas.
SO I advise that R. Muhammadh (since this looks like something you are very passionate about, and that is a good thing don't get me wrong) to get his email address and advice the fellow readers to write these requests. If the readers feel it is going to be a worthwhile exercise then I am sure the readers wont hesitate to help with the project.
Please be independent as much as you are part of the movement as well.
Thanks.
My 2
cents
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 20:33:12 (MDT)
Hey! I support this Rayithu Muhammadh guy. Adam Zahir should be made the chairperson of Maafushi Prison Inmates Board and let him reside in that prison. He is a torturer!
AN (
from the NSS coast guard section)
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 19:31:36 (MDT)
If Saadiq could continue his work in Male' and the islands, no Katheeb or atoll chief is going to listen to Hameed. I think we should continue to tell the folks in the islands that their life is going to be much better with another alternative to Gayyoom. They should stop living like beggars and exercise their rights. Young people who are regularly visiting this forum must convince their parents and relatives that it is time for us to bring an end to this regime. Please support Saadiq and his party.
Haleema
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 16:27:45 (MDT)
Was
reading a medical journal tonight, and came about this link. Thought
it might be of interest for those of you who write articles on
Gayyoom.
<a ref ="http://www.toddlertime.com
Oofindhu
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 14:48:27 (MDT)
Sappe, you are so popular here. No matter who does what, you will be associated with it. You have become the hero and anything which is associated with the opposition is first linked to you. There is a growing fan club of yours here and we are all supportive of you no matter who says what.
Jamsheed
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 11:04:12 (MDT)
Mulhin thi gotha makaruhadha gen dhuni yega ulhe vay thoa balaa.. dhivehin baathihbaa vagu mee hun ge mudhalakaa nun thi ara nee.. dhivehin ge namuga... avaha hutaalaafa salaamaiy vaan ulhey.. kalo thihira halaaku va nee nu verika maahedhi.. kaloge umuru hus vaanee thi gotha balaa thi...
nubunaanan
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 09:56:07 (MDT)
Ali, you are clearly trying to shift the focus onto something else. Are you being paid by Adam Zahir or by Athama Family to do so? If you are supporting the motion that Adam Zahir be left as Chairperson of Majeedhiyaa School Board, then I'm afraid you are indirectly supporting the abuse, torture, rape and murder of our fellow countrymen and women in prison. People like Adam Zahir should not be given the opportunity to be associated with our Education Sector. And comrade Sappe, why are you so silent on this issue? Why are you refusing to give your readers the email address of Hon. Dr Shaugee? Please let the readers have it and advice them to write to Dr Shaugee
Rayithu Muhammadhu
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 08:35:27 (MDT)
Dear
Mr. Rayithu Muhammadh
I have only one simple question for you? Do you believe that Shaugee is
any better than Adam Zahir? Shaugee is an a** licker as all the others
who support this regime. Tell you what. This regime has lost its touch
with the people. So is the confidence lost for those who supports this
regime. I hope all those who has betrayed our country will be brought to
justice.
Ali
Male', Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 07:28:26 (MDT)
The
new Fas Sangu has the most hilarious cartoon ever about Maldivian
politics (defence minister taking his oath). I started cracking up as
soon as I saw it. Well done Fas Sangu. Absolutely fantastic!!!
Keep up the great work to everybody who is doing their part in the
reform movement. A special thank you to DO for bringing all of
this together and sharing these wonderful ideas with us. Change will
happen.
Love the
cartoons
Male', Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 07:17:12 (MDT)
Ali, in case you didn't know, Adam Zahir is the one who has institutionalised torture and human rights abuse in our prisons. Do you want him to be a role model for our school children? Adam Zahir MUST be removed from that position. And Hon. Dr Shaugee has the authority to do so even if Adam Zahir was elected by the PTA. We have to sack him from Majeedhiyaa School Board for the greater good of our education system. Comrades, please write/e-mail to Dr Shaugee about this.
Rayithu
Muhammadh
Maldives - Monday, June 21, 2004 at 06:41:56 (MDT)
Shafeeq, with all due respect, I am trying very hard to rationalise how
you derived the "confusion" possibilities that you say would arise with
in the contending parties about their individual polls. This is neither
the place nor time to formulate Individual Party/Candidate Strategies
based on polls. What is of substance, as you have inadvertently pointed
out, is that the opposition of the people needs to unite at this
juncture to create a concerted effort in order to remove the deep-rooted
corruption and autocracy. Besides, I doubt whether the Political Parties
or individual Members would approve of these polls whose accuracy cannot
be verified independently. Most probably they will not, (unless you get
a written statement from one of these Political Parties saying that they
have).
Mr. Shafeeq. You cannot afford to confuse rationale of the Opposition to
be in confusion. These polls may have been very well tempered by one of
the political parties themselves, or may just be fabrications by the
Gayyoom's cronies to create disunion amidst the opposition. All the
political contenders are aware of this. Therefore, let us not be so
naive as to assess things on the very surface, shall we?
Ahmed
Naseer <candidnotsordid@gmail.com>
Bradford, UK - Monday, June 21,
2004 at 02:38:29 (MDT)
Why should anyone write to Shaugee, asking to remove Adam Zahir? And why is it that important any way?
Ali
Male', Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 23:44:32 (MDT)
Regarding the discussion going on about Major General Adam Zahir being in the Majeedhiyaa school board. Heres what I know. I'm not a supporter of him or anyone, but I'm representing facts.
Adam Zahir is in the board because he was elected as the president of the PTA by the parents themselves. If this is the case the Minister cant do anything to remove him.
And since he was elected he regularly goes to the meetings.
These are the facts as I know (from a very reliable source), please correct me if I'm wrong.
Alhugandu
Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 23:24:33 (MDT)
Comrade Sappe, Can you please follow up on my previous comment about finding the Hon Dr Shaugee's email and asking your readers to email him to remove Major General Adam Zahir from the post of Chairperson of Majeedhiyaa School Board? I believe this is an important assignment.
Rayithu
Muhammadh
Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 18:36:18 (MDT)
Don't know why someone had to mix the results of the polls to show that Gasim and Saadiq had over 70%, but the reality is that Saadiq scored over 50% and the support of MLD is also above 50%. I think Gasim must do his home work instead of associating with Saadiq. There is a possibility that MDP and MLD is confused by the people who responded so their joint results shows the real opposition of the people.
Shafeeg
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 18:27:35 (MDT)
Sappe, you should include some those yacht pictures on your album.
The yacht looks very cheap, not Presidential Quality.
Gadir
S Hulhudu, Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 11:35:51 (MDT)
Yes it is true that Universal paid the last payment of the "ARUMAAZ". This was done by Mohamed Umar Maniku not only to bribe the President but also to save his own brother Ali Maniku. If we can save twice the money from Bed Tax why not pay this token to keep them happy.
Kurumba
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 11:16:17 (MDT)
Presidential yacht!
http://www.pr-marine.com
That's a picture of the presidential yacht "Arumaazu"
http://www.pr-marine.com
http://www.pr-marine.com
that's the model type "PR 102" of the presidential yacht (not very sure
bout this)
Dhivehseh
Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 07:46:36 (MDT)
Sappe
Today is 20th June, Vilivaru & Biyadhoo bids will be submitted today ,
Do you have any news, We have paid USD 800/bed/year before.
Looking at Maumoon's reforms it looks like Maldives will need lot of money.
G Mohamed <biyadhoo@dhivehinet.net.mv>
India - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at
05:44:34 (MDT)
Why it's not worth to praise Mr. Gasim so much!
I came across so many Maldivians and my friends who praise and support
the Chairman of villa group, Mr. Gasim. Also I read a article about
future ideal government of Maldives, in Dhivehi Observer, stating
Mr. Gasim as the next president of Maldives.
However I do not find any reason for supporting him so much, neither he
deserves it.
First point all our Maldivians should understand is that, the big
companies in Maldives pay to the government just RF 2,500 as there
annual fee, just paying nothing as Tax.
More than 90% of what Mr. Gasim earnings should have gone to his own
pockets, I am very sure that he will be paying less than 10% of his
earnings to employees as salaries and wages.
Hence I believe Mr. Gasim is making huge profits and taking unfair
advantages by spending money for his own benefits with the co-operation
of the present regime.
The regime was unable to implement a effective tax system to date,
neither there is enough labour laws in Maldives. A poor employee can be
hired and fired at any time, without costing zero laari to the employer.
All this has been done with very good support from the big business mans
in Maldives.
Hence we cant say that Mr. Gasim is the ideal person to be the president
nor he is doing much for the benefit of the community.
Democrat <greatking03@hotmail.com>
Male', Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 02:28:12 (MDT)
I am surprised to see how well organized MLD is. I was
amazed, when I saw how they have re-grouped and spread their word across
the islands in a wonderful campaign in and out of the Maldives. I have
seen the long list of members who consists of very educated and talented
people (with clean back grounds) in and out of the Maldives. The result
of their executive body election demonstrates how fair and free
elections are conducted, giving no ambiguity or vagueness whatsoever. I
truly believe that this is an organization run by a wonderful executive
who chaired nine corporations with a turn over of 2 billion dollars.
Mr. Saadiq has once again demonstrated, that he has not only the ability
and wisdom to run a multi million-dollar business, but also a political
party with the people of Maldives. Their executive body of members from
each atoll and proportional representation including from the wards of
Male' are remarkable.
I hope MLD will continue their hard work until their goals are reached.
It is pointless to put their members, workers and sympathizers into any
trouble, unless they all want to go into exile. Many in Male' now
believe one of the aims of this reform talks by the President is to
expose more MLD members.
MLD members have the blessing of senior executives in the government to
get promotions and powerful jobs in all areas of the government.
My only hope is to see total unity among the opposition and to see them
continue their work in accordance with the charter of their parties. MLD
is now sending their members their own rights as members to ensure they
are free to make suggestion on their own without hampering the efforts
of the party.
Shareef
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 01:22:48 (MDT)
Things to ponder,
Is Gayyoom as evil as people are making him out to be or is he a victim
of circumstance? Is it him that keeps making all these decisions that
are atrocious or is it his advisors, his ministers and cronies? All I
know is that as a man, Gayyoom is very decent in terms of what is being
projected to the public unlike some of his ministers or family members
(Hameed comes to mind). So if Gayyoom is serious about reform, then he
should replace these people, make sure reform happens, and resign with
the little dignity he has and then we will make sure history remembers
that. Otherwise he will be always known as the "Brutal Dictator that
savaged the people of Maldives".
Ashfag
Male', Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 01:30:40 (MDT)
Lets
make a date for the meeting of the foreigners in the islands. Lets go
to the Tourist islands and just be there. No need to confront them -
they will know why we have come.
The news will travel right around the world - I can promise you that.
The news media around the world will report it that very day. Tourism
affected in the Maldives will generate immediate interest. The media
interest abroad will put real pressure on the regime again.
But it has to be coordinated. The date has to be decided. The time has
to be decided. Tell this newspaper DO so that everyone knows what
is happening - and on what date. The authorities will have no power to
stop this!
This is another step towards getting rid of Gayyoom and his friends and
family from rule.
Hot
Spicy
Male', Maldives - Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 02:23:08 (MDT)
Interesting post from Anti-MDP forum.
Polls shows Maldives opposition gaining support
A survey in Male and the islands shows people are optimistic about their
future.
The study by an independent polling agency, who are supported by a
cabinet minister indicates that more than 76% supports political parties
and 95% of Maldivians feel worse off this year compared with last.
In Male, just 3% of those asked think life is getting better.
In the islands, 95% of people think the country is heading in the wrong
direction, with 96% thinking the government is more corrupt than a year
ago.
When asked who they will vote as their next president, the people voted
as follows: -
Gayyoom/ Ilyas/Hameed/Yameen/ Gasim/Saadiq Others
3.32% 6.04% 6.99% 2.60% 70.81% 9.60%
Remarkably, another survey conducted by the same group early this month,
suggested Maldivians might also be the happiest people in the world,
provided they have a regime change, and when asked which political party
they will support, following were the results.
Present Govt. MDP/MLD Others
4.38% 86.46% 9.13%
The survey also shows that most Maldivians do not believe that their
present government reflect the will of the people, and want another
person to take over the government as soon as possible.
Study
There is strong optimism in Male, where the vast majority of Maldivians
believe the support for opposition is growing, and two-thirds of
Maldivians think their government will never be replaced peacefully.
However, 96% of the people in Male and 80% of the islanders feel the
recent proposal for political reforms by the President will never take
place in the country.
One thousand people took part in the study from each and every island
and over 100 resorts and all major government offices participated in
the polls.
More than 90% of those asked, see corruption, nepotism, police
brutality, high utility bills, and low wages as serious problems for
them and their families.
95 percent of Maldivians asked, feel the president has lost the trust of
the people. They feel positive about the opposition groups but some were
negative about individual members associated with those groups.
Interesting poll results
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 23:24:10 (MDT)
I think we should focus to obtain release of the political detainees in the Maldives. I hope the members of the Special Majlis writes to the President and tell him that it is a waste of time and money if they have to work on reforms while the President holds many people in jail for the same causes the Members are working to create.
Gafoor
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 22:47:20 (MDT)
Dear
comrades. Do you all realise that Major General Adam Zahir is keeping a
very low profile these days? The tactic of the Gayyoom regime is to
convince the public that Major General Adam Zahir is not an important
figure and to forget about him. These kinds of tactics have worked in
our society for far too long. Major General Adam Zahir is the Chairman
of Majeedhiyaa School Board. But when the president recently visited the
on going carnival to celebrate Majeedhiyaa's 75th anniversary, Major
General Adam Zahir did not sit next to him to watch the show. He sat in
the second row. All the pictures in Haveeru online version and the PO
site does not show Major General Zahir giving the impression to those
abroad that he is no longer in the picture. More recently a batch of
over 200 students took oath as members of the Maldivian Cadet Co. But
the Commander of Cadet Co. did not attend this important ceremony. Major
General Adam Zahir attended all the oath taking ceremonies in the past
but not this time. So comrades, please be aware of such tactics by the
Gayyoom regime.
PS: According to reliable sources within the Education Ministry, the
Hon. DR Shaugee wants to remove Adam Zahir from the post of Chairman of
Majeedhiyaa School Board but is not sure how to bring about this change.
So comrades, please email the Hon. Dr Shaugee and express our support to
his intentions and ask him to sack Major General Adam Zahir from
Majeedhiyaa School Board ASAP. Sappe, could you please find the email
address of Hon Dr Shaugee for our fellow comrades?
Rayithu
Muhammadh
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 19:11:57 (MDT)
Every July and August Gayyoom and his family will visit Singapore for their annual shopping trip. I think this is the best time to bring the people to Male' and visit the resorts to meet the tourist. Also the July 26th or similar celebration is good venue to show the outrage of the people to the visiting dignitaries. Flood them (rooms) with all these material. The resort managements are only too happy to deliver them.
MGTC
staff
Singapore, Singapore - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 12:46:46 (MDT)
Unless MDP slows down their anti Gayyoom efforts, Jennifer Latheef will never be released. If Latheef continues his onslaught Jennifer will end up in Maafushi for 15 years. The fate of Nazim is the same. Today the real threat for Gayyoom is Saadiq and Sappe' now. He will send his mercenaries and kill them both. I recently read a comment from a NSS staff that he is already planning to send cops as students to UK and USA with this mission in mind. This will be the end of the opposition.
Rabeeu
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 12:36:32 (MDT)
I will support President Gayyoom if he introduces the reforms and resign within the next year. He must openly declare that he is going to leave the Presidency and let someone else other than a member of his family take over. I wish he realizes that we have too many of his family members in the government now. Give others a chance. They too are patriotic and educated enough.
Fareesha
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 12:27:59 (MDT)
Is it
true that Gayyoom has a yacht which costs about 10 million euro??
Can some one reply to this with full story
-contract with a German company
-company got bankrupted
-Ali Naseer's visit to Germany
-Koli Ali Manik's story to build Maumoon's Yacht
-New contact by Ali Manik
-First payment from Universal
-Yacht inspection trip by Ali Naseer (Each Trip 10,000 Euro total 12
trips)
-Special Cargo Boat Charter to transfer the yacht =Ali Naseer=
Sh. Atoll Member
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 11:27:49 (MDT)
Very Special Massage to Adam Zahir,
5000
Maldivian families are waiting near your door step, do not spend too
much money to buy expansive yachts. Save your money and run away.
Hassan Bushree
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 10:38:48 (MDT)
I wonder if we can make some Souvenirs of those cartoons, if there is no objection we can make very nice Souvenirs using Gayyoom's cartoons.
Novelty
Male' Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 10:20:52 (MDT)
Dhivehi Observer has no objection what so ever. Feel free to make t-shirts if you like. - Ed
I would like to inform you that , I'll still be like my farther, Saikura Lhahittu came to my house for a ''TEA''. This is how the Maldivian people are.
Gayyoom will resign, but my operation will go on ....... if you wants to have the power follow my steps.
Look
at how A Jameel is doing. Do you here how Mohadey address " Nagoo Balhu"
he is right this is how we should call you Maldivians are, Ok we sucked
your blood, so what can you do, get lost.
Koli Ali Manik
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 10:16:03 (MDT)
Sappe'
Some of the parents are asking their children to avoid
Islaamee
Marukazu on Fridays, Let us start count down, Gayyoom will not come
to pray on 2nd July. 117 people from Kulhuduffushi will join the Friday
prayer.
Adam
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 05:33:34 (MDT)
Hi
Sappe
Can you send a letter to president asking him to give access to all the
internet websites, if this is not done before new Majlis starts on July
2004, Maumoon's last chance will come to an end., We "Maldivians" can
not forgive him any more.
Please ,Please , Please President make no mistake, Take the steps
you took for Ilyas, go personally to Anbaree's table like you did to
Atoll Ministry few years back. Tell you brother Abdullah Hameed to step
down and stay in his Baa Atoll Villa.
If you try to play a drama using few un-educated people on TV Maldives, you are going to repeat the history of Mohamed Amin.
Try to save your skin, you had enough, you are a lucky person, without any political experience/background. The Two family's gave you all what you needed in life.
Because of your bad behaviour you are going to face the
music, watch-out, Time is running out. No Maldivian wants see you
like Sappe's cartoon.
Mohamed Jameel
Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 05:06:11 (MDT)
Don't praise Sappe too much. Or else he might start feeling as if he too is a god.
muskulhi eh
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 03:56:36 (MDT)
Sappe, you have broken the record in Maldives by been on TVM news with BBC uncensored for the first time in Maldives history. So is MAG serious? Not at all!
Now he may work behind the scene with his powerful members at Khassa Majlis, MP's and his cabinet ministers to block the reforms that he uttered the other night. This is his style of working thinking others are bloody fools. Then he can say to the international community and the people, look, I wanted it but the Majlis thought otherwise and I have to abide by the laws and the rules to follow what the Majlis has passed.
Furthermore, why should he ask the public to write to him so that he will forward it to the members with out censors ( this means all the while he had been hiding those people suggestions) to the Majlis. Why can people write directly to the members they elected? Please tell Gayyoom not to make unwanted news. Also all what he uttered that nite was the cry of the public for years which has been silenced with his iron fist. This include Sangu, Hukuru and Sandhaanu internet newsletter group too. Forcing the judge to imprison his critics for life against the constitution is a normal practice for him, he is above the law.
I am a victim of such a sentence and there are many more. I have revealed all this to the world and the world must act now. This is dictatorship in all its glory.
No one deserves credit for the changes in Maldives now as much as Sappe;
for those who love this country he is a hero and will remain so. We will
defend Sappe with our lives!
Dhivehi Rayyitheh
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 01:24:44 (MDT)
FISHERMEN'S INDEPENDENT PARTY is a great idea. It is the fishermen who is
very strong, influential and controls the atolls. The Katheeb's know that
fishermen talk and laughs at them and at Maumoon when they are at sea.
They are very much aware of the politics going around, especially with
the young recruits joining the fishing fleets there's always something to
talk about hence they always seem to stimulate the topics.
If these fishermen from all around Maldives are re united (which should
not be difficult as meetings can be held near Fish Aggregating Devises
etc...) it will become the strongest force in Maldives to act when the
time arises.
Young Fisherman
Feydhoo, Addu Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 00:42:32 (MDT)
Of
course, the biggest problem we face is Maumoon. Next to that is the drug
problem. Unless we find a solution to these two issues, this country of
ours is history. The people we love, will be history. Think about it.
There will be NO Maldives left before even the sea level threatens us.
calamity
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 00:29:28 (MDT)
Man,
the youth are getting destroyed day by day. Mr. Saadiq or who ever there
is, we need you, to stop this drug business for us. The generations are
being used, abused, and killed. Please help us.
plea
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 00:21:49 (MDT)
Excerpts from a speech given by Saadiq today in Brussels. Mr. Saadiq is
promoting his book.
"Un VOYAGE D'UNE ÎLE À LA LIBERTÉ, pourquoi mes personnes pleurer
sont-ils pour le changement" (A JOURNEY FROM AN ISLAND TO FREEDOM, Why
my people are crying for change.) The French version of Ismail Saadiq's
autobiography.
For many Maldivians patriotism is a love and loyalty to their country. A
patriot is someone who loves, supports, and is prepared to serve their
country. Patriotism is also a love of one's country that includes
connections to the land and people, but also includes its customs and
traditions, pride in its history, and devotion to its welfare.
Today most people in the Maldives agree that patriotism also involves
service or sacrifice to their country, but many disagree on how to best
perform such service. Some believe that their leader speaks for a
country; therefore, all its citizens should actively support government
policies and actions. According to my own belief a true patriot speaks
out when convinced that their leader is following an unwise or unjust
action.
Raheema
Brussels, Belgium - Saturday, June 19, 2004 at 00:05:15 (MDT)
Sappe, once you brought Saadiq into this picture, you have created history. Now you will find wonderful ideas. You will find feasible solutions and a time frame, targets, goals for everything. He is man full of ideas and he knows this game well. Keep him in the spotlight and and I assure you, Gayyoom is history.
Mansoor
Perth, Australia - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 22:49:41 (MDT)
I think the only peaceful alternative to change this regime is civil disobedience. We should force these expatriate communities to leave while Gayyoom turns our youths into drug addicts. Let the opposition leaders think of something and give us a plan how we can do this and get this momentum going. People are really frustrated here. We should let most junior NSS staff read these letters and comments of the frustrated people and remind them, the days of their bosses are numbered.
Gafoor
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 22:46:02 (MDT)
This guestbook turned open forum is now making some sense. We are to look into all peaceful means to change the regime. We have done enough Gayyoom bashing but it falls on deaf ears. Now we are looking at tangible ways to bring this regime down. Bringing the people from the islands and the resorts is one way to do it. Or else we may send hundreds of people to visit various resorts to show their opposition, as the resort owners have no means to stop such a large gathering. Atleast the tourists when they return home will tell their friends, family and reporters, how desperate we are for change. We must also hand over leaflets to tourists through our friends, neighbours and relatives who are working in the resorts and the visitors know that their dollars, and euros are helping a failed dictator.
Shareef
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 22:40:00 (MDT)
We have to finds ways and means to change this regime peacefully and bring all of them to justice. The opposition parties have enough resources to make a large gathering. This is how, we have changed former regimes, but in the case of Nasir and recently under Gayyoom we have seen the government did not hesitate to use force. In case of Gayyoom he killed several inmates at Maafushi. I think we should still look at civil disobedience like refusing to pay for the high electric, telephone and water bills. If they cut the services, we should protest and make sure our voices are heard. We also must influence the younger generation, children in schools through their teachers to ensure they are paying very high utility bills. The government cannot keep our wages so low as the only method of inflation control. Unless the abuses in the Palace and by other cronies are stopped we are going to pay these prices for a long time to come. Saadiq we need you to organize a massive rally backed by US and UK governments. Our regional governments must be informed of our disapproval of this regime through your offices.
Nashid
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 18:02:01 (MDT)
The
Future of the Maldives if Gayyoom remains in power, for he cannot do
what he has not done in 25 years.
Economy, this man has not been able to develop a sustainable economy.
Some may argue this point to say that look at the tourism development or
the trading index in the Maldives, yes it all seems very rosy, but a
deeper look reveals a dire picture.
If the tourism industry suffered a major catastrophe, like a plane crash
or a terrorist attack any where in the world, we suffer heavy losses
within a month of that incident. If the affects of that incident were to
last longer than three months we would go bankrupt.
We have not created jobs for the growing youth; our job market is so
weak that in 10 years time we would have an unemployment rate of over
28.31 %. Of that, 67.59% will be people of age less than 25 years.
Our economy is almost entirely dependant on tourism and over 12,000
employees in the tourism industry are expatriates. With 33,000
expatriates in total in the Maldives we are exhausting what little job
opportunities we have to them. If our economy was strong and sustainable
we would have jobs for our local talented and able youth. If our economy
was strong we would have other industries growing in the Maldives and
our national budget will be able support the needs of the people. Our
economy will not fall at the crash of one economy indicator. We will
survive a major world financial recess and not let the people of our
nation to live in fear and apprehension at the drop of a pin.
Over 25,000 people work in the government, 76.45% of them receive a wage
of less than Mrf 61.32 = USD 4.77 per day. With the prices of essential
needs soaring high most people live with less than one square meal a
day.
Kg vegetables - Rf 18.00
Kg Beef low quality (Indian) - Rf 52.00
Kg Beef high quality (Brazilian) - Rf 160.00
Kg Chicken - Rf 30.00
Consultancy fee at IGMH - Rf 20.00
Ave.Cost of every visit to IGHM - Rf 60.00
Cost of 10 minutes mobile phone use - Rf 20.00
Average road tax cost/day - Rf 7.14
Average taxi cost/day - Rf 13.62
Average water cost/day - Rf 15.66
Average electricity cost/day - Rf 6.34
And all this with an average wage of Rf 61.32 per day
Social catastrophe waiting to happen,
There are over 15,000 heroin addicts in the Maldives at present according to a recent study done by UNDP and Fashan. The average cost incurred by the state to successfully rehabilitate one addict is Rf 1.79 million this renders the rehab system unviable to handle the growing problem. It is estimated that by the year 2010 there would be over 30,000 addicts and by the ever glorified 2020 vision date there would be over 60,000 addicts in the Maldives. By that date this would mean that 20% of the population would be heron addicts, almost 60% of the youth (18-30 years) will be addicts or delinquents. These people will be a liability to the society. This will cause wide spread dissent among the citizens and eventually make them a feared public enemy. Resulting in gang wars and mayhem and bedlam at every corner , a crime would occur every 35 secs, a rape will occur every 51 minutes, this is not the Harlem ghetto that I talk of but the Maldives if it follows the path of Gayyoom's vision 2020. The irony of it all is that Gayyoom blames the parents and the children , and continues to call upon them to be more diligent with their children.
Well Gayoom here is a list for you to ponder then:
Your
own son
Anbaree Sattar’s son
Ismail Fathuhee’s son
Moosa Fathuhee’ step-son
Abbas Ibrahim’s son
Zahir Hussein's son
Let
me assure you that these children did not start to take drugs to become
social plagues, maybe you would like to admit that they too started
because their parents did not look after them!
The platform to nurture and produce these delinquents and drug addicts
has successfully been established by the Gayyoom regime. The O’ level
results of 2003 is a shining tribute to this fact , (less than 30%
passed ) while the Gayyoom regime boasts of every child having the
opportunity of education, we are faced with the horrifying reality that
the education system is not designed for progress of our nation but to
boost the sadistic ego of a despot. A despot, who has raped a whole
generation of its right for a future, and left the nation disabled and
bleeding.
The only real building has been done in the armed forces, the armed
forces, ah haa, of course you would need them.
In the next 12 months the people will rise against Gayyoom, the police
and the NSS will combat these freedom fighters and label them as
soldiers of Christianity and anything else they see fit. The primary
objective would be to suppress them. Systematically annihilate them. We
have seen the likes of it as late as 14th February 2004. If this man is
not removed, he shall go on to rule this nation as a martial state. His
disregard for the people and their suffering is proof that he does not
care.
A inmate Eevan Naseem was beaten to death, there is not doubt of that,
beaten to death by sworn NSS officers under the direct order of Adam
Zahir by default. They need not go to civil courts they can be facing a
court martial.
As we speak the NSS and the police are planning ways and means to
suppress the next uprising, they shall do it such that even if Gayyoom
does not survive they shall survive, it is obvious that should law and
order fail and Gayyoom is forced to flee, then NSS will step in and
commandeer the nation. Military coup. If anyone of you should get your
hands on the new NSS regulations and operations procedures. You will
realize that ample procedures are been put in place for this to occur
My brothers and sisters, this is the reality that this nations faces,
Samaritan
Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 15:58:29 (MDT)
I think it is good idea to coordinate and bring a lot of people from the islands for one weekend and flood the city with people and ask them to join the rest in Male' to call for change. I am sure many in the islands will join for a free trip to Male' if they know that they are going to bring changes in the country. I hope the opposition will work on this. This is the easiest way to bring the regime to submission. I am sure many resort owners also will join but sending their employees to Male'. At the same time we can encourage the people in northern and southern atolls to go to their atoll offices and protest making life miserable for every political appointee who is trying to keep the dying regime alive.
Latheefa
Gaafaru, K Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 15:21:39 (MDT)
We don't need more political parties. We need unity among the opposition and a common voice and a banner like the DP of Saadiq. We need reforms, but first we have to get rid of this regime. Whether we have to bring the islanders to Male' and flood the city or wait for a chance until Gayyoom leaves his kingdom to bring these changes, we must plan and stand behind our opposition who has shown their muscles and colours during the last few months. People are growing impatient by the day and their anger and frustrations must bring the CHANGE which Saadiq has promised us.
Hafsa
KL, Malaysia - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 12:12:04 (MDT)
I have been a regular reader of this website, Fellow Maldivians here enjoy it. The cartoons are hilarious, the pictures reminded some of us about our time in Maafushi Hilton. The memories are so vivid; some of us are still struggle to sleep. But to see these pictures creates the anger we need to CHANGE this regime.
Ibray
Dubai, UAE - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 09:31:18 (MDT)
The financial correspondent has outlined very effectively
concerning the deleterious effects corruption can bring to our country.
But, what’s new? Everyone knows these things are happening.
Corruption has indeed become a malignant disease for us. This disease
can only be cured by purging the “infected cells”.
Malignant
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 00:54:13 (MDT)
The
writer who wrote the article about CHANGE in the Maldives has offered a
good rebuttal to Gayyoom. I think the writer has seen the article
Gayyoom wrote in the last issue of Dheenuge Magu (PO website) in which
he says we need reforms according to Islam. The writer has reminded us
all that yes we should follow Islam and bring the changes within as
commanded by our Creator. When did DO become so religious? From
now on this is my road to Islam.
"Verily never will God change the condition of a people until they
change it themselves." (Qur'an 13:11)
Sappe, please keep this verse on the top of your website. It is the most
fitting thing we all need to be reminded everyday.
Faathi
Perth, Australia - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 00:37:46 (MDT)
Dear Sappe. What wonderful articles. It is really wonderful. I have never seen such creative work. You have made maldivesculture.com and other websites like rookies. It is really touching to realize how corrupt we are and what changes we need to bring. I agree "Change". That's what we need. Thank you for your work. We shall remain indebted to you.
Faathi
Perth Australia - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 00:27:43 (MDT)
Hi Shareef,
Abdullah Hameed, Maumoon's brother needs this kind of big palaces in each atoll, Did you visit Ari Atoll, Meemu Atoll, Some of the Atoll chiefs are getting haemorrhoid operation once every 06 months, Ari Atoll Chief Manik is under going his second pils operation in Sri Lanka , This is Kaaminee sicknes ''Firihenkulhi".
Nasreena confirmed to one of her good friend that Maumoon and his bodyguard Yoosuf Saleem has "Kaarisaa" every weekend in Aarah.
Moosa
Lutfee, Seenu Hithadhoo
Seenu Hithadhoo, Maldives - Friday, June 18, 2004 at 00:07:59 (MDT)
Gayyoom will keep Athif as an acting Managing Director of MIFCO, until he takes more commissions and share with Yameen, Shahid and Hameed. After few months he will become the MD and soon he can move the fleet to the islands where they need support to elect people or to make their "cronies" rich. We have seen the abuse of our resources for the last 25 years under various managements. The policies of this government keep us "beeraytehin" poor, so it is easy for them to manipulate us whenever the elections are due. Soon their promises are forgotten until the next election is due. During the five years, we have to go and stand in front of their doors in Male for hours to get Rf.50 or a used shirt from one of their family members. In return we are expected to carry all the vegetables and fruits grown in our back yards. No matter whether we like it or not or prove that Athif is the worst administrator ever to run this organization, he is destined to lead us to bankruptcy. MIFCO is in debt, and will remain in debt as long as the eye can see.
Feliwaru
Ahmed
Feliwaru, LH Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 23:52:07 (MDT)
My husband who is an employee at PO has been requested to
write to the President stating that the reforms he has proposed is not
suitable for the Maldives. They continue to label MDP as "drug addicts",
but my husband says they are finding it difficult to label MLD.
According to him, Saadiq had been very aggressive to press anyone within
the administration to come out and accuse him. He is armed with
unlimited resources from late 70s to date about this administration and
his ability to manoeuvre several key cabinet members, and military
officers are raising eyebrows everywhere.
My husband decided to make his ?intentions? clear and will make his
comments, but he says it is time for us to listen to Saadiq's call for
action. My husband told me he will loose his job...in few weeks, but he
is going to take it with stride and return to his island. We have two
small kids and he told me that they have no future under this
administration, and he reminds me that life in our small island is going
to be much better than going through these hardships defending a leader
who has completely lost touch with his people.
Saadiq/Sappe/Anni help my girls, as they want to see a world where they
can go to school and go abroad and become clever people like many of
you. Today, I am packing to go home knowing very well my children's
future is doomed forever.
As a young mother, I enjoyed reading your website, but soon we will
return to our island where electricity is a luxury and running water is
a dream.
Fathun
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 23:39:10 (MDT)
Sappe, you have moved the ground beneath Theemuge. You have made many of us very proud here. Keep up the pressure. The recent proposals for "reforms" is only due to your work. I think your ability to stand in front of the brutal regime, has shown Gayyoom that there are many Maldivians who are desperate for change. Many others who are kept in small offices, just because they don't belong to the elite royal family, are supporting you. Your work is bringing us closer to our dreams.
Hashim
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 15:48:57 (MDT)
Sappe, you have moved the ground beneath Theemuge. You have made many of us very proud here. Keep up the pressure. The recent proposals for "reforms" is only due to your work. I think your ability to stand in front of the brutal regime, has shown Gayyoom that there are many Maldivians who are desperate for change. Many others who are kept in small offices, just because they don't belong to the elite royal family, are supporting you. Your work is bringing us closer to our dreams.
Hashim
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 15:48:57 (MDT)
Hi
I have been informed from high profile peoples in Maldives that Hameed
had ordered Island Katheeb's to present the parliament with petitions
which says no to political parties by atleast over 90% of population
from each island.
This
is what all this major reform talk is about. They will have people
forced to sign petitions against party system in Maldives and the
parliament will approve it by saying this what public opinion reflects.
Guys wake up, these are crooks who would do anything to keep them in
power. Don't' take their words for granted, no reform is going to happen
in anytime in our life as long as we don't' act.
MDP or MLD or whoever says they are opposition parties need to come up
with plans to overthrow this government by any means. Why can't you set
up a single Radio Station somewhere in the world and broadcast messages
directly to people?
This would result in high level of resistance from people towards the government. Unless a plan is proposed to throw out this government with actions from both public and oppositions no reform movement can ever take place in Gayyoom Land.
Iujaz
Naseem
Makunudhoo, K Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 07:23:22 (MDT)
We send our congratulation to Mr Abdullah Saeed , he is back to reality. Thank God
Alibe
Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 05:24:25 (MDT)
Agree
with Fazeel
Anyone who believed a word Gayyoom said last week is dreaming. He is not
going to change. We can only change things.
IALM
Maldives - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 05:19:18 (MDT)
"DO
Exclusive on Maldives Culture"
I just don’t understand why “DO” keep on demanding us Maldivians
to stand firm on Maldives Culture editors. I think people should leave
it to public to decide. I am sure that Maldives Culture was originally
established because Michael was kicked out of our country. If anyone
have read past articles in Maldives Culture I think you would see that
it was based on ‘ he said she said ‘...no substance at all.
I am not saying Maumoon is good at all, but all I am saying that many
allegations ageist Maumoon and many others in culture articles are not
supported by hard evidence. It was also interesting that Editors of
Culture tried to get away from garbage they talk about KOLI... what is
happening guys? Is Michael O'shea afraid Koli is going to come after
him?
Most
of Many Maldivians and I am sure of this will not consider Michael
O'shea or Fareesha as hero's. We consider them as traitors who does not
like our way of life and culture.
However I do agree only recently Maldives Culture have started to go
away from garbage news to some substance in their articles.
So do not ask us to treat them as hero's just because they are ageist
Maumoon, yes we don’t like Maumoon , but Michael O'shea is never going
to be a hero. I am sure of this.
Zoom
Australia - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 02:57:52 (MDT)
The so called "Friends of Maldives" which Sappe is promoting are really not the true friends of the average Maldivian. This group have no links to any of our govt departments or NGO's. The only links they have are those who are openly calling for the overthrow of Gayyoom's government.
Moosa
Kaleem
UK - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 00:56:30 (MDT)
Though I do not agree with some of Maumoon's policies, and am concerned about some of the grave injustices within the present constitution; as a patriotic Maldivian I do not want to see another self-centered know-it-all replace Maumoon. From what I have seen, the people who are proposing these so-called democratic changes are motivated more by their own personal agendas than anything else. Also, I think that it is a very sorry state of affairs that most of our 'prospective presidential candidates' are either drug offenders or adulterers or just plain hypocrites.
Azu
Melbourne, Australia - Thursday, June 17, 2004 at 00:36:16 (MDT)
What is this circus (court case) about the September shooting. Gayyoom wants to blame the guards and come out clean. It is you who as commander of chief and the head of the police who must take responsibility and resign. We have hard of your sweet talk for far too long. Gayyoom resign. Can't you hear the people screaming from their lungs. Resign! Resign! Resign!
Naeem
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 22:50:30 (MDT)
Maumoon will bring reform no matter how much MDP are against it. And we the people will give all due credit to him too. So MDP Drug addict, get lost!
Fayyaz
Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 22:19:23 (MDT)
Under the current constitution, no one except Gayyoom can become the President of Maldives. So whether Dunya or Saadiq are married with foreigners it doesn't matter. In case of Dunya, Gayyoom can issue his son in law a certificate of citizenship for his contributions to hire H&K to keep the regime in power. In case of Saadiq, we have to abolish the constitution or remain single or married with another Maldivian. There are thousands who will accept him today!
Sameera
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 16:00:44 (MDT)
DO YOU KNOW
Mr. Saeed of Addu Hospital is now on vacation and he is now going to
Male’ possibly to discuss with Minister Hameed about this sudden
transfer. Do you know they are old lovers so we can expect a reverse of
the recent transfer.
During Mr. Saeed’s time patients had to buy plasters, bandages, and
other basic treatment items from the nearby dispensaries and in some
cases patients were asked to buy surgical gloves for the nurses to carry
out wound treatments.
Hospital staff were strictly instructed to keep their medical bill at
150 Rufiyaa per month. Any access had to be paid by the staff.
Hospital ambulance and it’s driver Yoosuf Saleem’s job is to distribute
Health Minister Ahmed Abdullah (Adubarey) and President Maumoon Abdul
Gayyoom's daily newspaper MIADHU to its subscribers in Hithadhoo, Monday
Times news magazine was stopped because of their publishing of this
daily distribution. When people complained, the driver used his bicycle
to distribute the daily.
All houses and rooms rented by the hospital to house their foreign staff
belong to either a relative of Mr. Saeed or a staff of hospital office.
99.99 percent of all management staff at the hospital are Mr. Saeed’s
relatives.
Lots of other embezzlements. Please some body dig this.
Shareef <sharif0665@hotmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 15:47:38
(MDT)
WASTES
I read a lot about Theemuge and its expenses. Not surprised. Have any
body thought about Addu Atoll Office and Atholhuge. To manage few
thousand people and five inhabited islands we have our Atoll Office
built in a plot more than a million square feet surrounded by high walls
and adjacent to this is Atholhuge, occupying the same land area. Think
about how many labours you need to look after the trees and garden and
the buildings. Think about the electricity bill would look like. Think
about the maintenance cost. Think about those who have spent the better
part of their lives without any land plot. Even the President of the
United States lives and works in the same building. Isn’t this too much?
What a waste of our money. Can’t they do this a little better? Or can’t
any body see this as a waste?
My sources tell me that Atoll Chief Haamid Yoosuf received a P800 Sony
Ericsson from a contractor who supplied PCs to the Atoll Office. This
was free of Charge. (Not proven).
Shareef <sharif0665@hotmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 15:21:30
(MDT)
Dear
Zoom,
I think Mr. Saadiq is standing in front of the people he love and care.
We have several families in India and Colombo going through medical
treatment all paid by MLD. We have scores of children in Male whose
education is paid by Mr. Saadiq and we have many others in the local
communities who are benefiting from soft loans provided by him. Where do
you want him to come out and stand? In front of Theemuge! We don't need
empty words from political parties. We have heard the same from Gayyoom
over 25 years. We need to see real love and care for the people. If we
have an election today Mr. Saadiq will be on the top from Ha. Dhidhdhoo
to Seenu Hithadhoo. That's where he is standing and that's where he
belongs.
Waheed
Kulhuduffushi, HD Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 15:01:54 (MDT)
WASTES
One house very recently built in Addu, Hithadhoo owned by Ahmed Rasheed
(Checkmark Ahmed Rasheed) rented by Addu Atoll Office is used as drug
rehabilitation office or something related to this task. Staffed by
three young girls of possibly in teens age or little more and one male
labourers. Opens at 7:30 in the morning, have few lengthy phone calls
including some to the Atoll Chief Haamid Yoosuf , at 10:30 the girls
have tea and at 2:30 the office closes. What a waste of our money. Can’t
they do this a little better? Or can’t any body see this as a waste?
My sources tell me that even the house was very hastily built on the
request of the Atoll Chief so that they can rent it for this purpose.
Note: Checkmark Ahmed Rasheed is one of the younger brothers of Addu
Member Hiyalee
Shareef <sharif0665@hotmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 14:57:34
(MDT)
According to a very reliable source, Atolls Minister
Abdullah Hameed has instructed Island Katheeb's, Atoll Chiefs, and all
other appointed cronies in the islands (this include Addu) to keep
sending letters to the Dictator Maumoon requesting not to carry on with
the reforms he said he was wishing to carry on. Guys, wake up this is
the same tape replaying once again. The Dictator will come out and once
more and will tell us that he had tried to reform but he can not since
he received this and that amount of letters from the islands.
Some body please do some thing.
Shareef <sharif0665@hotmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 14:27:21
(MDT)
I think MLD's popularity and its support will continue as the leadership through all their contacts within this administration and from the military brass are making all their efforts to help the fishing communities, the island schools, the small businessmen in the islands, the women communities and the sick children who are unable to get any assistance even after begging from the Palace. Mr. Saadiq himself is in touch with all these people from time to time and this is the way to continue his influence within the island communities. Many who are paid staff for a long time are working hard to get his messages across. While his focus is on the regime, his heart is with the people who are waiting for a better day.
Zahir
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 11:23:18 (MDT)
Athif was sent here by Yameen to get into this business and learn how this is done. Yameen has been lobbying to transfer MIFCO under Trade so he can get in touch with the fishermen. This is his long-term goal. Athif is the most corrupt executive we have seen in the history of MIFCO/FPID/STO Exports Dept. He has made numerous gains during the short tenure here. This is an office for corrupt people and Athif fits all the qualities of a corrupt executive to reach the top. When you have resources you can grease all the hands including Yameen & Shahid at PO. We career staff have no chance here. We have seen one after the other coming and swindling this office. Will annual fires on our vessels and warehouses, can't someone make smell foul here.
Mifco
Staff
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 11:16:31 (MDT)
Anyone who believed a word Gayyoom said last week is dreaming. He is not going to change. We can only change things when he is gone. He knows this game too well; therefore we should not take this lightly. We have to bombard his family, cronies and followers, as many of them won't have the patience like him. He can take revenge and carry out his vengeance on the people through his military force. Fortunately the military is divided with many who want to see a better day not only for themselves but also for the majority as a whole. Sappe' could you please keep that cartoon of MILKMAID in a prominent place so all of us could see this everyday. This is why Gayyoom hate us most. His children and family members who visit this site can see him on that can.
Fazeel
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 09:50:31 (MDT)
It was amid Millennium Celebrations that Maumoon decided to get a first-hand experience about the love of his people for him. So he wore a wig, completely changed to disguise others, and spent some time in Artificial beach, Local Market, etc... But unfortunately no body was willing to talk to him, who looks like a beggar, and above all about a sensitive topic like the personality of the president. Therefore, he came back to his palace. And in the same night the Dash Studio was releasing their new feature film, "Hiy heyo kuraathi". Maumoon decided that this could be his chance to conclude his mission. So he dressed as before, and looked like no better than a beggar and went to Olympus. Dash Studio, being a young studio, desperately wanted the blessings of the Government to keep in business. So during the interval period of the film, they showed a documentary on the developments that were taking place in Maldives. It also mentioned how lucky Maldivians were, for being the richest people in south Asia, despite lacking resources. And finally the point came. It said that all the success of this nation was the work of their beloved President, Maumoon. So people not only gave a big hand but most of the Movie-goers went too far to call "Maumoon zindabad" at the top of their voices. Only the beggar looking Maumoon was quite (surprised by the support he have). And he was sure of the support he had. But it short-lived. A guy at his back shouted "hey beggar, why are you so quite. Common. Show your support to him. Otherwise you may end up in Dhoonidhoo jail"
Mathaaran Fila Mathin
Malé, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 09:17:10 (MDT)
Once a Pro-Maumoon woman married to an anti-Maumoon man. And then came the day of presidential election. So the wife put a tick on the ballot paper while the husband put a cross. And then they came home. At home wife asked the husband "honey, so did u put a tick or a cross". husband replied "a cross offcourse". Then the wife replied. "Go and change it or else please divorce me." The husband, not wanting to divorce his good-looking wife, went to the ballot box and exclaimed to the official. "well actually I had cast my vote earlier and I was trying to put a tick but I made a mistake and put a cross. Can I change it to a tick?". Elections Officer replied "Offcourse we know that all the cross votes are by mistakes. So we are correcting them to ticks before the elections are concluded"
Mathaaran Fila Mathin
Malé, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 09:28:44 (MDT)
According to the English Weekly of Haveeru, owned by Gayyoom's Sports
Minister (he too have a legendary part-time job as indicated by a
cartoon in this website), democracy cannot be introduced in an
overnight. But with all respect to author (whoever maybe, it is the
EDITORIAL), my dear friend, I personally feel that 26 years are more
than enough to introduce democracy. The author of the article is true in
saying that "Rome was not built in one day" but my question to the
author is "how many years more does he need for the task?". Another 26
years?
And his colleague, Mr. Moosa Latheef had exclaimed "what a historic
moment" in reporting the Presidents speech. If any chance, Mr. Latheef
visits this forum, or indeed if any one who could convey the comments to
him, I would like to mention that I enjoys his articles (most of them in
the oiy dhuni column, which is very constructive, specially the
one on media freedom and corruption) but I could not agree with him on
this article on presidents speech. Because;
1. These "ideas, feelings, suggestions (you name it!!!)" were being
expressed by the Maldivians since way back. Mr. Nasheed of MDP expressed
it. Mr. Saadiq of MLD expressed it. And many more too. So these are not
new ideas to be "historic".
2. If Mr. President is "truly, deeply, madly" into reforms then there
are certain things that he can do right now. Like bringing the culprits
of corruption and torture to justice, release the prisoners of
conscience and the list goes on.....
3. The same President invited for opinions and ideas even in the early
90's (I was too young to recall the exact situation then, therefore I
stand to be corrected). He called for diverse opinions as did Mao Tse
Tung in china with his great "hundred flower campaign". But what
happened? How many newspapers were banned? How many people were jailed?
How many people paid a dear price by losing jobs, exiled .... etc?
Simply because they expressed their heartfelt feelings (which obviously
were not in line with that of Mr. President). So can the president's
call be a historic one?
Mr. Moosa Latheef, "calling for reform" by Maumoon reminds me of a
Dhivehi proverb called "Fenukakkaa bolee ge izzaiy". When pressure
mounts he will call for it. And when pressure loses its momentum,
president will ignore it.
And finally, dear readers, Mr. President can be very good at oratory as
he proved the other night. But we don't only need good oratory to lead
us.
WE NEED MORE THAN THAT FROM OUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
Born
Free & Equal
Malé, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 08:37:13 (MDT)
Dear
Readers
I truly support the discussions which you guys are continuing here, in
this forum. I must also congratulate its founders, contributors and also
the readers of this forum, because these discussions are shaping the
political developments in Malé, Maldives. You guys are doing a wonderful
job.
However I would also like to bring to the attention of the readers that,
Mr. President, in his reform speech haven't mentioned to change the
constitutional clause which indicated that no Maldivian could be the
president as long as he (and now SHE too, according to presidents
speech) is married to a non-Maldivian.
Therefore, Mr. Saadiq could still face the problem, if the constitution
is amended as recommended by the President. And I too was wondering, if
that is the case, could Ms. Dhunya Maumoon be the president? Because now
I am very confused whether her husband, Mr. Shuaib Shah is a Maldivian,
an Englishman or if he is a Bangladeshi.
And back to the president's reform speech, I think the President can
even now bring some positive changes which would boost our confidence
(if any) on him, and would give some weight to his remarks standing in
the most respected building in the Maldives, the Islamic centre. These
changes may be releasing Mr. Naseem (Evan Naseem's brother) and Mr.
Falah. He could also remove his grip on Mr. Fareed, Mr. Zaki, Mr. Didi
and Mr. Naushad.
And finally, to Mr. President. Here is my message to your Excellency.
Mr.President, you have two exit options. One pursued by the late Mohamed
Amin and one pursued by Mr. Ibrahim Nasir. I hope Mr. President you will
take the second one, as its more peaceful and as it makes more sense
than the first.
Born
Free & Equal
Malé, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 07:59:55 (MDT)
Fathulla Jameel is negotiating to Sell Kandhooma to Mr. Ong (famous Singapore business guy, Even in the upcoming bidding process this guy is behind Fathulla Jameel,
FJ will settle in UK by end of July.
=by Sh=
I also
love Maldives
New York, USA - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 04:40:36 (MDT)
Simply not good enough!!
We want people to lay out policies, I mean it is not good enough for so
called new politicians to say we are doing this and that, show us the
proof. Remember Mr. Maumoon came to the power without much promises, in
fact many Maldivians does not know him well then, and look what happens
he thought it not necessary to serve the country instead he was more
interested to keep his job. So I wanted to see new Politicians to say
what he will do so that we can keep that person responsible.
Please don't tell us work is in progress, things are happening blah
blah. In my opinion only MDP is doing anything of a value. Many don't
know what this MLD is?????? Please don't try to fool us “citizens” again
and ask us to support, how can we support if we don't know the people
and what they stand for?
We need more action, not secrecy....
In my opinion the major problem with opposition groups are that, they
are like pockets of resistance scattered around the world. In fact some
people think once they are out of Maldives they become oppositions by
default. I want people like Anni to come forward and tell us what our
next government would be like, e.g. who will best serve our country as a
foreign minister.
Opposition parties are supposed to have formalities so after 27 years of
Maumoon’s power in Maldives I think its a shame to say that we don’t
have an operating proper opposition.
I repeat again personnel Jealousy towards Maumoon is not what we are
after and its not going to serve the country.
I don’t want another president coming to power using influences from few
people, instead I want a people’s person, some one we can trust and know
very well.
SO MR. Saadiq, DO YOU HAVE THE GUTS? Come to the front line and show us
who you are?
And this goes to anybody who is willing to take the top job!
Zoom
Australia - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 03:05:01 (MDT)
I
have had the opportunity to meet and talk to many of the junior doctors
at IGMH and their stories are quite amazing. I will just briefly discuss
some of the issues here.
- We have all found on occasions that the only medical people we see in
the hospital are the junior doctors. I had my brother admitted to the
medical ward some time ago and apparently the doctor in charge of my
brother was one of the Big Shot Maldivian doctors. I only knew this
because I was told this...because during the 2 weeks that my brother was
in hospital the only doctors who saw him were the "medical MO". I have
been told that some of the senior doctors don't see their patients in
the hospital for upto a week at times. Can you imagine that some
patients are admitted under a certain doctor for more than 4 days and he
would never know their condition except what is told to him by the
junior doctors?
Fortunately for my brother (and for the many others) the junior doctors
are more caring and quite able to deal with the medical conditions. Too
bad that they are paid peanuts for their time and effort.
- I found out from this new doctor at IGMH that apparently there are
more consultants than junior medical doctors at IGMH! This apparently is
not the case in tertiary level care hospitals in other countries. (The
ratio is more bizarre at ADK).
- I noted that the IGMH web site says that the Operation theatre has
facilities for all major surgeries with the exception of cardiac and
neurosurgery. That is surprising.....I am sure that there is a
Neurosurgeon (he and IGMH claim he is one) at IGMH. Apparently he
performs emergency brain surgery mostly of patients with accidents with
injury to head and brain. I asked another doctor at IGMH about his
surgeries and was very surprised when he said that if the patient was
his own relative he would do everything in his power to prevent this
neurosurgeon from doing operation! Apparently his first aim is to talk
the relatives into refusing to do surgery (then he can say surgery was
not performed because relatives refused). If that doesn't work then he
will do everything he can to send the patient abroad (he apparently
calls airlines himself for this). If the case is straight forward and
surgery is urgently required he would either refuse (like he did for a
boy who apparently fell near IGMH few years ago) and let them die a
"natural death" or would delay it long enough to give the patient no
chance of making it through.
I
wonder if the hospital or other authorities could find out how many of
the patients with injury to head had died because of refusal by this
doctor to perform surgery, how many died because of his surgery, how
many after his surgery had to be sent abroad for second surgery. From
what I gather if he does surgery most die, of the few who survive all
need to go abroad to do more surgery (and to undo the damage he caused).
He is not to blame. He tries his best not to do the surgery because he
knows he doesn't know how to do them. According to him IGMH theatre does
not have the facilities.
- I met this young junior doctor who was explaining to a father that his
newborn son had "puppu" in his lungs. That doctor was kindly explaining
the situation....not blaming the condition on anyone...but not defending
the "anhenunge khaassa" doctors either. Anyway the problem apparently
was that the machine that was in ICU for giving artificial breathing to
this baby was not working. And they were giving breathing with a bag. I
heard another (more senior one this time) saying that the machine had
apparently stopped working since the time the previous big "kuda
kudhinge" doctor left. This information is known to everyone. This baby
had no chance of surviving without this machine. I don't know what
happened later.
- A Dr from IGMH had previously written a lot about C section and "the
cut". I will not write more on that. But Apparently babies who get "puppu"
into their lungs before birth are quite high in Maldives. I am told that
this happens everywhere....but is more common in Maldives. It has been
suggested that sometimes this puppu in the "fen" would be there for many
hours before the "anhenunge" doctor would try to get the baby out. I
just hope that someone could look into this matter....this "puppu" in
the lungs is apparently very bad for the baby. I have been told by
non-medical staff that the minister will regularly ask about these "puppu
boyegen" babies. Even then there are no facilities to get the "puppu"
out of the babies lungs at birth or afterwards and no machine to give
them breathing. I have been told that junior doctors use innovative
means to get the "puppu" out of babies "vai holi" at birth and that they
are successful many times.
- I was at the canteen (which I am told is owned by an MP with health
sector background) the other day when I heard some doctors (in their
special cubicle) discussing about some foreign doctor who was doing
"funny" things. They had their suspicions about his qualifications. I
didn't hear too much because one of them got a beeper and he suddenly
ran out of the canteen towards the wards. (Some emergency apparently).
That conversation had me wonder if there were enough checks in place to
ensure that the foreign doctors who are brought are actually qualified.
It came to my mind about a "kuda kudhinge" doctor who worked at Central
hospital....he had a film star kinda name... maybe Dilip Kumar (I am not
sure). He was apparently found to have no medical qualifications after
months of practice at the hospital. He was sent home.....and everything
swept under the carpet. Is this still happening?
I was told by this not so senior doctor at IGMH that there was one doctor who worked in emergency room who was found to be doing very funny things.......which doctors wouldn't do. He was "assessed" by someone in the ministry and then sent home once it was apparent that he was not a doctor.
These
are just the ones I came to know about......how many more would have
happened? How many of our kids would have been maltreated by these
people?
- There is much pride among the executives about the ICU at IGMH. True,
it is the best equipped care centre in Maldives, but is it really that
well equipped?
It is
seen by many people among the public as a gateway to "gaburusthaan". Is
this because the facilities are not present, precent facilities are not
being used, patients arrive too sick for recovery......or simply a
problem with medical care? I couldn't get people to comment on these
issues. It certainly need to improve its image.
- I read in the newspaper and found in the health ministry web site that
they are trying to open a Medical college in Maldives. Hmmm, good news.
I thought it was a good idea and discussed with one of the senior
doctors and 2 junior doctors about this. I was surprised to find out
that they were not so sure about the idea. Their view was that IGMH
didn't have enough patients and variety of cases for medical education (MBBS).
What was more surprising was that they were of the opinion that this
medical college was to be for specialising! The specialist services in
the hospital are basic at best....and these cannot be used for post
graduate training.
Well,
if the medical board in India thinks that this is possible then it may
be. But most of the doctors have their doubts.
- The "kuda kudhinge ward" is perhaps the most lively place in the
hospital. It certainly was when I visited one evening when "hithaanu
kuraa" season was on. I came to know that the decorations were either
donations from parents or expenses by the nurses. Good work.
I wish to express a desire to see this ward more kids friendly than it is.
I have seen some of the children's wards in Singapore and England (particularly the children's hospital in Birmingham). You need to paint the walls of the ward with images ( a whole scene....maybe from a cartoon.....) with characters and kids stuff.
I am
sure it will make the place much better than the present office look.
There are several good artists in the Maldives who would do this work
for free (provided that the materials are supplied). Maybe we might find
someone in this forum for this.
- I didn't like the queue system when it initially came into
practice....but I have come to realise that that is a good system. The
only problem is that emergency patients should not have to go through
the same system.
- I agree with one of the previous writers that the Public Relations
Officers are not doing a good job! The younger ones are good in that
that they are more caring......but they are inexperienced. The elder
ones are terrible. The ones they call PRC are terrible. They need to be
replaced with more competent and more caring people. They need to know
that they are the ones who need to keep the image of IGMH.
- It has been noted that the departments of IGMH have lots of internal
conflicts between them. I am told that things have improved lately.
Apparently these conflict would at times erupt in front of
patients......name callings, etc.
There
need to be a consensus opinion between the consultants. It is
unreasonable to expect them all (with different training backgrounds) to
have the same opinions. But for the sake of uniform and quality care the
hospital and health ministry will need to have consensus on good
management of patients. These differences in management of same illness
makes us suspect the capability of the doctor (and this is more so when
one consultant changes the treatment of the other with a shake of the
head). It doesn't do any good for the doctors relations with one another
and hurts the trust of the patient for the doctor. I have searched the
internet resources and found that most of the hospitals (well
established) have written care plans for different illnesses. That will
help Maldivians too.
- I tried the other day to get an appointment for the highest ranking
doctor in the Maldives (yes, the very arrogant man himself) and was told
that his only weekly OPD was cancelled because of a meeting at the
social centre. He claims and MOH agreed that he was the best qualified
Maldivian doctor but patients can't see him. He has 500 jobs (with pay-
so he doesn't complain) and doesn't have patients under him in the
hospital......and is a waste of medical potential.
- Many of the junior doctors showed lot of courage last year. They were
sent to calm and control the prisons at a time when the NSS was
unwilling to or too scared to go into the prison compounds. The Maafushi
fiasco was scary to them....some of them would never forget the tense
environment that they worked in during those days. The
seniors....refused to go there for safety reasons.
They
had to face the hatred and the emotions of the hundreds of inmates
towards the NSS and the government.....sometimes having to refuse
requests and "orders" of inmates and "Dadas" to sent people to Male'.
Fearing reprisal some sent these powerful thugs and their appointees
Male' only to be reprimanded by the White collar doctors for doing that.
They had a duty to do, and they did a good job if you ask me......and
according to several young inmates who since then have been released.
I wish good luck to the junior doctors of IGMH.......if they keep
working with the same determination....and caring
attitude...............then some day IGMH will truly be a place people
love. Not fear.
ethan
mithanun
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 02:32:23 (MDT)
I wonder if Sappe can make ''special report'' on people like Abdullah Saeed of Seenu Atoll Regional Hospital, This info must be available by now, the latest A.Saeed,
quote
"To let you know, everyone here in this forum. Mr. Abdullah Saeed
(Director at Seenu Regional Hospital) was transferred to Public Health
and his new office will be a 8x18 ft cell on the ground floor at the
entrance of the Hospital. This room used to be public health post in the
hospital. This is to degrade and humiliate Mr. Saeed"
Reason: Mr. Saeed supported Mr. Thohir during the recent Special Majlis
election. Even after personal intervention from Minister Hameed, Mr.
Saeed refused to back Mr. Zuhair. Mr. Thohir won a seat and Mr. Zuhair
lost, so it is pay back time. So after the next Majlis election, all the
Katheeb's will be transferred.
This is what we call free and fare election, Hameed's style. If you do
not support Government candidate, you loose your government job.
(IALM) I Also Love Maldives
USA - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 01:55:11 (MDT)
Sappe, is it true that you are considering joining Saadiq's political party? Please tell us whether or not there has been any dialogue between you and Saadiq on this matter? Personally, I think if you and Saadiq join together that would be best alliance we would have.
Ismath
Rasheed
Australia - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 00:17:56 (MDT)
We have seen some MPs posting comments and articles on the site and the open forum. It is nice to know that they have had these reformist opinions and dying desire to express those opinions.
Shall we say to these people, like we say to Gayyoom, "too little too late"? They were given the opportunity by the people (or the Katheeb, or Hameed or Gayyoom himself) the opportunity to express these views in no less certain terms in the parliament during the time of office. They went with the tide then. The kept their big mouths shut then. They were pulled by strings by the corrupt and greedy then......!!!
We don't trust you either! The few like Anni who had spoken in parliament for the people have the right to claim that they have always supported the reform movement. Not these hypocrites who have been stuffing their pockets with the pay from the peoples money for virtually doing nothing.
True, they may have been too afraid to voice their opinions. But they DID abuse the trust of the people who elected them. What if the next government (only assumed for sake of discussion) of Mr. Saadiq would act just like this government of Gayyoom? Would they still keep silent, afraid for their lives?
We have had enough of you, all of you who have
participated in the destruction of the Maldivian Socio-political system.
We will reconcile with you but are not willing to allow you to sit in
parliament again.
MP
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 00:46:16 (MDT)
It is true Mr. Saeed was transferred only because of his support to another candidate. He was transferred immediately even without sending a replacement, which was very strange. Is this the type of reforms Gayyoom is calling for? Please don't listen to his garbage. Do what little you can do and support the opposition parties.
Rusdhee
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 00:41:07 (MDT)
The promises he makes to the people are merely lies. He will introduce new changes in the constitution which will cater his personal goals. Perhaps he will try to bring amendments that will allow him to transfer power to one of his family members. Maldivians need to take constructive actions to get rid of this regime at whatever cost it involves for the benefit of every single person of the country. Even now Gayyoom does not act on what the existing constitution dictates to him but it is what he feels “right” at the particular scenario upon which he acts. Hence, we need somebody else to be in charge of bringing the needed changes to the constitution but not Gayyoom or his inner circle members. It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country.
Torturephobia
MLE, K MDV - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 23:14:55 (MDT)
BREAKING NEWS:
I have just heard from a very reliable sources that Athif (M. Aasthana)
is going to be appointed as the Managing Director of MIFCO very soon.
Trade Minister Hon. Yameen and the Executive Secretary of the President,
Mr Abdullah Shahid is pushing for Athif's appointment.
whistle
blower
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 23:08:51 (MDT)
To
let you know, everyone here in this forum. Mr. Abdullah Saeed (Director
at Seenu Regional Hospital) was transferred to Public Health and his new
office will be a 8x18 ft cell on the ground floor at the entrance of the
Hospital. This room used to be public health post in the hospital. This
is to degrade and humiliate Mr. Saeed
Reason: Mr. Saeed supported Mr. Thohir during the recent Special Majlis
election. Even after personal intervention from Minister Hameed, Mr.
Saeed refused to back Mr. Zuhair. Mr. Thohir won a seat and Mr. Zuhair
lost, so it is pay back time. So after the next Majlis election, all the
Katheeb's will be transferred.
This is what we call free and fare election, Hameed's style. If you do
not support Government candidate, you loose your government job.
Shareef
<sharif0665@hotmail.com>
Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 15:32:19(MDT)
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke.
Yaseen
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 13:02:26 (MDT)
Quote, Fathulla Jameel: " What the constitution means when it refers to "party" is maaloodh party, not political parties."
Moosa
Jaleel
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 12:55:25 (MDT)
There
are many "ways" to change this regime. And all those "options" are on
MLD's table. But one has to be realistic. It is next to impossible to
elect members to the Majlis through a system where the President and his
brother control every appointment in the country and especially in the
islands. The system where vote boxes are brought to Atoll Offices and
thence to Male and "manipulated" must be stopped, and this is not going
to happen until this regime is gone.
The qualities of atoll chiefs are a clear example that this regime had
done little or nothing during the last 26 years to uplift the lives of
the island communities. Yes they have spent money on phoney projects and
Hameed and his gang made money out of them. They (Gayyoom & Hameed) have
appointed their people to keep this regime in power. So the opposition
must create their own people and this unfortunately takes time and a lot
of money.
So the opposition led by Saadiq has no option left but to look into
other "means" whatever they might be. Saadiq has come upfront and told
the people that he is going to finance these organizations to make the
change. He has a long list of very capable people who are willing to
come out and lead the nation. There is no point bringing out the names,
as many of them are senior civil servants and military officers who have
the experience and are also willing to lead a nation for the good of the
people.
While we are all impatient, to change this brutal regime, we must
respond to Saadiq's call and participate to bring this change. Many of
you who are living overseas and regular contributors to this forum and
likewise, must remind their parents, brothers, sisters and relatives
here in the Maldives that we need to support the opposition. You know
too well that you all have no future, even if you come back here, with
degrees and the knowledge, which comes along with them.
Please support the opposition parties and help them to bring the changes
we are all dreaming for so long. I know Saadiq is an optimist and he has
the plans and means to get rid of this regime "one way or the another".
Together we all can do it.
Adil
Male, Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 12:38:02 (MDT)
I think it is possible for MLD supporter to come to Male from all the islands, if we get such instructions from the leadership. We can flood the city of Male' in short notice and bring the changes we are all talking about. Many of our brothers are also in NSS so we can coordinate any instructions to them. We need more supporters to make this happen. Please support Saadiq and his program for prosperity for all.
Raashid
Eydhafushi, Baa Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 10:57:44 (MDT)
I think Mr. Saadiq have made his mission very clear. How
are we going to replace Gayyoom? There are many options, which they
cannot discuss in this forum; besides, Maumoon himself examines every
message on this board. Western countries have clearly mentioned that it
is impossible for Maldivians to replace the government through the
ballot box, which we all know for a long time. What is the alternative?
Wait for the reforms, which he just proposed. Hell No!
We need to infiltrate the people, beyond the influence of the Atolls
Ministry and Gayyoom's cronies. When time is right, MLD will make the
right move to remove the regime one way or the other. Policies and
manifesto's of MLD is out there for everyone to see, and thanks to
Sappe, who got this out to the people. The recent polls which DO
is holding made it more than clear that how popular Mr. Saadiq is in the
Maldives. Mr. Saadiq will need to improve his (polls) figures and to
continue to spend whatever it takes to increase his own influence among
the people. I fully agree he is on the right track. Together we are
almost there.
Janbe
Perth, Australia - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 10:28:33 (MDT)
Disillusioned - Lets just say that Ibra cannot "represent" MDP technically because MDP is not a registered party. Until MDP is made legal, then there is "no" party to represent. So he is politically correct and smart in saying that. Now its a "coincidence" that Ibra still shares the same ideas as certain people that he is affiliated with.
These are minor technicalities that MDP intends to fix soon and is working constantly to achieve.
Minor
technicality
Male', K. Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 08:34:13 (MDT)
Sappe and Anni are true heroes of Maldives. They bravely risked everything while others were thinking of the consequences. Anni has been fighting for our rights from a long time back. Thank you Anni.
Shifau
Male', K. Maldives - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 07:08:02 (MDT)
We all talk about the 8 members nominated by Gayyoom. He not only nominates 8 members but all 48 members should belong to his gang. Ministry of Atolls Administration's hidden mission statement is to ensure that all the atolls are fully controlled by the regime in achieving its political agendas. Otherwise why it exists????? It certainly doesn't do anything else.
Torturephobia
MLE, K MDV - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 07:07:43 (MDT)
Ibra has written on the maldivian.org site that he does not represent MDP in the Special Majlis. What's happening?
Disillusioned
CMB, Sri Lanka - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 07:01:42 (MDT)
Iujaz
Naseem
We are not at all interested to know about the Bangladeshi Shuaib, We
are not interested in his richness & his site. We are not looking for
a Sonia , My only advice to Shuaib is to take his wife and return to His
Home in UK or Bangladesh, What ever PR co, he hire has no hope,
THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG, You guys have lost the BUS. If Your Farther
Maumoon took his chance on Sep 20th, we all would have supported him
like Americans love Reagan, Now it is time to resign and face the
investigation .
I also
love Maldives
New York, USA - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 06:53:12 (MDT)
Who
is ready to take responsibility?
Can any body tell me who is ready to be the president of Maldives? I
want change, and I want to see another person, who is this person? Well
lets float around some names would it be Anni, Sappe, or according to a
poll conducted by “DO” - Ismail Saadiq? Now lets assume its Mr.
Ismail Saadiq. So now the question is Who is this person? I have tried
to search for him online and found only one article about him where it
says he is a business man who started selling tuna to Thailand.....
Now I really want to see who has the guts to say I wanted to be the
president, I mean a credible person and I also wanted to see how he is
going to change things. What steps he is going to take and how soon he
can do it. After all According to Mr. Ismail Saadiq “citizens must move
beyond complaining about the state of politics and take responsibility
for informing themselves on the issues, talk with their friends and
neighbours, and get involved to make change happen.”
He then went on to say “we still have time to move beyond superficial or
simply symbolic patriotic responses. But more politicians must finally
decide to stand up and declare their views on issues, explain why they
hold them, and set a tone of forthright and passionate debate” [by
Ismail Saadiq, 11th June 2004 (MLD)]
So I want ask Mr. Saadiq “to put money where his mouth is.” Do you want
to be the president of Maldives? If so how are you going to do it? What
are your priorities beyond criticising Maumoon?
I also like to call upon any other person who has the guts to answer
these important questions?
I wanted to see some names, policies for the country....please.
Thank you
Zoom
Perth, Australia - Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at 01:02:07 (MDT)
Mr Ahmed Abdulla (the health minister has said that "anaemia is the biggest health problem facing Maldives". http://www.haveeru.com.mv/local/news_show.phtml?id=18092&search=&find=
I disagree! The biggest problem and the one that needs most urgent intervention is the problem of mismanagement of the health sector. Address that!
Agreed anaemia is a big problem that needs directed and concerted efforts to solve. But with all due respect it will not improve (nothing will improve) until you can have proper management. The management team in the health ministry, IGMH, ADK and DPH are as corrupt, if not more, than the rest of this corrupt, money hungry, selfish and moronic government.
Alias
Male', Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 23:12:15 (MDT)
Now the people are willing to take risk to change this regime. They are more than confident that nothing is going to change unless Gayyoom is gone. People are living hand to mouth, despite Gayyoom's claim that we all are doing well. Yes we earn enough money and if it is divided among 300,000 each and every one is supposed to get a lot, but this is shared among only 30 people or within two families. Gayyoom we don't need your reforms, we just need you to go.
Kareem
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 22:00:39 (MDT)
I think the MLD work in the islands must expand beyond the schools, hospitals, business owners and women's committees. I wish they invite more dhoni owners and convince the Mudhimu to use the Mosques to spread these ideas to the elderly and invite them to join. We are running out of time. Our links to other islands groups are ok, but we need more support from the central atolls as well.
Sappe we need more cartoons, please.
Rameez
Feydhoo, Seenu Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 21:04:05 (MDT)
I think it is desire of all sub continent people to claim they are Americans, British or French, but they still have their old culture and are proud to retain their old habits. Now this is all the more clear that Gayyoom hired his son in law to invite H&K to help keep the torturer in power. It is just little late now even for the rich Bangladeshi to hold on to his father-in- law. Now that he is part of the dacoits, he is no better than any other crook in the family.
Saleem
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 19:59:24 (MDT)
I don't think to over throw the regime is now difficult. It has never been so easy. So long as the opposition has the support of the people, this government will succumb. Many in the military are not happy and they will not come out and shoot the people now. We need several gatherings at few locations in Male' when the top people are around and that would be the end of this regime. Many in the military are very sympathetic to Mr. Saadiq and he has many supporters who are willing to give orders not to shoot anyone. In any such event Yameen, Ilyas, Hameed will have no role or future. They too have lost the support of the people.
Faseeh
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 17:16:40 (MDT)
What is the H&K doing with all cops around in the Maldives. Are they teaching what they don't know already. The problem with Gayyoom is that we have had enough of him. No matter how good his ranking in the world is, he has no place within these islands. He has been around far too long and his cronies, must leave the people before the people march them out from their houses and drag them on the streets. I am sure H&K won't come to the rescue of Gayyoom if we drag him out of his Palace.
Jaleel
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 13:15:36 (MDT)
There are two misconceptions going around on this forum which I would like to bring to everyone's knowledge.
Firstly the son-in-law of Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, Shuaib
M. Shah is not a Bangladeshi. He is a citizen of United Kingdom where
his family lives although his family's origin is Bangladeshi.
Secondly Shuaib Shah doesn't' work or own H&K in anyway. This is a
misconception that has arisen in the internet forums after an article in
Maldives Culture claimed Shuiab Shahs law firm in the Maldives ( Shah,
Hussain & Co) hired H&K to launch a public relations stunt in the
Maldives.
Shuaib is basically a very kind gentleman despite his high profile as
the son-in-law of Gayyoom and the fact that he comes from a very rich
and powerful family from Bangladesh.
If you want more about him and his law firm please check out the
following link. This happens to be the same law firm where MDP member
Muizzu works.
http://www.shclawyers.com/lw_shuaib.html
Iujaz Naseem
Makunudhoo, K. Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 12:43:33 (MDT)
On crooks will find crooks. I am glad the people who were willing to work for Satan are working for Gayyoom. There is no difference between both. The millions spent for this PR mission will not bail out Gayyoom. His hands are stained with our blood. Unfortunately the PR won't have any effect within the Maldives, where people are crying for change. It won't work internationally, because no one including H&K can justify 26 years of autocratic rule.
Sama
KL, Malaysia - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 11:13:44 (MDT)
How can Gayyoom justify these payments to a PR firm when our kids are without proper immunization and basic health care? He is gone beyond norms and we must do whatever we can to remove him. I agree with Mr. Saadiq it is time for all of us to act, no matter how bl**dy it is going to be. We just can't afford to sit and watch when 0.0001 % of the people loot all our wealth. Gayyoom this is day light robbery and no matter what PR firm you are using, we are going to bring you to justice.
Aisha
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 11:06:06 (MDT)
The support for MLD in the islands has passed beyond anyone's imagination. Their members both in Male' and in the islands are making life miserable to Hameed. With growing corruption scandals and people's rejection of Gayyoom is putting the last nail in the coffin of the Gayyoom administration. We must all commend Sappe for his patriotic work and the opposition for their onslaught on this failing regime. Saadiq we are counting on you and your supporters are working hard. Please don't let them down.
Kay Dee
Male, Maldives - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 10:57:25 (MDT)
The comments about the PR firm shows that the Bengali son in law who works in the PR firm is using our money not only to make a living but also to keep a Murderer in power. It is totally incorrect to say that they are among the largest PR firm in the world. The fact is that our money is wasted to keep a failing regime in power.
Faisal
Glasgow, UK - Monday, June 14, 2004 at 01:02:20 (MDT)
Maumoon has only one problem, He is so kind to people jalah laa meehun. eii 5 star hotaleh ga ulhey ba eh tha? e aalaathun hama maran vee.. eyy gau muge halaaku
Noorjahan <noorjahan69@hotmail.com> - By Email - Monday, June 14, 2004 9:32 AM
With reference to the most recent article posted on this site by Hussain Shareef - I would like to inform you that there is no way that Gayyoom's son in law owns the p/r firm H & K - also it happens to be one of the largest p/r firms in the world, not a small firm as mentioned in the article. Information like this posted as part of an article on your site discredits the entire site - I would advice you to correct the.
error.
Ahmed
Maldives - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 20:56:42 (MDT)
Hi,
Further to the article of “KL, M Malay - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at
12:49:11 (MDT) please do visit MNC on
Maldivian National
Congress forum, and if you are not a member, please do join to view.
I believe what you have mentioned is right about trouble and I respect
it. But what you are about to read would be the best probably if you
have read the right one for the right system for us. Please
visit the section photo on mmcongress and read the 3 articles and I
believe you will have your answer.
Thank
you for asking.
Nazeer Jamaal.
Nazeer
- Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 19:51:47 (MDT)
I think we must all call for Gayyoom to show his books. He must come out open and tell the people how much he spent for his dream airline "Air Maldives" and how much he paid out of our money to obtain release of Ghassan. Unless he comes out clean, we should reject all his proposals and push him out one way or the other. The only thing he cannot defend is gala life style using our money. After 26 years he has just formed a committee to look into poverty in the islands when he spend over 100,000 rufiyaa a day for his family.
Salma
Wellington, NZ - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 15:52:49 (MDT)
The new reforms Gayyoom proposed is sent to the back burner until the Euro finals are over. Gayyoom and his click are too busy watching soccer and sleeping all afternoon. What we want to know is how he spends our money. We pay him and he is there to serve us. Instead he spends all our money watching soccer. I want other readers to come out and call him to show us his books. We want to know how he spent our money last 26 years before we sit and talk of reforms.
Rasheed
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 13:37:50 (MDT)
We don't need to change the constitution to fire the people who deceived the people... Ilyas, Hameed, Yameen, Fathuhulla, Sammarey, Anbaree etc.. Our constitution and religion clearly states what should be done with them... so what's stopping you?
eye <eye@eye.com>
Maldives - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 12:37:30 (MDT)
Sappe.. why don't you include a chat room in you site, rather our site so that all of us will have a chance to talk and convey our messages and ideas about our needs and and also to decide the future of our country .This will help a lot in the road to save our great country from the great dictator. Please consider this...
Sal <salfathun@yahoo.com>
Bangalore, Karnataka India - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 12:32:21 (MDT)
I heard that Maumoon is a great maulana (religous scholer). But what has he done had during the past 26 years? Islamic education is not properly given in Maldives. The law says the rules are according to the Quran and Sunna. Does Quran say release the thief and arrest the innocents? Ladies are naked on the streets of Maldives. Men are taking drugs and hallucinating. I wonder how and what will be Maumoon's vision 2020....... resign immediately you a**hole!!
Sal <salfathun@yahoo.com>
Bangalore, Karnataka India - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 12:06:07 (MDT)
The only things new about these reforms are that it came from Gayyoom's own mouth and as an address to the International community. But we have heard so many things from him already. According to PO version of Gayyoom's interview with BBC, he still says our constitution is not clear whether to allow political parties or not. The question is not that we are upset with Gayyoom, but the fact that people have lost their trust in him. People won't believe a word he says now. He has fooled us for too long to take his word anymore. He is not going to commit how he is going to do this, instead will drag this pass 2008 elections. Now that he is getting old, he needs a prime minister to work and pay all his debts. Today Maldives is paying over 14% of its revenue to pay its debts. In 2010 we will pay over 30% of our projected revenue to pay the debts. In 2020 our grand children we will pay over 50% of our revenue to pay for his extravaganza in the 80s and 90s. He has bankrupted our nation.
Sameer
(Finance Ministry staff)
Male, Maldives - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 09:33:05 (MDT)
I am
really glade that many people are interested in the political
developments in Maldives. Looking at the new changes proposed by the
president, I basically have two thoughts. The very first observation is
off course that its nothing new. people have been calling for this
changes for many years now, but as always Maumoon with his “ultra
vision” thought it's all new. The more important and perhaps expected
observation is that the changes seems all talk but no action. I mean I
was expecting Mr. President to give us a time line in which these
changes can occur and how he is going to do it.
In this same tone I would like to ask people who are writing, consider
and suggest ways in which some of these changes can be implemented. I
guess we already have enough discussions about what changes are need so
I am looking forward to read more on how these changes can be achieved.
One final comment to some of the people who are writing in Sandhaanu or
other “Political” articles please can you minimise personnel attacks on
our president or others, because some times it seems like some of the
writers are not really interested in bringing positive changes to
Maldives instead it seems like these are people who are pissed of with
Maumoon , due to some personnel reason.
So please bring some credibility to political discussions.
thanks
zoom_07
Australia
Zoom
Perth, Australia - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 02:18:49 (MDT)
Thanks Sappe, finally the printer feature is setup.
Ismail
Male', K Maldives - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 01:29:09 (MDT)
I think the contribution from MLD to DO has created a new standard. The articles are of good quality and script of a politician and not of an amateur. I think the more we read about Saadiq, we know his deep convictions and love for his country. I think the opposition must get together and ask Saadiq to lead all of them. Please don't let Gayyoom cut deals and divide the opposition.
Umar
KL, Malaysia - Sunday, June 13, 2004 at 00:18:19 (MDT)
I think we should reject Gayyoom's call for reforms until he change his cabinet and reduce his family members. So long as Hameed is the Atolls Minister Gayyoom will get elected. We should ask Gayyoom to remove his brother from this post, if he is really sincere of bringing these reforms, he must prove himself. The problem with Gayyoom is he has lost the trust of the people.
Nasir
Perth, Australia - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 21:51:37 (MDT)
I think it would be great for Saadiq to return to Maldives as a US citizen. This will bring the US government into the picture. They will defend their citizen even from Gayyoom. I think this will bring the problems of Maldives to international stage. Maldivians are waiting for an alternative and only Saadiq has a plan for us to lead for a better life. MDP and others are more concerned about religious issues which will lead them to nowhere.
Ibrahim
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 20:12:33 (MDT)
I like the quality of articles of Saadiq. I read his DP with great interest and I salute him for his calls. Many people are whole heartedly willing to follow his foot steps. I will support you. You are the only alternative to the present regime.
Nuima
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 15:52:28 (MDT)
I was confused for a second. I wasn't sure of which civilisation Mr. Nazeer Ahmed Jamaal was referring to.
wonderer
Boston, USA - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 15:49:14 (MDT)
What
will be the Role of the Prime Minister?
After reading Naseer Jamaal's’ articles it gave me the impression that
lots of Maldivians are seriously thinking of introducing a prime
minister. Is the Prime Minister going to be the head of the government?
And the President the Head of the State. Maldives is a very small
country in terms of its population and its wealth. Why do we need two
different posts introduced to run the country. To have proper democracy
we don’t need to separate head of state or head of government.
We have seen lots of trouble in the neighbouring country Sri Lank where
there is always a power struggle between President and the Prime
Minister even in Pakistan the president is too powerful than the head of
the government their Prime Minister. We do not need to have some paid a
higher chunk of peoples money just for the sake of it. Even now we see
the president does nothing to run the country properly. He gets a fat
salary for holidaying in Arah and torturing the people. Do we need
someone else to join his club with a huge title and do the same?
We have seen countries like America being run by a president. It is a
huge country where president respects their laws. Checks and balances
are put in place. The American Senate can impeach the president if it is
required!
What we need is clear separation of powers as defined by Saadiq in his
article “Reforms, too little too late 10th June 2004”. As suggested by
Saadiq it wouldn’t be a very wise idea to have a board of religious
scholars to dictate terms on al these state establishments. Countries do
not need a dictatorship board whether it is moral or immoral to run its
people. Religion should be separated from the state because
interpretation of religion nowadays is so different it will in some
point in time will cause friction and bloodshed. Better keep the
religion at your heart. Be peaceful and don’t impose personal view of
the religion to other individuals.
But most important thing is the freedom of expression, rule of law, and
clear separation of powers. Obviously the people elected should respect
all these for proper functioning.
WE DO NOT NEED A PRIME MINISTER at the expense of very basic services
like healthcare, and education. If Gayyoom wants to call his daughter or
brother the prime minister he can call him/her that. Why do we need to
change the constitution to include that? Is Gayyoom saying that he is
running the country like hell is because he doesn’t have a prime
minister? What next? After another five years are you going to say that
we need a King or Queen?
If we want we can either have a Prime Minister or a President. We don’t
change our country to a kingdom again. And we don’t need a president for
life.
Only one guy <PM or President>
KL, M Malay - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 12:49:11 (MDT)
I think it was your work Sappe, which forced to change the tone of maldivesculture.com. Besides when we saw the DP of Saadiq the weight shifted completely and people flocked to follow Saadiq. Even Gayyoom came out of his dreams and despite his speech he found out that it was not enough to stop the tide. Maldivians are calling for Saadiq to return and lead them to prosperity.
Usman
Male, Maldives - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 11:39:45 (MDT)
Vedhumaai Salaam...
Thiya beyfulhaa thiyakuravvaa Khidhumathah fahfashun SHUKURIYA... God
bless you and your hard work...
Mohamed Shafeeq
Male', Maldives - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 08:17:40 (MDT)
Sappe, please don't ask us to be supportive of Michael O'shea. We support you and your beliefs. But we cannot and will not support Michael O'shea. This guy is against Maldives. The evidence is there in his writings. He focused on the political situation at home ONLY after Sept 20th. Prior to this date, he was writing against our traditions, culture and everything else that we believe in. He is against Islam too. He will always be against the Maldives as long as Islam stays as our only religion. It is very obvious from his site. Check his archives. So pleaaaaaaaase don't associate too much with him either. We don't need Michael O'shea. We need Maldivians, Muslims, people like you and Saadiq, to fight for our just cause.
Anthu
Perth, Australia - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 05:53:10 (MDT)
Sappey mihaaru thiya kuraa masaikah ikhulaas therikamaai eku thedhu niya thugaa kuriya gendhiyun edhen. Iraadha kureh viyyaa sappey men ge masaikah kaamiyaabu vaane.
Sappey hama thedhe mi buny aharen ge hithugaa ufedhey hoonu ihusaas tha
bune dheyn ves neyngey Sappey-ah thaureefu kuraane gothe-ves neyngey.
Sappey aa adhives thiyafadha hi-varu gadha enmen nakee aharemen ge
gaumee abuthaalun ge gothuga mulhi umurah ves balaanan.
Dhivehi Zuvaaneh
Maldives - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 05:51:49 (MDT)
In
the article "Maldivians must act now" by Ismail Saadiq, the date is:
11th June 2003
Please correct it, 2004.
And is that Mr Saadiq in the photo??
bully
Hut, - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 03:48:56 (MDT)
Regarding "REFORMS, TOO LITTLE TOO LATE".
I would like to believe that this was written by Mr. Saadiq, if it was,
any way. We the Maldivian public is still unsure of whether it’s you,
Mr. Saadiq, or someone else using your name, to bring about their own
propaganda. Nevertheless I do support it when you say;” democracy is
defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the
people."
I believe that, anyone who wrote this article has written it very
cleverly and knows where the general public stands today. I incorrigibly
agree with you when you say that, I quote, “in Maldives, where there is
a dearth of education and political consciousness, and where people fail
to understand the reality of the manifesto and are misled by wrong
propaganda, by the incumbent government, they cast their ballots in
favour of an individual whose ideals go contrary to the social interest
and this is what is going to happen in the Maldives. Consequently,
parties that go against the interests of the people are installed in
power.” I am sure you wouldn’t want this to happen in the future, of
course.
Regardless of all you have said, I was wondering how long, you have been
living abroad. Fifteen years or may be more than that. I don’t mind. I
support you. It must be true when people say that you have been in
contact with the Maldivian people all this time, which I don’t doubt at
all. My concern is which group of the Maldivian community. Are you
familiar with what the current youth of today in Maldives is going
through? I got the impression that you don’t. I may be wrong here.
I
agree with you when you say that the right to suffrage should be vested
in all those who are educated and politically conscious. When you are in
favor of reducing the voting age to 18, I was wondering how aware are
you of the political consciousness of this age group of the Maldivians
today. Wouldn’t it be the greatest lacuna in democracy if we give
“babies” the right to suffrage? Again I may be wrong here.
Your words in general are showing us qualities of high moral character,
such as courage and generosity, very noble indeed, Mr. Saadiq. I would
like to believe that you are here as a giver, not a taker. We don’t want
to see only the words. We want more than that.
Bappi
Male', k. Maldives - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 02:51:11 (MDT)
We have to take our hats off to Gayyoom in the manner in which he plays his autocratic governance game. He is really good at it. Look at the 8 members he appointed to the Special Majlis. He choose them in such a way that his interests will be looked after and at the same time ensuring all other critics will be silenced. First, he appointed equal number of men and women to the Majlis. Secondly he made sure his old guard is satisfied with his choices. So he choose Dr Fathin (to please his brother Hameed) and Zahiya (to please Fatuhullah Jameel) and Champaa Afeef (to please Gayoom's arrogant brother Yameen). Also Dr Fathin is a supporter of MDP so her appointment to the Special Majlis will ensure zero criticism from MDP or Sappe. Zahiya is also another sympathiser of MDP although she decided not to sign the petition in the last minute. Gayyoom ensured his agenda will be fully met by including Dr Shaheed, Usthaza Azima and Sheikh Faarooq. Usthaza Azima is part of Nasreena's extended family so there is equal representation from Endheri and Kamenee parties. The only independent people seems to be Dr Ahmed Shareef and Dr Sheena Moosa. However since Dr Sheena Moosa is the wife of Usthaz Nasheed, many may consider the balance being slightly in favour of Kaaminee party.
Political Guru
Colombo - Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 01:15:53 (MDT)
Its true politics and religion are totally different issues, but it is also true that they are both embedded together in the wider institutional framework of the society and must be addressed hand in hand. Definitely there is a need for change now, but the people of the Maldives needs to know where this change is headed to. A country with a long history of Islam, will surely have reservations about any Political Party which fails to exclusively address their concerns towards the Religious stability of Maldives, let alone being concerned about political stability. So be it MDP or MLD or what ever party for that matter, if they are to be successful, there is a need for a good deal of attention to be paid to the religious concerns of the people.. and should not be separated from political discussions saying this forum is "no religious forum".
Kabila
KL, Malaysia - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 23:01:42 (MDT)
Sappe, please keep those cartoons. They are very popular here. Today we charged Rf5/- per person to come to our house and to see the cartoons and read some of the websites. We are waiting for the printer from Male' and we expect to make good on our investment. Now we have to go to a resort to print anything. These cartoons are very popular and talk of the island.
Rameez
Velidhoo, Noonu Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 22:59:10 (MDT)
Sappe, I have to admit that
DO seems to be a huge success and its
doing a great job. Keep up the work and I hope to see more great
articles with facts and unbiased reporting.
The negative comment I have about
DO. Since its giving the image
of a professional news image, the cartoons in your site don't do it
justice. Some mild cartoon sketches are ok, but with the photos I
believe its going a bit too far. Don't sink to the level of some others.
Fight with honesty and moral values. Hope you take this suggestion into
light.
Dhivehi
Dhariyeh
Here, There - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 22:00:47 (MDT)
I like the quality of arguments of Saadiq. There is common sense in his approach and no sign of vengeance. MDP must change their approach similar to MLD in order for the rest of the people to accept their platform.
Samad
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 19:58:26 (MDT)
We can pass new laws but unless they are implemented and interpreted by the executive branch and by a constitutional court, there is no point wasting our time and money again. Unless the current laws are respected, we can continue passing legislation one after the other. We are going to make noise and argue, but end of the day, we will loose our jobs, get arrested and tortured. We need support of MLD/MDP to dig us out of our graves, if we take their stand and get "punished".
Majlis
Member
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 16:47:15 (MDT)
Sappe has made history again. However, he should request BBC to interview Mr. Saadiq who is more capable to label the Gayyoom administration as torturers. Besides he has more credibility as the longest serving opposition leader of the country. Sappe should have used his 60 seconds with more appropriate words and asked for a rebuttal after Dr. Shaheed defending his boss. I also suggest that Sappe takes this matter with Dr. Shaheed that the laws and the Geneva conventions which Gayyoom has crafted and signed means nothing unless they are enforced for others to believe.
TVM
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 15:41:12 (MDT)
MDP is not fighting a religious war, they advocate freedom, and the people of Maldives will not be side-stepped in their march to freedom.
Azan
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 10:50:49 (MDT)
Step down, People should support you because they believe in your leadership, not because they're intimidated by the consequences of rejecting you.
Anon <change@maldives.com>
CMB, SL - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 10:20:40 (MDT)
Hey..
I have a feeling that you might not do what you are saying now if you
happen to get the power.. you know what I mean.. and I don't even think
that you could ever get a chance to rule our beautiful and peaceful
country... Unfair and injustice is everywhere even within your
organization but only if you knew.. your intentions are wrong and that
will keep you away from your dreams...
Thanks
Aisha <aisha@hotmail.com>
Feydhoo, Seenu Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 10:03:22 (MDT)
The only difference, I have noticed between MDP and MLD is that MDP has some hesitation to accept Islam as the religion of Maldives and whereas MLD strongly support Islam and only seek some freedom for the expatriate communities to practice their religions. Politically the difference is the growing voice of MDP to release Nazim and Jennifer whereas MLD's focus on Gayyoom to open his books for public scrutiny. The people must choose from Gayyoom/MDP/Saadiq and it is more than clear what choice they are going to make.
Hassanu
Male, Male - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 09:48:58 (MDT)
We are waiting to see the results of the polls. Why is Sappe holding the results?
Saleem
Hoarafushi, Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 09:19:16 (MDT)
"But whether or not the proposal will amount to anything remains unclear, with the government failing to announce any timetable for implementation of the reforms. " --Aljazeera--
Jazee
Oman - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 05:56:37 (MDT)
Maldives is in need of a new president, we need Gayyoom to resign, we cant except anything else. Maumoon is fooling our nation by appointing new members to the Citizen Majlis. Why do we need so many members for a country which has a population less than 300,000. We had enough of him, we want him to step down, simple as that.
Ahmed
Mueen <davidlarey@hotmail.com>
Male', Kaafu Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 02:27:32 (MDT)
Another white washing scene. Gayyoom cannot be trusted.
Abdul
Jaleel
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 01:26:41 (MDT)
The man is made of pure evil and greed. People like that never change. They don't even seem to die. I pray to God to send a virus that attacks only evil people...
Azmeena
<abdu7686@hotmail.com>
Male', Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 01:24:44 (MDT)
Gayyoom's using a lot of comedy. Check out the way he uses his hand - trying to be the people's buddy.
Ahmed <aabbasalii@hotmail.com>
Male, Maldives - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 01:10:17 (MDT)
This is unbelievable. What everyone has been crying out for, Gayyoom is suggesting as though it is his bright idea. It will not be that easy to hoodwink the people this time.
Khadeeja
<hajjamed@hotmail.com>
Colombo, Sri Lanka - Friday, June 11, 2004 at 01:05:40 (MDT)
An interesting observation about the latest MDP releases. They refuse to explicitly declare their support to back a constitution which makes Islam the ONLY religion of the state. We do not want other religions to be practiced in our small communities. We now notice that Anni, who speaks on behalf of MDP does the same. Sappe' is promoting Islamic values but his site, as we all know, is independent of the MDP. So I ask why is MDP so scared to commit to one religion in the Maldives?
Kausar
CMB, Sri Lanka - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 23:43:32 (MDT)
Until Maumoon brings the murderers to justice and the people at NSS who gave such orders to kill the innocent people, please don't let Maumoon take us for another ride. Veterans like Saadiq knows what this guy is upto, he had seen his mini summits in Singapore where Maumoon plot and plan how to destroy entire families.
Nasir
Eydhafushi, Baa Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 22:50:37 (MDT)
I think we should take these reforms proposed by Gayyoom very cautiously. Before he acts on these views given to him by Saadiq, he should first do what is possible within the existing constitution. A modification is not necessary now. It would be more prudent to correct his abuses now and release the political prisoners and stop these court cases and free all these innocent people. If he cannot be trusted for very minor issues, how on earth are we going to believe him. He just wants to shake his own cabinet because there is growing concern within his family that Saadiq is influencing events in the Maldives. He just want to find the rotten eggs and get rid of them like he did with Munawwaru and Zaki. He just wants to see who and who are going to join political parties and then come hard on them. Be Aware!
Shafeeq
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 22:41:18 (MDT)
Does any one has the BBC World Today and Asia Today reports on the Maldives? Sappe' if you have them can you put it up? or at least the transcript of it?
Dhivehi
Dhariyeh
Here, There - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 22:05:25 (MDT)
Ghassan has been advised to stop his work on Maldivian site after readers in this forum asked Sappe to investigate what went on with him in UK and how much money Gayyoom paid from the treasury to obtain his release. I hope Sappe is working on this as this is vital information for the readers.
Palace
Insider
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 19:39:13 (MDT)
Sappe, we understand that you have received the recent polls. We would like to see the results. There is another poll conducted now. Whoever is doing this is wasting the time unless we see the results.
Naeem
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 19:36:32 (MDT)
I am
so disappointed in this. Why didn't he mention anything about our flag?
It sucks! The colours...yuck! Please someone get that man to change
those colours.
That's all I have to say on this.
Don
Wanariskmailyf
Male', Kaafu Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 17:23:04 (MDT)
Sappe', you have made history once again! Your interview on BBC was on TVM twice making it the first time anyone has publicly called for Gayyoom's resignation.
Your comments were not only good, but precise and intelligent. We love you and support you! You should be our next President, you are educated, you have guts and you are able, we need nothing more! We know you are capable too! No one has ever been able to do this in Maldives.. go for it .. we are with you all the way! We love MDP too!
Hassanu
Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 16:18:57 (MDT)
Does
Maldives need a Prime Minister?
Why is Gayyoom so interested in appointing a Prime Minister. Already we
have too many ministers who are sucking Maldives blood. We don’t want
have any body for a names sake. Do we need two separate offices one for
President and one for the Prime Minister.
This is another way to swallow Maldives wealth on his families luxury
life style. For example if he appoints one of his brothers or perhaps
his daughter Dhunya they will need separate state of the art
accommodation, yachts, and another holiday paradise like Aarah.
There are more important things than having a new position introduced to
the country. We only have 300,000 people to govern. We don’t need 20
ministries and an unfit minister like Abdullah Hameed.
Even now the constitution allows to appoint a vice president? If the guy
wants to run things and share his duties why don’t he appoint a vice
president, a person who will go to the drain with the president.
Are we all going to wait and see Gayyoom introducing a post for each of
his family member?
Can someone please get rid of this guy? It doesn’t matter how. This
bas**** makes me sick.
Maumoon Makes me sick
LA, LA USA - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 15:16:53 (MDT)
If any of the readers have any questions for our President Mr. Ismail Saadiq or to MLD in general, you may please contact us at mldcanada@comcast.net. We will pass it to the appropriate office for their comments and response.
MLD
Canada
Vancouver, BC Canada - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 12:13:31 (MDT)
I completely missed Maumoon's speech, and am just wondering what all this talk is of a "30 seconds"! Can someone explain to me what it is about? PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ?
Aisthu
London, UK - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 12:06:41 (MDT)
Hi
guys
You guys didn't' get the message Gayyoom wanted to give to the public.
His 30 second speech is a very meaningful speech and is intended to be
a historic one indeed!
The first 30 seconds represent the number of years he plans to be the
President of the Maldives in the first place to carry out the task of
developing (or democratizing) Maldives. He stopped short of his speech
at 22nd second and told the audience sarcastically that he wouldn't be
able to finish his speech within 30 seconds. And he was going to take
more time if it was required....
That represents how he intended to ruse public with reform talks once in a while...
And what happened after the 30 seconds? He didn't' stop!
That
gives us the clear message that his intention is to continue to hold the
power by any means even after the 30th year. From his speech I get the
impression that he will become either the President for life or King of
Maldives will leave the job of running the country to a new post called
"Prime Minister".
Sounds crazy to you guys? Only time will tell the truth.
By the time we realize everything time may be way over 30 seconds for
us...
Iujaz Naseem
Makunudhoo, K Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 08:44:15 (MDT)
Something very interesting is going on with The Maldivian website. A lot
of the links are not even working on the site. Feels like a major
overhaul of the site. Or maybe they just had enough and are packing
their bags....
The Maldivian?
Hulhumale', Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 04:37:40 (MDT)
I saw
the following in Anti-MDP site and it was interesting. I never thought
that this guy is going to cheat us until 2018.
The question is how can we trust him again. We have heard far too many
times Gayyoom calling Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! It was just few years ago he had
this grand vision, just because he saw a very detailed plan written by
Saadiq. Now under immense pressure he comes out with some cosmetic
reforms. We already have a constitution, which he claims give us all the
freedom we deserve. Read his letters to Amnesty International defending
the rights of the people and the wonderful constitution he crafted. If
he cannot deliver on his promises, how can we trust him for wider
changes? Our children are grown up. They waited all their lives to see
these changes and we cannot convince them to ask our grand children to
wait until Gayyoom is done with Maldives. If we allow him under a new
constitution, with all these wonderful reforms, we are talking about
2018 just two years short of his vision 2020. You think he will go! You
must be kidding!
The
reforms Gayyoom is suggesting (God knows whether he has asked his
brothers, brother in laws and nephews and nieces not to accept them) are
vague statements. We already have wonderful laws, but it is he who only
interprets them. My question is will he deliver and when. He has the
legal right to hold the Special Majlis whenever he likes, and the last
time it took over 17 years. Are we to expect these reforms in 17 months?
And before it is done, it would go through numerous committees who will
read every constitution in the world (and many members would need the
translation, which would take years not months). Soon we will forget
about this wonderful speech, until next (2008) Presidential election.
After he is elected he "might" endorse these reforms, which gives him
another two terms, which means he is going to suck us dry until 2018. In
between he might see another dream and tell us these reforms are against
our belief and religion. So we have to change the constitution again.
Another 17 years for his children to rule us. It is wrong on your part
to make us feel that many of us are dreaming to see a change in our
leadership. On March 20, 2003, the dictator in Iraq never thought the
Americans would invade his country and drive him into a rat hole.
Americans are not going to invade Maldives to remove Gayyoom, but
dictators like him, must not take for granted that they could torture
their people all the time and expect the west to give a blank cheque.
Besides, the fact that political pressure from the west and within
Maldives forced Gayyoom to make this statement is a monumental victory
for the reformists who are tirelessly working to make peaceful changes
in the country. But let me assure you???.they are not dreaming!
Rushdy
Perth, Australia - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 04:10:37 (MDT)
Where is Saadiq.? How can we believe him when we don't see Saadiq? Isn't this the right time for Saadiq to come out?
Question
Islamabad, Pakistan - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 04:04:28 (MDT)
When Gayyoom wrote our present constitution he was so adamant not to allow a woman to lead our country. He told us it was against Islam. Yesterday he had a wild dream and he realized that the two largest Muslim countries in the world, namely Indonesia and Bangladesh (Pakistan also had a woman PM) are run by women, so why not we incorporate them into our new (amended) constitution. Vow! Brilliant! Good job, but how can we explain to our children that we had various public holidays in the Maldives in the eighties and early nineties only to be turned around by Gayyoom and to tell his subjects, I think we don’t need them anymore, so we don't have to “remember” those days, so I am going to change them. This same Gayyoom told the Maldivians and all in Makunudhoo that buying, selling, delivering and assisting anyone else to have liquor is Haraam and tourism is the end of Islam in the Maldives. He quoted the Surat Al Ma’idhah verse 90 and Surat Al_Bagarah verse 219 and also Salih Al Bukhari Hadith 5499 & 5590. Today he calls tourism the goose that lays the golden eggs and he makes more money on import duty on liquor than any another beverage imported into the country. And he feeds his children, himself and you with all this Haraam money. He has no place in the Maldives, and it is time for him to go back to the teachings of Islam. Surat An-Nisaa Verse 17. “Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards: it is they whom Allah will forgive and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All Wise.
Jamburol1 - Anti-MDP forum posting
Oh my Gosh! Is this what Maldives is really like? What a man you have for your president. I couldn't believe what I was reading here. If it is all true, then man, I am telling you folks, you are doing a great job.
Paul
Brisbane, Australia - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 02:13:55 (MDT)
After listening to what Gayyoom said yesterday and after seeing what Saadiq has to say about "the new reforms" it is more than clear, the difference. Saadiq is calling for Gayyoom to disclose the government's expenditure and to make them available for public scrutiny. This is a "no no" for Gayyoom. The new reforms will take time and will only come to effect on January 1, 2020. My dear friends, listen to Saadiq. He knows what he is talking about. He knows how to operate his party in and out of Maldives. We support you Mr. Saadiq. Mr. Gayyoom, we want the reforms Mr. Saadiq had laid out in his DP.
Nasheed
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 02:09:44 (MDT)
What
I WANT Mr. President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom to do is to let us speak Our
minds freely. Being a citizen of Maldives I believe I have every right
to ask Mr. President of what I want. I want us to be able to talk about
anything with out any fear. WITH OUT him being practical about this
issue of letting us speak our minds, I wouldn't believe a single word he
says about reform.
Its just not a single day, 20 days , a month or for a year that we want
you to let us speak what goes on in our mind. We want TRUE FREEDOM OF
SPEECH for ever.
WE THE YOUTH WANT TO SPEAK OUR MINDS FREELY. Mr. President can you hear
us. I'll repeat again; WE WANT TO SPEAK OUR MINDS FREELY.
We want to criticise and fight corruption. We would love to debate. We
want to educate our people. We want to live happily. We want a better
society. A society without drugs. We want our kids to be happy by being
able to say what they want to say, with out any fear. We want our
children to have confidence in them. We want to make Maldives a better
place for us, for our children and for all.
Will you let us do that, and many good to the nation , by allowing a
simple thing to be practiced, which is to be able to say what we want to
say.
I don't believe that you would say that that you didn't hear the voice
of the youth. So why don't you make it happen. Just DO IT.
Sharah
Ahmed
Cuba - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 02:04:23 (MDT)
We have heard your (Mr. Saadiq's) call and it is loud and clear. Many people who listened to Gayyoom's speech had no clue what he was talking about. But, after seeing what he does inside his palace with all those women, no one is going to believe him anymore. Now we know the story about "Milkmaid".
Raamiz
Velidhoo, Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 01:26:17 (MDT)
I agree with Mr. Saadiq. It is simply not possible for anyone to trust Gayyoom now. This is just kitchen politics. Gayyoom took weeks to refine Saadiq's development program and come out with his version of reform. Now we all Maldivians know why he came out with his 2020 vision and arrested Saadiq for 5 years. The fact was, he saw the DP and wanted to tell the people that he also had a vision...not only Saadiq. I will not be surprised, if we see Gayyoom next Friday giving a Khuthubaa and claiming reforms are un-Islamic and the people should reject his views.
Shukoor
Male, Maldives - Thursday, June 10, 2004 at 01:18:30 (MDT)
Why the hell does he keep calling it his ideas of constitutional/political reform? As far as I am concerned if it was his ideas it would have been implemented some 20 years ago. He does like to take credit for everything don't he? Now he wants to appear like there is nobody better than him.
His ideas?
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 22:37:16 (MDT)
I
have to say I am very impressed by Dhivehi Observer's work. You guys
even found out what Gayyoom was going to say in his speech way before it
was even given. You guys must have connections in every department of
the regime.
Gayyoom's speech read out like a Para-phrasing of your whole site. This
is historical stuff. "How to influence a dictator to cave in and change
their mind". Man I am impressed.
I believe all credit at this point in time should be right fully given
to Dhivehi Observer's founders, creators, editors and contributors for
the exceptional work you guys have done and hopefully will continue to
do so in the future. My hats of to you guys. You have made us very
proud.
One thing disappointed me though. Gayyoom made no reference to freedom
of press. Until this is rectified I hope DO will continue your work.
Gayyoom now needs to lift the ban on all dissent sites and allow all
dissidents overseas to return to the country without harassment and then I am
willing to give him the credit he deserves.
Lets just hope that Gayyoom keeps to his word and does not interfere
with the process of reform anymore.
Thank you
DO
Male', Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 22:22:49 (MDT)
Mr.
Fahmy.
Let me suggest you to keep your conversations within some constructive
perimeters. If you want to identify yourself, it’s just fine. But since
you have advocated yourself in anti MDP about their position on issues,
many of us felt you are trying to keep these arguments alive. Now that
you have shifted from Anti MDP to Anti MLD and now to religious issues,
I think it is fair for other readers to comment when you are wrong on
issues. Perhaps you may not agree with them and you don't have to. That
is your right, and all of us will respect you. But the notion that all
others are wrong and either you or Gayyoom is only on the righteous path
is not acceptable to many. I strongly suggest that you keep your
tolerance level where you also could accept some criticism. The fact
that you argued about the owners of Seven Eleven and your
acknowledgement that you were wrong and it was a "cute mistake" has
ruined your credibility to take your word anymore.
Ramzee
Dubai, UAE - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 20:38:16 (MDT)
DO
should have a quiz to ask people what could Gayyoom have said in 30
seconds that would have been most appealing to the people of Maldives. I
would say "I have destroyed this nation now I am quitting".
I listened in amazement at Gayyoom made a fool of himself. As the saying
goes "once bitten twice shy" Whom is he fooling or who was he trying to
hoodwink. We have heard him say before discuss, talk, write and share
your views. How many people with good intentions have done this and
where do they end up. Yes as DO calls it the Dhoonidhoo Prison Resort and Spa.
There was nothing new in his speech that had not been suggested before
by the ex MP for Male' Mr. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni). What happened to
amendments that he submitted to the Parliament. Nothing. The amendments
were swept under the carpet and along with that Anni was thrown out.
However, last night Gayyoom suddenly woke up from his sleep and decided
that the time was right for reform and repeated word to word what was
suggested before with an idiot smirk on his face.
The only thing Gayyoom can do and should do now is QUIT otherwise his end
would be BITTER.
Khadeeja
Sri Lanka - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 20:20:31 (MDT)
Who is Gayyoom trying to fool? It is Saadiq, Saadiq, and Saadiq all the way. Many thought it was his DP, which brought him to light, but after meeting his supporters, I am surprised how well they have been organized across the globe. I just saw his call for President Gayyoom to resign and how it was transmitted to his desk in minutes. Oh Boy! It is really the cutting edge of technology. I urge all the readers to join any movement of your choice. Many of us believe that there is very little we could do to bring this regime down, but I like Saadiq's call to contribute (not financially) by calling Gayyoom to make reasonable reforms and to point out to him, what you want to see as a Maldivian. Like any other human being, MLD insists Gayyoom must listen to the sufferings of his people.
Busra
Calgary, Canada - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 18:17:31 (MDT)
We don't need dogs to sniff the drugs inside the customs building. We want Maumoon to sniff his Palace for drugs. Send the dogs to Zamaalik and they will find the drugs. Ask your Foreign Minister Jameel Police Commissioner Adam Zahir how they get their supplies. The dogs are not the solution. It is your desire and intention. Please don't bring all the people to Dharubaaruge to listen how you are going to eradicate the drug problem in the Maldives. Maumoon, enough!
Hadee
Perth, Australia - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 18:03:35 (MDT)
Just to let you know that no one was willing to go and listen to all the crap of Gayyoom, but they were advised by their superiors to be there or face consequences. People are far too busy struggling to pay their bills and have no time to listen to this garbage from Gayyoom. I am glad many of you who are lucky to be out of this place are still working for our betterment.
Jamsheed
Villingili, Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 17:56:46 (MDT)
It is very disappointing to hear what Gayyoom has to offer. For 25 years he denied to let a woman become a President sighting it was against Islam. Suddenly he came out today and suggested that a woman is ok. Why is this 90 degrees turn. I am wondering whether his first prime minister is going to be Dunya so she could become the first female President of Maldives. My family has been very supportive of Gayyoom's government for a long time, but after I came here to study and met other people and witnessed how Muslims run their affairs, I came to a conclusion that Gayyoom's call for reform is just another hoax. Nobody is going to believe and even the reforms are written in our amended constitution, he is not going to let it happen. People have just lost their faith in him. I will support MLD as their views on women are far better than what Gayyoom is offering even after all the hesitation.
Hajja
KL, Malaysia - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 17:48:27 (MDT)
Dear
Junaid,
You are apparently suffering from Centophobia or may be Doxophobia for
which you need to consult a Psychiatrist. Your futile approach shot to
the matter at hand has fully demonstrated your genial imperfectability
to partake in theoretical, pedantic and academic discourses.
Therefore, your foul and awful words had degraded you and for that I
deeply forward my sympathetic feelings towards you.
So, Mr. Junaid, please be kind enough to understand my situation being a
student and that I won’t have time to reply your futile fruitless
arguments.
Thank you.
Alhan fahmy <alhanfahmy@hotmail.com>
Egypt - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 17:23:06 (MDT)
In
response to the following message in DO's guest book
"Fahmy, please leave your Islamic doctrine to your Anti-MDP site.
This is not a religious forum, besides we don't want to hear what you
think of Islam. Though Gayyoom failed to translate the Qur'an, most
Maldivians have read the translation in English and they also know
(about Islam) as much as you do. I spent 3 years In Pakistan and 8 years
in Saudi, besides I am now working in Kuwait as an Islamic teacher in
one of the most prominent International Schools here. I left my country
because we don't want people like you to tell us about Islam.
Unfortunately when we comment, you would be too glad to label us as
extremists and arrest us for one thing or another. Please go back to
your Anti-MDP site and teach the cronies of Gayyoom a little more about
Islam, a religion which calls for tolerance and to govern with the
consent of the people. We are armed with knowledge to confront on any
issues including Islam with your type of half baked scholars, but not in
this forum." Samee
Dear Mr.Samee,
I am glad to hear from you and proud to have known your educational back
ground as well as your present position [an Islamic teacher] for your
respectful self being a Maldivian citizen.
I would grant this opportunity with all my respect to you, to shed light
on the failure of the Maldivian government to provide the Maldivians
with a Dhivehi translation of Holy Quran has nothing to do with me.
Meantime, if your comprehension to my message is that my intention is to
spotlight myself a superior person, I would like to -for your kind
information- clear it out and plainly state, it is incorrect what you
have come to believe.
Secondly, I would like to clarify the reason where I have taken away
your temper and put such defamatory words in a learned person’s mouth.
What worried me about you is your wrongful judgment on me while I am an
unknown to you. Especially after you have said that you are armed with
knowledge to confront any issue of any field. This unexpected and
inappropriate performance of yours has taken me by surprise. I may be a
half baked scholar but how can you act like one?
Thank you and may Allah the Almighty guide you to the righteous path.
Alhan fahmy <alhanfahmy@hotmail.com>
Egypt - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 16:28:08 (MDT)
Gayyoom today presented his amended version of Saadiq's DP. Why on earth he wanted to make these reforms now? He should have come out with his own vision (which was in his 2020 vision) and told the public before this Special Majlis was even elected. His laid out his plans for his retirement, so he can remain in power for the rest of his life and appoint Yameen as his new prime minister. He will tolerate opposition like the same way Lee Kwan Yu had his opposition. The only difference would be to arrest their leaders even before they are allowed to contest. This is a white wash, please don't take his word. We don't trust him. Do we?
Janbe
Vancouver, Canada - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 13:51:06 (MDT)
Maldivian Government Run by a UK PR firm
The simple truth is that today the Maldivian Government is run by UK PR
firm Hill & Knowlton. Maumoon and his old team has run out of steam a
long time back and is bankrupt of vision and and courage. Since
November 2003 Maumoon has hired H&K - a UK firm to boost his image and
to defend his government against serious allegations of human rights
violation and corruption.
Maldives Youth Movement has inside information that H&K has recommended
to initiate the process of constitutional changes to buy time and as an
excuse not to bring about meaningful changes and to avoid pressure from
out side. Once this process began Maumoon wanted to conduct this process
secretly. Then again H&K asked Maumoon to seek public opinion so that it
will paint a good image towards his government for the time being. When
this didn't work H&K finally recommended Maumoon to come out and talk
about constitutional changes and to make non feasible proposals to the
public so that the public would end up taking a step backward and reject
a party system and a workable democracy. The purpose of 9th June speech
is to pre-empt any discussion by the reformers in the Majlis and to
emphasis that these political changes are coming because Maumoon is so
generous and wants change and to give an impression that it is he who
wanted changes and they are not because of any calls for reform by from
the young reform minded people. So that he will take all credits for the
constitutional changes, and such reforms were not emanating from the
19/20 September "kaarisaa". He would also like to show to the public
that he wants to reform the political system from 1980.
WE DO NOT WANT WORDS FROM MAUMOON, WE WANT TO SEE ACTION. If Maumoon
truly and genuinely wants reform he can bring real reform "WITHIN THIRTY
SECONDS". Fire Abdullah Hameed from the Majlis and cabinet, Yameen from
cabinet, STO & STELCO, Ilyas and Sammarey from the Cabinet, Seyku
Rasheed from High Court, give life to political parties in Maldives -
change will happen automatically without any need for a constitutional
change.
Maldives Youth Movement - Via Email <maldivesyouthmovement@hotmail.com>
Gayyoom Taking Bullshit
It is a pity that lots of people went to listen to the sh*t Gayyoom
talked about constitutional reform. We don’t need him giving his
opinions because we had patiently listened to this f*****'s opinions for
27 years.
Why the hell is he asking us to send our opinions to him? We don’t need
to him send our opinions to special Majlis. Male’ is a small place if
somebody wants to say something they can approach members who are
already elected. Or if he becomes bit humane everyone will give their
honest opinion. And the people who were elected had a duty to deliver on
their promise not on what Gayyoom wants.
Gayyoom has no authority to decide when Special Majlis will convene. If
he is deciding the agenda for the special Majlis, the Majlis members
should protest.
Don’t
we know the Gayyoom’s game? We are getting impatient. Your fate and your
families fate will be horrible. We promise in the name of our beloved
brothers and sisters that his family and his cronies will pay for all
this.
We will hunt you down from anywhere and bring you to justice one day.
Terminator
Male', K Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 11:40:05 (MDT)
Why
is Gayyoom trying (again) to waste our time and money? We really don't
need his views on the constitution. It took him ages to get one and
after few years, he now wants to amend it? When did he become a
reformer? My dear friends please don't pay any attention. This is just
another PR gimmick. He must show to his cronies that the $2m he gave to
his son in law (Bangaalhee) is justifiable.
We don't trust him and doubt any one does. If he wants to change the
constitution, just change it. He has got his rubber stamp parliament and
arrests anyone who says anything in the Special Majlis. Why do all this
stuff?
For years he did not pay any attention to Saadiq's DP, because he
thought no one would ever see it, besides he thought it was under lock
and key. Saadiq wrote over 100's of letters to Gayyoom to release his
documents and to keep his money, but he refused because he knew they
were more important than the money. Rumours in Male' are that Isthafa
released the hard disk to someone in the public who sent this to Sappe'.
Apparently he was not happy the way he was forced to resign from the
mighty defense ministry.
Others speculate Saadiq manipulated his contacts and got some of the
hard disks from the computers. However, military sources says Isthafa
was fired because he was linked to the order to the transfer those
computers to another warehouse giving room for people to see Saadiq's
grand plans for the Maldives.
According to reliable sources, Gayyoom has changed his speech 1000
times. He is still struggling to find out what would be the best way to
cheat us again and to drum beat his reforms in the press and pass on to
the western world. His popularity is dropping and the reform leaders are
emerging from their graves.
We are no fools any more. Stand up and join this march to freedom!
Sappe' hold that Maldivian flag high. We are all behind you.
Mohoju
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 11:03:19 (MDT)
Fahmy, please leave your Islamic doctrine to your Anti-MDP site. This is not a religious forum, besides we don't want to hear what you think of Islam. Though Gayyoom failed to translate the Qur'an, most Maldivians have read the translation in English and they also know (about Islam) as much as you do. I spent 3 years In Pakistan and 8 years in Saudi, besides I am now working in Kuwait as an Islamic teacher in one of the most prominent International Schools here. I left my country because we don't want people like you to tell us about Islam. Unfortunately when we comment, you would be too glad to label us as extremists and arrest us for one thing or another. Please go back to your Anti-MDP site and teach the cronies of Gayyoom a little more about Islam, a religion which calls for tolerance and to govern with the consent of the people. We are armed with knowledge to confront on any issues including Islam with your type of half baked scholars, but not in this forum.
Samee
Kuwait, Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 10:09:22 (MDT)
Alhan Alhan Alhan, How are you mate?
You not getting angry at me are you? You seem to have lost your argument somewhere along the way it seems. You are trying to turn around this whole things into polytheism and Jâhiliyyah are you? I never said I don't believe in god.
Now that I pointed out the flaws with countries that implement your perfect system and its failings you are trying to turn this around.
Tell you what, you stop this annoying way you talk to people on this forum and on your precious Anti-MDP site and I wont bug you either. How about that? YOU seem to think you can patronise people and still feel so self important.
And you think you know me and my mental capacity? Man you got no clue my Egyptian friend. You on the other hand seems to be out there trying to prove your ability to write in English and your fancy words. God you are pathetic. You know I can use fancy words too? But why bother. This 'discourse' needs to be understandable to the the layman as well, you know.
And don't hesitate to tell me what you think about me or my actions or my words. After all I am feeling free to abuse the cr*p out of your sorry a*se. You don't see anything stoping me do you? What pisses me off is that fact that you think you are better than everybody else and you seem to know it all. Like you have all the answers. You think I didn't study certain things that you have? And my 'mental capacity' tell me your ideas are a bit messed up and fundamentally extreme. Anyways...let me know what you think. Why don't you gimme another holler?
If you think there are failing in how your precious system is implemented, why don't you tell us how you think it should be implemented. While you are at it, why don't you tell me what your opinion is on state sponsored executions, decapitations and human rights abuses that your system allows. And tell me, what practices do you think need revising?
Junaid
Paris, France - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 08:59:19 (MDT)
In
response to the message by Junaid on the Dhivehi Observer’s Guest
Book, on Sunday, June 06, 2004 at 23:01:34 (MDT)
Praise be to Allah; we praise Him, seek His forgiveness, and turn to Him
in repentance. We seek refuge with Him from the evils of our souls and
the evils of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide, and
whomever Allah leads astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there
is no god but Allah alone without partner, and I bear witness that
Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
The conflict between Islam and secularism is nothing new. It is the old age struggle between Islam and Jâhiliyyah; the way of ignorance that comes in different forms and various symbols but it always has the same denominator-polytheism. The conflict between Islam and secularism is none but the conflict between Jâhiliyyah and Islam. [The word Jâhiliyyah refers to the times of ignorance before Islam]
With regard to the historical conflicts between Islam and polytheism, it doesn’t surprise me to hear your full rejection to my call for the implementation of Shari’ah (Islamic Law) in the Maldives which makes no much of a difference to me either you reject or else. Nevertheless, for your misconception of the subject, it is my obligation to keep you clear that Islamic law is neither by the Egyptian graduates nor by any other human beings. Islam has no place for such brutal, inhuman practices like dictatorship and the like. Therefore, revision of practices (not divined injunctions) is needed. It is not the revelatory Quran and the Sunnah that need any editing or revision. What need to be re-examined are fallible human interpretations and practices. Therefore, either it is Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or the Maldivian government who failed to implement the Islamic principles as it was revealed, you need to understand the fact that Islam needs not to be modified or left behind but the practice shall be examined and replaced in accordance with the divined law of Allah the Almighty which I am calling for. And Insha Allah (if Allah wills) the majority of my country will surely uphold Islam and they will encourage me and may Allah guide you and people of your belief to the righteous path.
Fortunately there is an emerging trend for betterment of our understanding of the matter, based on Quran and Hadeeth, not an alien and imported un-Islamic or non Islamic values and not on the basis of the existing oppressive and unjust status quo in many parts of the Muslim world. So you and your warnings fear me not to any extant and please make sure that the successors of Islam fear not their enemies. We have faith in Allah. Not that we are enslaves by materialism.
For further attention, your approach on the matter is not based on any empirical data and has no academic standards other than some ideas that I guess are based on your mental capacity. You need to learn and read more in order to assign yourself into such discourses. I hesitate not to speak the truth for that I advice you to learn before you come out to criticize Allah’s law which is beyond Intellectual capacities.
Islam is a tolerant religion and I do have the strength to tolerate your words of defamation that you may be accounted on the day where you shall take the accountability of every single act you’ve done in this temporary life that you are confidently ready for.
Ignorance is the key to failures.
Thank you.
Alhan Fahmy <alhanfahmy@hotmail.com>
Cairo, Egypt - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 08:44:59 (MDT)
I think we should continue with these cartoons. This is working. The people in the islands have no idea how these things pops up on the computer and when I showed this to my neighbour, he told me "Now I know what is going behind those (Theemuge) walls, This is what this man does after he comes out and preach the people about Islam. His end is going to be worse than Amin Didi". Yes it is working and there is no need to stop these cartoons. This is transferred to every notebook, desktop in Male' and the islands. The Katheeb's and their folks are going to believe this. Please don't stop this, instead we need more. This is not Gayyoom's preachings. This is a forum where we could freely express our opinion. Please don't make this a religious issue. This is much more powerful among the people than long essays about freedom and democracy. A picture is a thousand words.
Cartoonist
Male, Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 07:40:08 (MDT)
Sappe', any cartoon drawings which desecrate the Maldivian flag should not be in your website. That is an offence to the nation and all Maldivians.
Citizen
Here, There - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 06:38:37 (MDT)
Hi
guys
Just now Mr. Sammarey has informed all the Cable TV Networks though the
island offices that all the networks must transmit the live coverage of
Gayyoom's meeting tonight with the new special Majlis. and also Sammarey
has informed all the cable network not to transmit TVM's EURO Coverage
on any of the network. But his regulations on Cable TV says in its
clause 4.2 says that each and every Cable TV Network must carry TVM's
signal with out any changes on time on one of their channels. Now you
people will know how much they carried out the rules they made. Mr.
Sammarey is acting on behalf of MESCO Ahmed's Cable Net as a marketing
Manager.
Information
Male, K Maldives - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 04:25:15 (MDT)
I LOVE THIS PAGE. PLEASE, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
MGBADA
JOE ABA NAIJA <MGBADAJOE@ABA.COM>
ABA NAIJA, ABA BENIN - Wednesday, June 09, 2004 at 03:36:21 (MDT)
"He is bad, but it is bad taste to allow posts like the one showing Gayyoom playing with the body of a bikini clad woman. That is sick." one post reads. Brother, that is not sick! What is sick is that this horrible and disgusted man has allowed the killings and torture of our men and women in jail, who are supposed to be under state protection; what is disgusting is that this nasty man knows no other way to rule but with fear and intimidation; what is disgusting is that he lives like the King of Brunei when our people are not able to fend for themselves; what is disgusting is Maumoon, no cartoon can justly show how disgusted and sick the great majority of Maldivians are about almost everything this bast*** does!
All you can comment is the cartoon hah, what about the truth that is revealed here!
Breaking Haaroon
Male', Maldives - Tuesday, June 09, 2004 at 08:35:55 (MDT)
We have received instructions from the President's office to check all computer usage in the islands. A highly classified message was sent out this morning to all atoll chiefs and island chiefs to report any use of computers in the islands. Freedom and democracy.. a dream lost and gone for many!
Breaking News
Ministry of Atolls, Maldives - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 23:15:34 (MDT)
The
latest cartoon of the massage parlour with a man and a woman, especially
how it is portrayed may give the impression of the conditions, or
behaviours that promote stereotyping of social roles based on
gender (sexist impression, especially toward women). What if it was a man
lying, instead of a woman? Hilarious though.
Aren't the women gender being discriminated here?
It gives me the impression that the current regime is encouraging the
community to participate in acts which degrades the women gender, by
allowing these kinds of parlours to be operated? Its not only in Maldives
that people receive, women or men who are involved in the "massage
industry" with a negative eye. Should it be like that? I leave that to
the audience to judge.
cartoonist
Johannesburg, South Africa - Tuesday, June 08, 2004 at 23:00:22 (MDT)
The objective of DO now is to obtain release of the relatives of the MDP bosses. This is why you are failing the support of the people. We need more investigative reporting like the one you published how Ilyas and Maumoon swindle our money. The people were desperate for a solid evidence of viable alternative to this terrible government and only Sodiq was able to produce one. I think unless you guys could come up with some program soon, the people won't standby and listen