:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Just who do they think they're kidding?

By Fathimath Shimla - 8^th October, 2004

The Maldivian government has spun many a fairytale in its time, trying to trick Maldivians and foreigners alike that all is well in the Republic. However, their web of lies is becoming increasingly obvious to even the most trusting of observers.

The events of the last twelve months have been unprecedented in recent Maldivian history. The mounting pressure from ordinary Maldivians for democratic reform - expressed so visually in the pro-democracy rally of 12^th-13^th August - is making a nonsense of the government's claim that everyone is happy in 'the sunny side of life'.

President Gayoom's 'It's simply not true' assertions are starting to make him look ridiculous. The government's line that pro-democracy supporters are apparently all at the same time - Zionists, Islamic fundamentalists and Christian colonialists seems to be, shall we say, a little off message.

Foreign diplomats in Colombo and New Delhi have been making it clear to representatives of the Maldivian government that they are not believed anymore. Privately, diplomats complain that meetings with the Maldivian government are becoming somewhat cringe-worthy. Maldivian envoys, red with embarrassment, have to sit in front of well-informed ambassadors and propagate Gayoom's absurd explanation of events. The latest claim, that Black Friday detainees were engaged in treason, is met with cynical smiles and rolls of the eyes.

The success of Dhivehi Observer and Minivan Radio, which is soon to launch a Minivan News website, are clear indications that the Maldivian people are also fed up with the regime's lies.

The question that begs to be answered is why the Maldivian government even bothers to make up nonsense that nobody believes. It would be more credible, and certainly more refreshing, if Gayoom stated some home truths: he doesn't believe in democracy, he's never believed in democracy and he has absolutely no intention of introducing democracy in the Maldives, despite his grand reform proposals.

If only someone would give the Maldivian government a word of advice: for goodness sake, stop embarrassing yourselves.