The Culture of Discontentment and The 'Haazaa Economy':: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Review

The Culture of Discontentment and The 'Haazaa Economy'

Mariyam Mohamed, 07 October 2005

A great number of Maldivian elite and intellects are an irresponsible bunch prepared to live on with this culture of discontentment, deprived of even the most basic rights. This statement might upset some but it is a fact. We all know what is happening to our wealth and money and most importantly the suffering of our people but obviously we are not prepared to really deal with the problem and correct things.

Anyone who runs a business or a top job in government will understand this argument. Some people start businesses to get rich and make lots of money whilst others do it because they want to contribute to the local economy as well. To get rich in Maldives there is a very easy formulae and that is to suck up to Gayyoom and his cronies. And to get promotions and power, the same is sufficient because end of the day educational qualification and experience matters little to Gayyoom in selecting people for public offices. Those who resisted this have suffered a great deal over the years and continue to suffer even today.

Today our country is almost bankrupt and 'Gayyoom's Haazaa' Economy has obviously failed quite dramatically. Gayyoom's economic policy was based around his survival and prestige nor matter how destitute people were and to what extent public services such as health and education are compromised.

With Gayyoom's Haazaa Economy, he ensured that those who worked for him in various different ministries and departments as well government owned companies were all well looked after. Of course, this was made possible by ensuring that the majority of the law makers – the parliament – were devoted to Gayyoom no matter what he does.

In the past those who tried to stand up for the truth and for our rights in the parliament have been jailed and tortured. It is only now that they have a small voice of the people and with the increased awareness of Gayyoom's corruption and abuse of power, people are now prepared to take risks and challenge his illicit activities like never before.

For all these years, Fisheries and agriculture sectors have been ignored by Gayyoom because he knows that these sectors can produce greater prosperity and contribute to the social development of the nation. This is why he did not allow private sector to engage and develop these sectors.

Let us just remind ourselves of the disparity between us the average Maldivian and Gayyoom's cronies. His family members, his cabinet members and business tycoons who where made by him. They have all the riches of the world whilst the vast majority of Maldivians have to beg around to make ends meet. Fulltime employment should suffice to provide one with a decent living but when run through Haazaa Economy it is the opposite.

It is really time to wake up and challenge these injustices. Just look around you and see how these cronies have managed to build skyscrapers and send their children to the most expensive schools and universities in the world whilst the majority is still living in appalling conditions without access to basic services such as education and health.

Shown below are some of the many symbols of corruption of Gayyoom's 27 year era. On top of this, let us also remind ourselves of his others blunders such as FPID scandal, Air Maldives Scandal and the recent South Thaufeeq scandal. No wonder the country is in debt and falling into an even deeper pit now.

A large chuck of you money is stolen from you. A very large chunk in deed.