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"Mohammed Nasheed, known locally as Anni, defeated the dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to become the Islands' first democratically elected president for 30 years." (Sunday Island, Colombo, November 2, 2008). Does this opening sentence from a newspaper article on the Maldives presidential election sum up how outsiders see President Gayoom's 30-year legacy?
Was this really Maldives' first democratic election? Surprisingly, President Gayoom's own pronouncements indicate that he himself believed there was no democracy in the Maldives till this election. For example, when an Al Jazeera journalist asked him last month why it took him so long to introduce democracy he replied, "… you must...er...recognize the fact that at that time we were a very poor under developed country. We didn't have even food for our people. And we didn't have any sort of education. And our health were...services were very very low indeed. So people were not ready for any modern form of democracy. I have been able to achieve great progress both socially and economically during the past thirty years. So now we are ready, we are ready for democratic reform so that's why four years ago I introduced this new agenda of reform."
So in Gayoom's words Maldivians were not ready for democracy before 2004. But were they ready for lack of democracy? Was Naifaru Dhohokko ready for being arrested for simply wishing he wanted to see another day? Was Gogo Latheef ready to be jailed for criticizing the government in the Majlis? Were Mohamed Saeed Moosa Wajdee and Ahmed Fayaz Hassan ready for being sentenced for writing critical articles?
During Gayoom's tenure, the Maldives developed into a premier tourist destination. Per-capita GDP rose from less than $300 to over $4000 dollars. The question is, how successful was the government in bringing the benefits of economic development to the common man?
When Gayoom came to power there were 4 government schools in Male. In the islands only one Atoll Education Center was in operation and another was under construction. When he leaves office, there are more than 300 schools. However there are concerns about lack of quality and discipline.
When Gayoom took office in 1978, Maldives was one of the most law abiding and crime free countries in the world. He leaves a society in which drugs and crime are rampant.
Finally how effective and efficient is the government administration that Gayoom nurtured for 30 years and handed over to Nasheed?
24 comments:
And surprisingly putting into more simpler words, mr gayyoom gave up his fight for presidency just a few days after the first round. More oftenly in the past unjust means were used to maintain his presidency, he could have done the same even this time with all the media attention and the world observing the election. But being a dictator and showing amazingly softer side to a bitter end makes me wonder if this could be his bigger legacy for his 30 years. the 14 days he had before november 11th is his best we have ever seen since his 30 years, n nothing more.
I don't deny that our Tourism Industry didn't develop through the hard work of investing Companies and Government policies towards the Industry.
But i deny the development of our country under Gayoom regime, because the monies received from the golden period of the boom in tourism was not reinvested in any of the sectors of our economy nor the social pillars of our society.
The 300 hundred odd schools you mentioned skyrocketed to that figure when the Government nationalized all the private schools in the country during the late 90's.
Why did it take 200 years for America to elect a black president?
Nations simply dont change 360 degrees overnight.The 'one man' ruling system is a continuation of what Nasir left.
About the crime rate,why do you make a comparison of 1978 and the current state of affairs? Crime sky rocketed after the introduction of political parites.
As regards Maumoonu arresting people for criticism,this is something that is still inherent with us.I have been banned from blogs for writing anti MDP statements.
Was this really Maldives' first democratic election? Surprisingly, President Gayoom's own pronouncements indicate that he himself believed there was no democracy in the Maldives till this election. For example, when an Al Jazeera journalist asked him last month why it took him so long to introduce democracy he replied, "…
Definition of democracy has several meanings depending on the context.One meaning is to rule by man made laws.Anni's definition of democray is to shout in the street.Or disrupt the activities of other parties.Dhivehi oberserver's definition of democracy is publishing porn.
In my work sphere the word 'server' has so many definitions.It can mean a hardware or a piece of software..
Maumoon's legacy is that he was the dictator during last 30 years. It may seem little bit harsh and narrow minded, but i would like to stick with that. Anyone who wants to learn how to dictate, go to Maumoon. He has reached the levels that some has dared to go. Last 14 days was a classic. All the promotions to MNDF staffs and other GOV staffs. what the hell was/is he thinking. Does he even for a wee second thought for the benefit of the public, if it was not for his fame or fortune. The schools that you mentioned Dr Waheed, is funded by foreign aids and was planned during Nasir's era. Its just that these things was realised in Maumoons governance. The blue prints (vision) was done by Nasir and funded by foreign aids. Where did the per capita of $4000 go?. So i donot understand when President Nasheed say Maumoon is a visionary man. May be he means he is visionary in ruling the country as a dictator would rule. I will not hold any grudges against Gayoom, but will never forget what we have missed on in last 30 years.
under Nasir and Gayoom we had a demoratically elected dictatorship. The constitution gave them so much powers.They could even make laws,decrees,which had equal standing as laws passed by Majlis.The President was the supreme Justice.The President could give away Government/state assets and money to whoever he wants. He could give/fire all Govt employees at his pleasure/anger.
a lot of development did take place over the last years.A lot of super rich millionaires have been made.Their huge wealth divided by our population has given a theoretical 4000 usd per head.They do not even pay an income tax.We.Maldives, earn a lot of dollars, But these super rich were allowed to keep their easily earned dollars in foreign accounts.( I hope, President Nasheed does somemething to rectify this problem)
Yes, there is so much money with the super rich,there is a trickle down effect.
Gayoom was the friend of the rich.Even President Nasheed's own family belong to this class. resort owner class.
and now money talks. Parliament will be filled by cronies of the rich.
Its hard to believe this. People like Mohamed Shihab, Afeef, Zaki, Munavvar (with other members ofcourse), were the people who voted in Parliament for Maumoon as late as 2003. So who is here to blame for upholding this dictatorship for such a long period of time. Its the same people who now claim as reformers who did not bother when the had the authority. Shameful
"why did it take 200 years for america to elect a black president?" .....hmmm well my freind , why do you even ask that question?? Are you a racist , or do you have anything against people who are colourd, do you not believe we a all from different ethnicities yet humans. Americans saw a new leader a coloured man but did he not campaign , did he not raise issues and struggle a very badly going system in the us... did he not win the hearts of people. its not about taking many years to bring revelotion or to see something really different happening its about YOU n ME..... dont you love peace. dont you love happiness, or your mind is set only on greed and wealth... dont we all need CHANGE... this era is of CHANGE... its not abt RACE its not abt RELIGION but about PEACE n GOOD CHANGE.... so set your mind on that and think positive lets see and take part in good change for our own country as well as for others. GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
Anonymous 12.39 pm,
In a modern economy the state does not directly run businesses such as tourist resorts. But the state has a regulatory role to direct, guide and facilitate such enterprises. Maumoon did develop rules for zoning tourism and maintaining standards. (Were the rules good? Were they adequate?) Maumoon also facilitated tourism marketing by organizing to participate in fairs and festivals. (Did this have an impact?) I can’t see anything significant that Maumoon has done to help resort owners obtain investment capital.
Anonymous 7.51 pm,
Did crime skyrocket only after the introduction of political parties? Drug addiction had already reached epidemic proportions in 1997, when the Drug Rehabilitation Center was established. In 1998 prisoners fought with NSS personnel and burned down Gaamaadhoo jail. Evan Naseem’s death and Male riots occurred in 2003. Political parties came only in May 2005.
Anonymous 10.44 pm,
Mohamed Shihab or Afeef, Zaki or Munavvar or whoevever can only vote for the names on the ballot paper. In 2003, apart from Gayoom only a couple of guys like Nazeer Jamal and Winter Shareef were participating. Would you have voted for Winter Shareef had you been MP?
Currently the countries run as a single party states are known as dictatorships.
They hold elections their may be opposition political parties, their leaders are in jail.
If our democratic came during the 80's or 90's and if there were demonstrations, then Gayoom may have killed a lot of people and shown his true colors.
He is only staying in the Maldives to save face, to get public and world acceptance.... with in 1 year he will run off to some European country. He is staying here just to get world acceptance.
Law suites must be file sooner to expose to the world his crimes against humanity and theft from state coffers.
Maumoon is not a blog. he was a ruler and he tortured n arrested plenty of people for criticizing the then ruling government .......n i think that is a true fact... please read international news and blogs also not only haveeru.
I would vote for Nazeer Jamal. No difference. Some people wud prefer Anni. I ll vote for Nazeer. Winter Shareef spent many years in Jail. He suffered more than Anni. Why not him?
I studied history in school.They taught me that a benovalent dictatorship is the best form of Govt.Look at South korea under Park.Singapore under dictator Lee kuan yu. Malaysia under MahathirSoviet union under Lenin etc.
and Maldives under Nasir and Gayoom. Democracy is chaotic. Remember Bismark?
To Anonymous,November 11, 2008 7:51 PM. ".... Nations simply dont change 360 degrees overnight.The 'one man' ruling system is a continuation of what Nasir left". This is very misleading. You seem to be trying to re-write our history for a generation that has already gone under the ground, and certainly not for the living. You seem to have forgotton that Maumoon ruled by Nasir's constitution because he found it more convenient than trying to write something new. May be you also forgot that Maumoon started to write a new constitution and took A GOOD SEVENTEEN YEARS! to complete it. Why didn't he write a constitution enabling multi-party elections then? Why did he condemned everyone who tried to intoroduce some level of democratic elements into it banished and/or jailed? So "The 'one man' ruling system is a continuation of what Nasir left" is utterly misleading.
MAUMOON'S LEGACY;
1 - NEPOTISM
2 – [ALLEGED] APPROPRIATION OF STATE FUNDS
3 - HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE
4 - ECONOMIC CRIMES
5 - DICTATORSHIP
6 - COMING TO POWER [WITH] AN ILLEGAL ACT
7 – [RESPONSIBILITY FOR] CUSTODIAL KILLINGS
8 - BANKRUPTCY OF STATE OWNED COMPANIES
9 - ******* FROM NATIONAL RESERVE
10 - LIVING LIKE A KING, WHILE AVERAGE MALDIVIAN EARNED LESS THAN A DOLLAR A DAY
ETC...ETC...ETC
(Parts of this posting edited because they appear to come under the purview of law on defamation. Words in square brackets have been added. The asterisks represent an inappropriate word. –Editor)
To anonymous 4.43 am,
‘Benevolent Dictator’ is a term applied, ALWAYS IN RETROSPECT, to an autocratic ruler in whose period the country achieved dramatic progress. There is no reliable method of choosing a benevolent dictator in advance so the concept has no practical value as a model of government. A dictator gets the chance to remain benevolent often because of the dramatic economic prosperity, because of which people remain satisfied and less inclined to rebel. Since people don’t rebel that much, there is little need to use the torture chambers.
Often a benevolent dictator becomes malevolent when the economic boom fades away. For example Suharto of Indonesia turned from benevolent to malevolent when Indonesia suffered in the Asian Economic Crisis of the late 1990s. Castro did not become benevolent dictator because his country did not prosper. (By the way this is the first time I saw Lenin described in this category.)
We voted for Anni, so why not Nazeer Jamal and Winter Shareef?
"Why did he condemned everyone who tried to intoroduce some level of democratic elements into it banished and/or jailed? So "The 'one man' ruling system is a continuation of what Nasir left" is utterly misleading..."
And Zaki and Munnawar were the two people who opposed the idea of multi party system.How did they get a warm welcome from MDP?
Why not vote for Nazeer Jamal using the 'anyone but no maumoonu' philosophy? These are lame excuses..
Even Anni's govt contains many recycled elements from the 'dictatorial' govt of maumoonu
Even if he did not let the schools teach us Arabic he taught us English. I thought the word "modern" was relative to time. So if Maumoon wanted a modern democracy in 1978 he could have established a democracy suitable for 1978 just like he did in the recent times.
Teaching a language and overhauling a political system are two different things.
I support and shall ALWAYS support Maumoon first and foremost because he is and has ALWAYS been a people's man.Never has he EVER had anything but a kind word and a smile for anyone.He is our first leader/president who made himself approachable to the common man.He taught us that even a president is human as well as humane.Thirty years in power had not affected his inborn humble demeanour at all.The aura of quiet dignity and sheer integrity that exudes from him gains the trust of and wins the the heart of everyone that he meets.Those qualities along with his natural geniality commands even those who strive to blacken his name to be respectful in his presence.
He built this country from scratch at a time when the people had all but given up on what we so readily and proudly call "our beloved nation" today.He is the person who envisioned the true potential that was hidden in our sleepy decrepit islands.His faith in the true worth of our motherland drove him to work tirelessly and valiantly to transform our existence from a mere speck in the Indian ocean into the modern metropolitan hub that we see today.It is from the seeds sown by him that we harvested the fruits that we are now enjoying.He made singing national songs and sporting our flags into "hip" culture.He is the person who deserves the real credit for ins tilling this new found patriotism in our hearts.
Maumoon is simply the best "veriyegge rivethi thassavar" that we have had in our history! However much people try to hide,deny and defy it,he still remains as "gaumugu hungaanugaa hunnavan emme ekasheegenvaa molhu keyolhu".Thank you for holding our hands during the transition period where we were crawling before we could walk.Some of us may have chosen to forget or overlook this detail (surprising how easily Maldivians can alter their memories at will to suit their own ends and means!) ,but I assure you that there are MANY among us who still remember and recognise that fact.God is a witness to the truth that we support and that is sufficient for us!NO ONE can erase the name of MAUMOON ABDUL GAYOOM from Maldivian history.
Maumoon,please do not give up on us just yet.Please do not let the dogs and vultures take away everything that we have ALL worked together to create.Please do not let these people violate the sanctity of our motherland just as easily as they have managed to cloud our sense of righteousness.They have betrayed and shamed us by their petty greed and ignorance.Please forgive those of us who have succumbed to their immediate craving for materialistic gains because they do not know any better.Please do not let our sweat and blood all go to waste-PLEASE HELP US SAVE OUR BELOVED WATHAN from these crooks.Today,we appeal to you because in addition to being the father of democracy,YOU ARE ALSO THE FATHER OF A NATION!Please do not desert us in our hour of need.We may have lost a battle,but together we can win this war!!!
-Thedhuveri Dhivehi Dhariyeh-
-Thedhuveri Dhivehi Dhariyeh-
born in 1999
kept close to relative of the then president
very much spoilt
RICH
well educated
no morale
ignores his/her neighbors
pretty much a loser with friends
a bit attracted to the same sex
AND BLIND.... literally speaking
Child from the Nation of Mauminniyyaa
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