Abdullah Waheed's Blog

MDP does not have any factional fights, or does it?

2011-06-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Two weeks back MDP Chairperson Mariya Didi resigned and Party President Dr. Ibrahim Didi promptly assigned Deputy Chairperson Imthiyaz Fahumy to temporarily discharge the functions of the Chairperson. Then all of a sudden, there was a meeting of the Party National Council, which ousted Imthiyaz and appointed hardliner Reeko Moosa Manik as ‘temporary’ (for one year) Chairperson. Reeko promptly announced major policy changes for the internal working of the Party. Despite all these happenings, both Dr. Didi and Reeko insist that there is no factional fighting within MDP. Really?

The drama raises eyebrows for several reasons. For one, how did the National Council (which meets rarely) hold a meeting so suddenly? Who organized it? More importantly who organized the booing against Imthiyaz’s chairing the meeting? Why was Reeko selected for the post when he himself is a candidate for the permanent post of Chairperson? Who gave the mandate to temporary Chairperson to take major policy decisions, while sidelining an elected Party President?

Three years back, former MDP president Dr. Munavvaru told the media that no one can fill the post of MDP President unless he is willing to remain the puppet of party supremo Mohammed Nasheed. One thing is certain. MDP Presidents have been short-lived, be it Ibrahim Ismail or Munavvaru. Only time will tell how long Dr. Didi survives.

Feeding Expatriates in Ramazan

2009-08-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

In a move likely to be widely welcomed by the expat community in the Maldives, Trade Ministry has licensed certain designated restaurants in Male to remain open during the daytime hours of the fasting month in order to feed the large number of expat non-Muslims in the capital. Till now they have been facing considerable difficulty feeding themselves in Ramazan as restaurants catering to them were not allowed to remain open.

The ban was probably a vestige of the past in which the only people living in Male were local Maldivians, 100% of who were Muslims. This has changed now with 80,000 registered expat workers in the country, about half of who could be non-Muslims. Most of them have regular boarding arrangements with restaurants especially run for them.

Even during the past there had been initiatives to allow certain restaurants to cater to expats. But due to pressure from the religious lobby, such initiatives never materialized.

Before issuing permits the Trade Ministry has taken certain precautions to reassure the religious lobby that Maldivians will be excluded from the restaurants. For example, the restaurants are required to register their clients and check the identities of customers each time they are served food. Another interesting precaution is not to allow takeaways. This is baffling, as grocers and supermarkets do sell readymade food items during the day time.

Perhaps such illogical precautions are part of the price one must pay to keep everyone happy. All in all, Trade Minister Rasheed deserves congratulations for achieving something that could never be done in the past.

Hamas versus Islamic Militants

2009-08-15T19:40:00.001-07:00

In their publicity campaigns, militants usually describe themselves as soldiers of Islam fighting what they call the 'kuffaaru.' But often the ground reality is a bit different. More militant attacks are directed at their own fellow Muslims rather than at the foreigners who they are supposed to be fighting. For example, in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Sudan or wherever, the number of locals killed far outnumber the foreigners killed.

The recent fighting between Hamas and Jund Ansar-Allah is an interesting case. Security forces of Hamas, which is itself a militant outfit according to many, attacked the extremist group after they declared an Islamic Emirate in Gaza. The term 'Islamic Emirate' sounds nice but it smacks of the erstwhile Taliban government in Afghanistan. Obviously Hamas was not amused.

In the fighting that ensued, 40 militants were killed including the leader of the group, Abdul-Latif Moussa. None of those killed or injured were Israelis or Americans, and there is no evidence of their involvement.

[For more details click here]

Islamic Students versus Municipality

2009-08-12T08:10:00.001-07:00

The current crisis between the students of the College of Islamic Studies and Male Municipality is unfortunate to say the least. After all, the College is only one of three Islamic institutes in a country that boasts over 250 educational institutions run by the government. As such Municipality's decision to take over the plot of land adjacent to the south east corner of the college, which was reserved for the college, can easily be misconstrued as an attack on Islamic education in the Maldives.

History:

In 2004 the government decided to allot additional land to the College to allow construction of a new block funded by a friendly Arab country. Two houses, Karankaa Maage and Lilac House, were taken over after giving the owners alternative plots of land and a monetary compensation package decided by the Civil Court. However, before the new houses could be constructed and old houses vacated, the Tsunami struck.

Construction costs escalated in the post-tsunami period and the house owners requested for additional funds. Granting this request was complicated because the compensation package was originally decided by a court order and therefore not amenable to amendment without a fresh court order. Thus the matter dragged on and was finally resolved in 2008. By then the original project for college expansion had lapsed. So the land remained unused.

College of Islamic Studies:

The College was established as 'Mauhad al-Dhiraasaathul Islaamiyya' on 1/1/1401 AH (9/11/1980). Since then it has produced nearly 7000 graduates in various disciplines related to Islam, many of who are serving the nation as imams, lawyers, judges and Islam teachers. Mauhad graduates are well known for their discipline and high linguistic skills.

MAUHAD ALSO CLAIMS A DISTINCT RECORD THAT NONE OF ITS STUDENTS HAVE EVER GONE INTO DRUG ADDICTION

Will democracy work this time?

2009-08-08T19:42:00.001-07:00

AS Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed Stated in his address to India's Council of World Affairs in New Delhi, democratic reforms have been attempted on three different occasions in the Maldives since 1932. The earlier two attempts failed; but Shaheed claims that the current attempt could succeed.

While Shaheed does not specify the earlier two democratic movements, one can assume that the first of them was the one that ended with the label of 'Motor Boat Revolt.' The second was presumably the movement launched at the beginning of President Gayoom's regime, the movement that fizzled out and died with the 1998 Constitution.

Each movement was made possible during periods of weakness experienced by autocratic rulers. The earlier two movements failed when the ruler regained his composure. As Shaheed has also noticed the current movement is different in that the ruler was deposed before he could regain his authority. So it's left to the new ruler to complete the endgame. Will he stifle the movement if he does get full authority?

This time around there are certain safeguards against degradation into autocracy – independent judiciary and parliament. However they are not absolute guarantees. Parliamentary control can be regained through engineered defections. Judiciary can be cowed down by threats. So time alone will tell us the fate of the current democratic movement.

Gayoom and his Unsolicited Advisors

2009-08-01T19:35:00.001-07:00

Everyone seems to love advising former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on how he should conduct his life. The most popular pieces of advice are: stepping down from DRP leadership, leaving active politics and migrating abroad. The latest to join the list of Gayoom's unsolicited advisors is Nirja Deva, the European Union parliamentarian of Sri Lanka Tamil origin.

Mr. Deva advised the former President "it would be better for him to remain as a respected statesman like former presidents of other countries," Miadhu Daily reports. While speaking at a news conference in Dharubaaruge on Wednesday, he said "as the former President knows the international community very well, he can use his knowledge to seek advantage for Maldives at various international economic or environmental forums."

If one analyses individual pieces of advice Gayoom is receiving one would notice certain common factors. Firstly, most advisors have hitherto not been Gayoom's best friends and in fact many have been his avowed opponents till they suddenly decided to turn advisor. Mr. Deja himself had a rather lukewarm relationship with Gayoom when he was President.

Secondly, most suggestions appear to be of such a nature that if Gayoom accepts them, it would make life easy for his opponents. For example, the suggestion for him to leave active politics would remove from the scene a leader who still has the support of a significant share of the electorate. Similarly the suggestion for him to step down from DRP leadership could spark a succession war, weakening the party at a critical juncture.

So whose best interests do the advisors have in mind, Gayoom's or their own?

Herethere Case Drags on

2009-07-25T07:06:00.001-07:00

US $ 55 million is a sum of money that 99.9% of Maldivians will never see in their life time, let alone posses. But that is exactly what Yacht Tours, the company that leased Herethere Resort from Maldives Tourism Development Cooperation (MTDC), is demanding from the lessor as compensation for the loss of the island, which according to many tourism experts is unlikely to make any profit anyway.

So why do people make such extravagant demands at all? Simple: They often win, as Yacht Tours itself did a few years back when it won a $ 31 million dollar case against Tourism Ministry for disqualifying its bid for an island in Male Atoll.

This time however, Yacht Tours appears to have run out of luck. On Thursday Civil Court ordered Yacht Tours to pay a sum of $ 895,319 to MTDC in a counter-claim case filed by the latter. However, the main court case, that for $ 55 million filed by Yacht Tours, is dragging on as is the Company's occupation of the island.

Preventing Anti Social Behavior

2009-07-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Husnu Suood has taken a decisive step towards preventing anti social behavior by presenting to the Majlis a bill on the subject for the first time ever in the Maldives. The bill along with another related bill on gang violence will lay a comprehensive legal framework to address the twin issues.

Suood’s initiative brings to the top of the national agenda a grossly neglected area of social development –a neglect that has cost the nation heavily in terms of skyrocketing juvenile delinquency and uncontrollable crime rates. The magnitude of the social cost can easily be estimated by comparing Maldives crime rates with those of Singapore where a comprehensive program to shape the behavior of its citizens has been in place ever since its independence in 1965.

Police statistics show that the number of arrests in Maldives among ‘children’ below 18 years rose from 209 in 2001 to 564 in 2007. This increase is fuelled by drugs for which 164 people under 18 were arrested. For the related crimes of theft and violence 158 and 160 people were arrested respectively.

Study after study has shown that the usual route to crime is: School dropout --> hanging around street corners --> smoking --> drugs --> Gang formation --> serious crimes.

Many experts believe that children’s habits of staying awake till late at night and going out without parental supervision contribute to anti social behavior. The bill presented to the Majlis will address this and other similar issues.

The Day He Never Wanted to See

2009-07-20T19:34:00.001-07:00

"This is the day none of us wanted to see," a friend of mine, a strong MDP supporter, told me last night over the phone a short while after former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was taken to Police Headquarters.

"But I thought this is the day you have always looked forward to," I retorted. He used to talk frequently about bringing Gayoom to justice and how everyone must be equal before the law.

"Yes, I still want Gayoom to be held accountable. But I think what happened tonight isn't the way to do it, at least not the best way," he replied. "The simple question they asked him could have been asked without taking him there."

"It could have been," I admitted. "But what about equality before the law? Everyone else is taken to the police for such questioning."

"Equality is paramount," he replied. "But what about Article 128 of the Constitution, which gives special protection to him as ex-president?"

Drugs: The Doomsday Scenario

2009-07-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Within the next two to three years, two out of every three students in grades 8 – 10 will use some form of illicit drug, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has predicted, based on the findings of recent surveys –findings that reveal drug addiction among children as young as 9 years.

He made this statement at a function in Dharubaarugé Sunday night to mark the 119th anniversary of Maldives Customs Service, where he called on the Customs Service to continue to play their role in controlling drug trafficking into the country, stressing that no other institution has a bigger role in this endeavor. He assured customs officers that the government would provide its full support and cooperation.

Dr. Waheed said that inspection of the vast open areas surrounding the country would not be an easy task. He understood the difficulties they face in controlling the checkpoints and appreciated their diligent work, he said.

Summoning the Former President

2009-07-18T07:17:00.001-07:00

When someone takes an apparently futile action it is often because the real objective lies elsewhere. When the famous Presidential Commission, established to probe alleged corruption and embezzlement of state funds and resources, issued a summons to former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, not even the Commission's most ardent fans –Abdulla Haseen included –would have really believed he would come running like Mary's little lamb.

There is a case pending in the courts challenging the legal powers of the Commission to summon and arrest people. Former minister Abdulla Yaameen has also refused to attend the Commission pending the disposal of the case.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily the former President's lawyer Abbas Shareef has confirmed a summons was issued late on Thursday. Abbas stated the Presidential Commission was unconstitutional and as such had no authority to summon people against their will.

Spokesperson for the Presidential Commission, Abdulla Haseen, has confirmed that the former President Gayoom had objected to accept the commissions summon. Haseen said the refusal meant legal action will be initiated.

[To read more details in Miadhu Daily click here.]

Controversy over Decision to Investigate Judge

2009-07-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Government has thrown a spanner into the works by initiating an investigation against Abdullah Mohamed, Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, for allegedly obstructing a police investigation. The matter has now been referred to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

Under article 159 of the constitution, the Judicial Service Commission is entrusted with “the responsibility and power to investigate complaints about the Judiciary, and to take disciplinary action against them, including recommendations for dismissal.”

According to a press release issued by the President’s Office the cabinet has decided to investigate Abdullah Mohamed for obstructing a police investigation related to the 2008 audit report of Bank of Maldives.

Majlis Member for Naifaru Ahmed Mohamed, a former judge and member of the opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), proposed an emergency motion in the Majlis yesterday to condemn the cabinet’s decision to investigate Abdullah Mohamed. During the debate on the motion, the Majlis witnessed some unsavory scenes and the sitting had to be called off.

Opposition DRP believes the government’s decision was an unwarranted interference in the judiciary because separation of powers is established in the Constitution to prevent one branch of the State exerting undue influence over another. Article 141 of the constitution states that “no officials performing public functions, or any other persons, shall interfere with and influence the functions of the courts.”

However the Government stand is that under Article 115 (b) of the Constitution, the President is entrusted with the responsibility to “faithfully implement the provisions of this Constitution and the law, and to promote compliance by organs of the State and by the people.” Further, the government believes it has a duty to recover money owed to Bank of Maldives as soon as possible because the money belongs to the public.

Former Attorney Generals Dr. Hassan Saeed, Azima Shakoor and Dhiyana Saeed have condemned the decision of the Cabinet, one of them describing it as an “attack on the heart of the judiciary.” Former Legal Reform Minister Mohammed Nasheed has also described the action as “way off the mandate of either the president or his cabinet.” The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has issued a press statement expressing concern over the cabinet’s decision.

Presidential Salary and Pension

2009-07-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

The hottest topics in the Majlis these days appear to be the salaries and benefits for the president and vice-president and the pension and other benefits for former presidents. Two separate bills are on the table, one from the ruling MDP on the emoluments of incumbents and another from the opposition DRP on those for ex-presidents. As such this may be the right time to put forward some questions for discussion.

1. Should the salary of a president be linked to the GDP per capita?
The current GDP per capita per year is about rf 38,500 per year and the salary of a president is about rf 1,200,000 per year. Thus the ratio is about 1:30. Should this ratio be kept at this level or increased to 1:50 or perhaps 1:100? Using the latter ratio the presidential salary would be rf 3,850,000 per year (320,000 per month).
2. How many palatial mansions can we afford to maintain at public expense?
Maintaining a palace would each cost millions of rufiyaa per month, apart from the difficulty of finding suitable buildings for the purpose.
3. What is the purpose of providing security to presidents and ex-presidents?
If it is for ceremonial purposes to boost their ego, then each would require a platoon of troops. But if it is to counter real threats to the life and person of a president or ex-president, then the number of security personnel would be dependent on the threat level assessed by the armed forces. An ex-president also could face serious security threats. In 1953, the then ex-president Mohammed Amin was lynched by a mob, when he returned to Male from exile in Dhoonidhoo.

Temporary Marriages on the Rise in Iraq

2009-07-13T19:16:00.001-07:00

Samira, a 32-year-old widow and mother of three, couldn't believe her ears when her late husband's friend proposed a temporary marriage with her. "He told me it was going to be for pleasure and he could end it any time he wanted," she explained. "He was offering me in exchange a good gold piece and some monthly income."

The period of a temporary marriage, known as Mut`ah, may range from hours to months or a year. Women get payments that vary from $100 to $1,000 per month, in addition to receiving a gold gift or its equivalent in money on the first day of marriage. Sunni scholars concur that such relations are prohibited and that a marriage should not be limited to a certain period of time. Shiites consider Mut`ah permissible.

At first Samira felt absolutely offended and told him off. But after struggling for months to find a job to feed her children, she telephoned him and accepted. What she did not know was that she was jumping from the frying pan to the fire.

Taking advantage of her situation, the man came back offering half of the monthly income he had initially offered. During the six months of marriage, she was forced to lock her children in the bathroom whenever he came. But the situation got even worse when she became pregnant. He forced her into abortion and broke the agreement, leaving her to suffer alone without any support, and to bear the stigma of sex-worker in her neighborhood.

Temporary marriages are on the rise in Iraq's mainly-Shiite southern provinces, especially in Karbala, Najaf, Muthana and Basra. Though there are no official numbers, local organizations estimate some 200 temporary marriages take place daily in the southern provinces.

[To read more details in Islam Online click here.]

The Policy of Indiscriminate Privatization* is a Grave Danger to Independence

2009-07-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

By Rifat Afeef**

The current policy of the government to handover basic national infrastructure (health services, sea and air transport etc.) on 'commercial basis' to foreign companies is a grave threat to the future security of the country. I am not saying that 'commercial basis' per se is wrong. After all, the progress (in tourism and fisheries) we see today is the result of private enterprise on commercial basis. All I am saying is that if we hand over our basic infrastructure to foreign companies in the name of privatization we are likely to face its bitter consequences in the not too distant future. These consequences will escalate over the years, finally resulting in the loss of our independence.

Externalities~:

In analyzing why this will happen and why we will lose our independence, we must realize that in organizing and implementing any project there are two types of results. The first type includes result(s) one expects and plans for in the project. The second includes the unintended results of the project. This second type of result is called an 'externality' in economics. With few exceptions externalities are harmful. Thus 'externality' generality means the unintended harm from a project or an economic activity –something not accounted for in the project costing.

There are two main types of externalities. The first type includes physical effects that one could feel. The other includes intangible effects such as socio-political changes. Because socio-political externalities are difficult to perceive, we don't even realize their existence. It is this type of imperceptible externality, I am saying, would inevitably result from handing over basic national infrastructure to foreign companies in the name of privatization, affecting the nation's future. Today we can only speculate on things that could –over the years –have negative consequences. In my opinion, the easiest way to undertake such speculation is to take a look at the history of countries, which had experienced such pitfalls, either on their own or under external pressure. So let me take some examples of both types.

The case of Palestine:

Even though many people don't know it, the Palestine issue, which plagues the Muslim world today, is a consequence of mistakes made by Palestinians themselves. Lack of foresight on the part of Palestinians allowed Jews to displace them from their own land, though I must admit that the Jews also had laid a treacherous trap. But Palestinians fell into this trap on their own, voluntarily. Had the Palestinians themselves not sold their land for greed allowing Jews to settle there, there would have been no chance for western support for a Jewish state (in the form of Balfour Declaration) and no chance for Jews to take up arms and expel the natives. (It's wise to realize that citizens themselves bear a large part of the responsibility in destroying any nation.)

The Case of Hawaii:

The history of the fiftieth state of the United States in the nineteenth century is also a tragic saga of reaping the results of own mistakes. Kamehameha who united Hawaii allowed United States companies to acquire land for pineapple and sugarcane farming. The companies increased their influence and finally during the time of Queen Liliuokalani, the third ruler after Kamehameha, American forces entered the Hawaiian capital, house arrested the Queen and annexed Hawaii in 1887. It became the 50th state of the US in 1959. (Since history is written by the victors the details of this may not be found in western references.) Today native Hawaiians make up less than 1% of the population. More than 99% are the descendents of Chinese, Japanese and Pilipino immigrants brought by American companies to work in their farms (just like Africans brought to the southern states of the US) and Caucasians who colonized the islands. The native Hawaiians (a very small minority) are at the bottom rung of the socio- economic ladder in terms of income as well as imprisonment rates, for reasons related to the security of the state. (It must be admitted here that when Maldives was under British rule, it suffered less external threats than earlier.)

Attempts at Advocacy:

It has been ten years since I have been trying to bring to the attention of the elected rulers of Maldives the fallacies of some government policies. I made several attempts between 1999 and 2007 to bring to the attention of former President Maumoon some aspects related to development that may not be commonly realized. But the result was no better than drawing lines on the sea. When Uz. Maumoon ignored my pleas, in April 2005 I brought to the attention of individual members of the People's Majlis the dangers of some of the government policies and their possible consequences on national independence. But the result was zero. In 2007, approximately one and half years before the presidential election, I presented to MDP leader Mohammed Nasheed some of my writings on development policy. When I met him accidentally two weeks later he even said they were good. However since his election as president my attempts to get an appointment with him have been in vain.

Consequently the purpose of this article is to bring directly to the attention of the people, my 10-year long plea on the dangers facing the nation, a plea which has been ignored by elected leaders and representatives. I am doing it now because I feel that if the government goes ahead with its plans to hand over basic infrastructure to foreign companies in the name of privatization, it would jeopardize our independence. I want to convey to the people the consequences of what has happened till now and what is planned ahead, because things would go from bad to worse, leaving the nation in a bottomless pit.

The theme of this article is that development policy is broad and interrelated. This article gives only a very brief glimpse of this. More details are given elsewhere in my writings, the most comprehensive of which is a letter I wrote to members of the People's Majlis on 1st April 2005. These writings may be obtained by visiting my website: www.rifatafeef.com.

Notes:

*Original Dhivehi article uses the term 'viyafaari usoolu' here.

**Translated from original article by Rifat Afeef, well-known development consultant.

~Side headings inserted by translator.

What Next in Thimarafushi?

2009-07-11T19:18:00.001-07:00

One hopes that nothing more happens in Thimarafushi, now that the election results have been declared, giving Mohamed Mustafa of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) a narrow victory margin of 50 votes. Further litigation is unlikely to change the ground reality and will only vitiate the atmosphere further.

The most Ghassan Maumoon could hope for from taking the matter to the court would be nullify Mustafa's candidacy based on an old court case. If that happens many people in the constituency, particularly in Thimarafushi would feel cheated.

Whatever the truth, many Thimarafushi citizens nurse a long standing grudge that their island –the thickest populated in the area –has never had representation in the Majlis because of widespread vote rigging.

But today it is the moment of their victory. "I am very happy. This victory belongs to the people of this island and the history of this island is changing," an islander told Minivan News. "Because we have a lot of development plans. An airport, city hotels and a yacht marina."

So let the islanders enjoy their revelry and dreams while they last.

[Title photo from http://myislandthimarafushi.blogspot.com/]

Civil Service to Axe Five Permanent Secretaries

2009-07-10T02:43:00.001-07:00

Maldives Civil Service has given an entirely new meaning to the word 'permanent' by deciding to sack five permanent secretaries barely a year after they were appointed. Five is not a small number considering that they represent about 25% of all permanent secretaries.

The genesis of the problem dates back to last November, when the new MDP government took over and decided to reduce the number of ministries. This left some permanent secretaries in the lurch as their ministries were either dissolved or merged with other ministries. To 'solve' this issue Civil Service Commission (CSC) took the controversial step of assigning two or more permanent secretaries to some ministries, which according to most legal experts contravenes Civil Service Law.

Perhaps it is this ill advised step that led to the current fiasco. Had the Commission assigned the extra permanent secretaries as additional secretaries or joint secretaries at that point in time, it could have been acceptable all round. But in its infinite wisdom CSC refused to countenance this obvious solution all these months. It stuck to its guns so stubbornly as to vitiate the whole atmosphere. So in the end when CSC finally did accept the 'joint-secretary' solution under duress, there were no takers for it.

The way Maldives Civil Service is headed, it does not appear as if it is achieving its purpose. The raison d'être of a civil service is to maintain continuity in policy when governments change. Here we have a situation where 25% of permanent secretaries are sacked in one year. In the coming 4 years if President Nasheed decides to reorganize ministries a couple of times more, the remaining 75% could very well lose their jobs too.

It's not as if we are inventing civil service for the first time in the history of civilization. Why can't we learn how others approach similar problems? One thing we know for sure is that senior civil servants all over the world continue in their jobs (at least in rank and salary) till retirement age. That's why they are called permanent.

Banning Airtel Dish

2009-07-07T19:41:00.001-07:00

Some powerful forces in the Maldives are lobbying for a ban on Airtel dish antennas. We would like to believe that such forces are motivated by purely altruistic reasons such as protecting our culture and religion. However there are reasons to believe that it goes a bit beyond this.

The Airtel package is an India-based service that offers a large number of channels for the price of $100 per year, which works out to about Rf 100 per month. The cable packages hitherto available in the Maldives are priced at between Rf 300 and Rf 500. With this price difference Airtel dishes are appearing on Male rooftops at a rapid rate.

A few years back, the then Information Minister Nasheed had made an attempt to negotiate with local cable operators to bring down the prices. This attempt was blocked by the same lobbies, which today are gunning for Airtel.

To what extent our culture (or the lack there of) and religion (including our blatant disregard of its tenets) will be affected by the Airtel package is open to debate. But one thing is certain. Religious programs and pornographic material have been widely available in the Maldives for quite some time through imported CDs, video cassettes and radio, even before the appearance of dish antennas and the internet. If we are to close all these avenues we might as well get a time machine and transport us back to Stone Age.

Rethinking the National Anthem

2009-07-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Many Maldivians, particularly of the younger generation, appear to be having second thoughts on our current National Anthem. They believe the song is out of tune with the new generation and fails to inspire them.

Historically the words of the National Anthem were composed in 1948 by Mohamed Jameel Didi, and were sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, a traditional Scottish folk song written by Robert Burns. The tune was replaced by the current (composed by Sri Lankan maestro Amaradeva) in 1972, in preparation for the visit to the Maldives of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain (including Scotland).

Some people find the words of the National Anthem ‘silly,’ particularly the tendency to greet each and everything one sees. It is also argued that parts of the song are factually inaccurate. For example, the song states that the three colors green, red and white symbolize victory, luck and success. However, the three colors as used in the national flag have different meanings.

These issues however may not be good enough reasons to replace a song which has been in use for over 60 years. If one scrutinizes familiar National Anthems around the world, such as God Save the Queen, Star Spangled Banner, Jana Gana and Hatikvah, there are similar issues, which make them less than perfect.

Further, the existing song is truly Maldivian in its content. If a new song is composed today, it is likely to have much more foreign influences, be it Western or Arabic.

The melody of the song is a different matter altogether. In 1948 and 1972, we did not have experienced musicians to compose a national anthem. But today we do. So, should we still continue a tune composed by a foreigner?

Arresting Drug Barons and Controlling Drug Trade

2009-07-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

Whether the number of drug barons in the Maldives is six, or ten, or fifty or even hundred depends solely on how one defines a drug baron. For example if one defined a drug baron as someone who had more than $1,000,000 in assets believed to be the proceeds from illicit drug trafficking, then the alleged second drug baron, who was recently arrested by the police, won't qualify as one. But if the defining limit was set at $500,000 he could be one. And if one set the limit at $50,000, there could be more than 100 barons.

Statistically speaking one should set the defining limit at such a level that the drug barons so identified would collectively be responsible for most of the drug trade, say more than 75%. If one ignores this precaution, one could end up in an embarrassing situation where all the barons are arrested and the drug trade continues 'business as usual'.

In the run up to the parliamentary elections, President's Press Secretary Mohamed Zuhair told Minivan News that arresting the six drug barons would effectively stop the supply of narcotics into the Maldives. We hope he is right.

India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

2009-07-02T07:47:00.001-07:00

In a historic judgment, the Delhi High Court on Thursday decriminalized homosexuality by reading down section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. This section of the Penal Code is an archaic law from the British Raj era, which says homosexuality and "unnatural sex" is a criminal act.

Section 377 of the IPC as far as it criminalizes gay sex among consenting adults is violation of fundamental rights, said the high court. However, the section will continue for non-consensual sex and pedophilia. Any kind of discrimination is anti-thesis of the right to equality, said the court, while allowing the plea of gay rights activists for decriminalization of homosexuality.

Soon after the judgment, the supporters of the lesbian gay bisexual transgender (LGBT) movement rejoiced the moment of victory and called it as the "first step to a better future". "Great moment for us, we were hoping that the court will pass an order in our favor, we have kept our finger-across," one of them added.

[A Times of India report available here.]

When a Mother Sexually Assaults her Son

2009-06-30T19:42:00.001-07:00

Sexual practices among our supposedly pious community never fail to amaze or shock us. Take the recent case of a 41-year old woman assaulting her own 7-year old son to gratify herself sexually. And this happened in an appalling week in which another child abuse case –from Thoddoo –and a gang rape case were reported.

Some 'experts' have been claiming that the increase in such reported cases is because of more awareness and more reporting. This however may not be true. Crime reporting was much more complete in the past, particularly during the 70s and beyond, when it was near impossible to get away with a serious crime. Thus, it's more likely that the 'experts' are trying to cover up their own inaction.

It may not be out of place here to ponder on the type of moral education we give our youngsters. The mother would have entered school age in 1974, since she is now 41 years old. What have we taught or didn't teach since then to make her what she is?

[To read the details of the case click here]

Why Israel is Expanding Settlements in Occupied Territory

2009-06-29T19:44:00.001-07:00

The Israeli government approved on Monday, the expansion of a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, despite repeated American and international calls for a total freeze of settlement building. Some 280,000 Jewish settlers live in more than 120 settlements scattered across the West Bank, which Israel occupied in the 1967 war.

For Israel, expanding the settlements –with the possibility of them becoming the accepted status quo in the future –is the biggest weapon in its armory to force Palestinians to accept a peace deal. Israel's main goal is peace and security, which cannot be achieved without such a deal.

For the Palestinians the main goal is to see Israel disappear from the Middle East map. Their biggest weapon is militant attacks on Israel to scare away its residents and also force Israeli government to make concessions.

Under the internationally-backed roadmap, Israel must freeze all settlement activities and dismantle 22 outposts constructed after March 2001. The international community considers all Jewish settlements on the occupied Palestinian land illegal. However, none of the two sides has accepted the road map. So Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank and elsewhere and Palestinians continue targeting Israel.

[To read a report on the settlements on Islam Online click here.]

IGMH Spends Rf 849 to Serve 1 OPD Patient

2009-06-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

IGMH spends an average of Rf 849 to serve each patient, Auditor General’s Report has revealed. We can assume that this figure will approximate the cost of an OPD consultation because over 95% of those served in IGMH are OPD cases according to the report. This is far above the average of RF 100 charged by the private sector for OPD consultation.

So IGMH will save considerable expenditure if it allows private doctors to come and practice in its OPDs. Even if the hospital pays 100 rufiyaa per consultation to the doctor, the hospital will still save more than 700 rufiyaa per consultation.

It is not that difficult to identify where IGMH’s wasteful expenditure goes. The Auditor General’s report highlights several areas: poorly planned building construction and modifications, purchasing unused machinery, poor maintenance of equipment, etc.

[Read the details of Auditor General’s Report (Dhivehi) click here.]

What is at Stake for MDP and DRP in Thimarafushi

2009-06-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

In a 'raazuvaa' (Maldivian Chess) challenge match, the player who wins the last three games swaggers away in triumph, irrespective of how many rounds were played earlier and who won them. Winning the Thimarafushi seat in the re-poll scheduled for 11 July would give MDP a raazuvaa type chance to walk away like a winner, despite the setbacks it suffered in the main Majlis elections.

For DRP on the other hand, a defeat for Ghassan, scion of their beloved 'Zaeem,' at the hands of Thimarafushi Mustafa, more famous till now as a sea cucumber merchant, is unthinkable. DRP revolves around Zaeem and Ghassan is his anointed successor.

Earlier, the High Court of Maldives had annulled the results of the two ballot boxes polled in Thimarafushi on 9^th May, citing the prevailing atmosphere, which in its opinion was not conducive to a free and fair election. The Court ordered a re-poll be conducted after establishing a more ambient atmosphere. This has left the two main candidates gunning for each other.

Miadhu Daily reports that Mustafa believes some people had spread stories and created confusion and doubts on the situation in Thimarafushi on Election Day. He says these stories were spread after Ghassan was sure of defeat. Mustafa also claims he has information that DRP is sending a group of gangsters to destabilize Thimarafushi and cause unrest.

In the meanwhile, Ghassan Maumoon has told DhiTV that the atmosphere in Thimarafushi is still not conducive for free or fair voting. He said election commission members and a large number of police officers must remain on the island to ensure peaceful and calm voting. Ghassan also complained that he had not been given the opportunity to hold a rally in the island.

Mustafa's chief weapon against Ghassan appears to be to raise chauvinistic feelings in Thimarafushi, playing on the fact that Ghassan is from Male. Ghassan's tactic appears to be to appeal to the youth by emphasizing Mustafa's age, calling him Mustafa Bey, which in Dhivehi has a double meaning (elder brother/old man).

According to an analyst, going by the results (not officially released) of the valid vote boxes in Guraidhoo, Gaadhiffushi and elsewhere, Ghassan has a lead of approximately 260 votes in hand. Mustafa needs to gain two thirds of the Thimarafushi vote to cover this deficit and win. This is not as difficult as it seems because Mustafa had earlier gained that much and more in the canceled results.

Will Flats Exacerbate the Crime Rate?

2009-06-25T11:53:00.001-07:00

Studies focusing on communities with public housing units have consistently found that these communities have higher rates of violence and victimization as compared to similar areas without public housing.* Further, public housing estates in Britain, the United States, and Australia are frequently plagued by crime problems.** Experience in the Maldives in relation to tsunami temporary housing and Sinamale also corroborates this, though no formal research has been done. This raises questions about the advisability of going for public housing such as flats, especially in a country already plagued by rising crime rates.

In nearly all islands with mass tsunami housing, be it Hulhudhuffaaru, Ungoofaaru or Bruruni, rifts developed between the immigrants and the local communities because of high crime rates among immigrant youth. And yet, the same youth were innocent young men before they moved into public housing and got involved in drugs.

Sinamale in the capital is a hotbed of crime, where drug deals are made openly. Under-age kids who work in regular shift duties to peddle drugs have become so rich that many of them drive battery cycles (too young to get license).

Considering these facts, how advisable is it to build more flats in Male and other crowded islands? This is an issue policy makers need to ponder.

References:

* http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/2/6/3/0/p126300_index.html

** http://cad.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/45/2/256

Fatal Attraction to Strange Pets

2009-06-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

Owning strange pets is a craze that's fast catching up in the Maldives. Apart from the usual cats and love birds, it's quite common these days to find cockatoos, iguanas, guinea pigs, monkeys and even tarantulas in Maldivian homes.

Many people who own pets actually think of themselves as animal lovers. But their love often becomes a type of fatal attraction that lands the animals in cruel conditions and sometimes death.

As a typical example, let me cite the case of the four parrots recently smuggled into the Maldives. Customs officers discovered them wrapped in plastic bags with adhesive tape and hidden under the boiler suits of the two smugglers. [See above photo from Jazeera]

Smugglers get away with this sort of cruelty because misguided 'animal lovers' who buy the creatures tacitly condone such actions. Further there is no comprehensive wild life protection law in the Maldives.

Of course, strange pet ownership is not restricted to the Maldives. Two-thirds of Australian households have at least one pet, according to Petnet. Loving pets is not new, but the way we treat them is.

Pets are becoming more humanized with Doggles (dog sunglasses), gourmet foods, portraits, funeral and cremation services. And it's a big money spinner.

Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in America, but some people prefer more unusual creatures for companions. Visit a pet store, and you may see snakes, hermit crabs, tarantulas, hedgehogs and even Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Some people even have alligators in their bath tubs.

Taliban’s Way of Silencing its Critics

2009-06-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

Pakistani Taliban has developed a rather effective way of silencing its critics: shooting them at point blank range. The latest victim of this method is Qari Zainuddin, 26, who often criticized Taliban head Baitullah Mehsud. Zainuddin was killed by a gunman in his office early on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Zainuddin criticized Mehsud after an attack on a mosque which killed 33 people. He told Associated Press: "Whatever Baitullah Mehsud and his associates are doing in the name of Islam is not a jihad, and in fact it is rioting and terrorism. Islam stands for peace, not for terrorism," he had said.

Baitullah Mehsud shot to infamy when his group killed former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at an election rally in Rawalpindi on 27 December 2007. Since then Mehsud has been blamed for a number of deadly attacks in Pakistan.

Earlier, a prominent anti-Taliban cleric, Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi, was killed on June 12, in an attack at his seminary in Pakistan's largest city of Lahore. He was outspoken in his opposition to the Taliban.

[To read the BBC report on the attack click here.]

Population Consolidation is Dead

2009-06-22T09:49:00.001-07:00

As a national development strategy, population consolidation is as dead as a dodo. After a quarter-century long attempt to implement the strategy in various forms and names, the time has finally come to put it in its rightful place: the dustbin of history.

The strategy originated in the mid 1980s as the 'Selected Islands Development Project,' though the word 'population consolidation' was not coined till the mid 1990s. The purpose of the project was to counter in-migration towards Male by providing 'pull factors' such as health care, education and housing in selected islands.

The strategy was a washout. When it was launched, Male population was less than a quarter of the national population. Today it is more than a third and increasing. Statistics indicate that the declining trend of island population has crossed the point of no return. Between 2000 and 2006 an estimated 22,452 people migrated from the islands to Male. This rate will accelerate further as services in the islands continue to deteriorate, ironically as a result of declining population, which has entered a vicious cycle.

When island populations decrease below a certain critical level, there would be a mass exodus from the atolls. Past experience shows that the critical level could be about 250 inhabitants, at which point basic services become near impossible even with subsidization. Cases in point are Maavaidhoo and Faridhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll and Dhiyadhoo in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Inhabitants of these islands have been desperately petitioning the government for relocation.

Fehendhoo, South Maalhosmadulu Atoll, is the latest island to join the migration queue. At the time of the latest Census in 2006, Fehendhoo had 114 people living on the island. The number has now declined to 64 in just three years. (This figure must not be confused with the registered population of 206, most of who live in Male). The 43 households in the island have requested for relocation to Gan, Haddhunmathi Atoll. The reasons put forward for relocation are the usual: lack of development opportunities, lack of education. Last year the island school closed because there were no students.

In Census 2000, there were only 17 islands with population below 250. But by 2006 there were 30 such islands, indicating the rapid decline in island population. These 30 will soon be on the queue for relocation. Even large islands are not immune from population decline. In 2000 there were 17 islands with population over 4000. However by 2006 the number of such high-population islands had declined to just 9.

The writing on the wall is clear. There are few islands with any potential to develop. The island population is declining so fast that soon there will be no population to consolidate. And finally there is no money to implement such mega projects. Population consolidation failed in the past; it will fail in the future.

“Sir also did it to me”

2009-06-21T11:20:00.001-07:00

The recent incident in Huvarafushi where a tuition teacher molested a 14-year-old boy highlights how often child abusers take advantage of their position as teachers, which automatically inspires trust especially if they teach certain respected subjects. But in this particular case the accused is a math teacher.

Mohamed Idrees, Saamaraage, Huvarafushi, allegedly took the 14 year old to his tuition center and lured him with porn videos before molesting him. According to the boy's family Mohamed had done this on four separate occasions.

Interestingly, this case might never have seen the light of the day if not for a protest march organized by Huvarafushi youth following another case of child abuse involving Hussein Naseer, a 21-year old van driver, who allegedly molested an 8-year old boy. After the march, the 14-year old got the courage to come out and say, "Sir also did it to me."

Baby Deaths from ‘Natural Causes’

2009-06-20T02:03:00.001-07:00

It's simply not enough to say a baby in custody died of 'natural causes.' A neglected baby dying of malnutrition or unattended medical conditions would also die of a 'natural cause,' it may be argued.

As far as international human rights instruments go, the word 'custody' does not refer exclusively to jails or police detention centers. It also refers to all situations where people or children are kept in institutions managed by the state, except on a purely 'voluntary' basis. Thus borstals and children's homes come under this definition.

It is the responsibility of the state and those in charge of custodial institutions to ensure that basic needs of the inmates are met, including food and health care. In addition to establishing systems and benchmarks to ensure that basic services are provided it is important to organize a system of regular inspections. Further, in case of any serious mishap like death, a full and impartial inquiry must be conducted.

Questions that need to be answered in such an inquiry would include: Was the child's nutrition adequately taken care of? Did the baby suffer from a disease? Was it treated for the condition? If the baby did not respond to treatment, was it evaluated for referral abroad? Was there any neglect, and if so who was responsible?

It's simply not enough to say one has regulations on paper. They must also work on the ground. And how does one conclude a baby died of 'natural causes' before the inquiry has even begun?

Who are the Tablighi Jamaat?

2009-06-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

The recent decision by the Islamic Ministry to allow a Tablighi mission to the Maldives has sparked a controversy because earlier a similar mission was banned by the previous government citing the Law on Protecting Religious Unity. So who is right, the previous government or the present government? The answer is both.

Each decision must be judged in its proper historical context. When the decision to ban Tablighis was made, religious harmony was quite well maintained in the Maldives apart from a few people who had a problem with reading (or not reading) Qunooth at dawn prayer. So allowing Tablighis into the Maldives at that point would have introduced controversies. So the ban was justified.

Today the situation is different. There are well established local extremist groups practicing Wahhabi Islam and related sects. They mostly share the world view of Wahhabis and Taliban that violence is the only way to achieve their goals. On the other hand, Tablighis prefer peaceful approaches to achieve their objectives. Thus bringing Tablighis would restore some sort of balance. So the decision to allow them now is justified.

But who are the Tablighis? Tablighi Jamaat is a Sunni Muslim missionary and revival movement. The movement follows the Deobandi interpretation of Islam; however their activities are not limited to the Deobandi community. Tablighi Jamaat is a strictly non-political, voluntary and independent movement. The main aim of the participants is to work at the grass roots level and reaching out to all Muslims of the world for spiritual development.

From the above one can guess that Tablighis will have many enemies who would like to defame them. So caution must be exercised in analyzing material written about them.

[For further information on Tablighi Jamaat click here]

Privatizing Schools

2009-06-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

Ministry of Education and Invest Maldives have announced opportunities for private investors in Maldivian schools. They told a group of 19 potential investors that four schools are up for grabs including Ameeru Ahmed and Ghiyaasuddin in Male, Afeefuddin in Kulhudhuffushi and Muhibbudin in Hithadhoo.

These four could evolve into elitist private schools like Eton or Doon Valley School, as Education Ministry hopes. But they could also flop like EPS, MES, Ameeru Ahmed and Nooraanee School, which were doing extremely well some years back. Do we know what went wrong with them and how to prevent such mishaps in the future ventures? The following are some issues worth pondering:

Affordability: Many parents pay as much as Rf 1500 rufiyaa per month per subject for private tuition. So they could afford higher school fees. That is the good news. The bad news is when it comes to paying school fees many parents consider even Rf 200 very high.

Quality: One has to pay good salaries to get good teachers. This can only happen if adequate fees are charged.

Government interference: Many private schools failed in the past because of government interference. Can the government resist the temptation to meddle in the new private schools, particularly when they would be operating in government buildings?

Discipline: This is the main problem with government schools. Can the private schools enforce discipline especially when many of their pupils will be the spoilt kids of rich parents?

On the Brink of a Budget Crisis

2009-06-15T12:11:00.001-07:00

Maldives national budget is on a collision course with a cash crisis, as warned by International Monetary Fund (IMF). Actually IMF need not have bothered: All the signs of an impending crisis are painfully obvious to all of us.

All major sources of government revenue are ebbing. While a global economic crisis has decimated tourist arrivals, Mother Nature has also not been kind to us in the fisheries sector. Fisheries earnings have come down 54% from $46.1 million to $18.6 million in the first quarter of this year. Tourist arrivals have come down 10% from 266,877 to 239,355.

As a consequence of this, Government revenue has gone down 34% in the first 3 months of this year compared to the corresponding period last year. However the expenditure has been uncontrollably escalating during this period. As a result, the gap between revenue (Rf 1.6 billion) and expenditure (Rf 2.28 billion) has widened to Rf 937 billion.

The crisis is largely due to a series of ill-advised and unrealistic pay hikes. In the search for a solution to this the government is stuck between a rock and hard place. One solution is an across-the-board salary cut of about 30%. The other is a devaluation of the Rufiyaa by the same percent. Politically speaking, both are equally unpalatable.

How did we land in this impasse? Here is the timeline for the genesis of the crisis:

January 2008: Government employees' salary increased by 16 to 60%.
February to April 2008: A reckless spree of double and triple promotions to senior government employees adds to the salary burden.
April 2008: Majlis passes Employment Law, which introduced unaffordable overtime payments.
May 2008: Salaries of magistrates and judges increased.
June 2008: Majlis Members decide to hike their own salary, triggering a series of strikes by different sectors for further salary increases.
September 2008: Majlis endorses a salary hike for independent commissions.
February 2009: New salary structure implemented, which cost the exchequer an additional one billion rufiyaa for the year.
March to May 2009: Civil Service introduces a wide range of allowances, adding to the burden of unpaid wages.

Taking Theemuge as Court

2009-06-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

Housing the Supreme Court is perhaps the best idea so far proposed to make use of Theemuge, the former Presidential Palace. It would not only give an appropriate status to the building but also help to preserve the building in pristine condition.

Theemuge is important to Maldivians not because it was occupied by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom but because it was built with millions of dollars of public money and is part of our national wealth. Preserving the building in good condition is important not because it has sentimental value for the former first family but because its interior is made of expensive and delicate material, which would be damaged if unlimited access is given to all parts of the building.

Unlike the other ideas put forward for Theemuge such as operating offices, using it as Supreme Court would cause minimum damage to the building because the apex court would not be as crowded as a run-of-the-mill government office. So, let's hope this is the final idea for Theemuge for now.

Pakistan Getting a Taste of its Own Medicine

2009-06-14T11:27:00.001-07:00

The violence that today pervades northern Pakistan including its cultural capital Lahore is a Frankenstein's Monster of Pakistan's own creating. Pakistani Taliban (unlike its Afghan counterpart) has its roots in the Jihadist groups created by Pakistan to foment violence in Indian Kashmir. In a dramatic turnaround the monster is today biting the hand that once fed it.

In the 1980s it seemed a good idea to start a proxy war to capture Kashmir, which Pakistan had always claimed. For this purpose Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) sponsored, trained, equipped and directed a network of Jihadist groups including Lashkar-e-Thoiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Harakatul Ansar, Harakatul Mujahedeen and Al Badur. While these groups became thorns in the side of India, they never achieved any tangible military objective. They succeeded only in destroying Kashmir's economy and making life miserable for Kashmiris. For the rest of India, apart from the New Delhi Attack of 2001 and the Mumbai Attack of 2008 (both allegedly perpetrated by Lashkar-e-Thoiba), they were little more than a nuisance.

In contrast when the Jihadist groups turned their guns back towards Pakistan, their success was spectacular. Today they control the whole of North Western Pakistan and are threatening to take over major cities like Lahore. They now appear to be sparking sectarian violence among different Pakistani sects of Islam to destabilize the country, according a report in IslamOnline. This may be a prelude to full takeover.

A prominent anti-Taliban scholar, Dr. Sarfraz Naeemi, was killed on June 12, in a suicide attack in Pakistan's largest city of Lahore, in what is seen as a deliberate effort to send the country into the abyss of sectarian violence. "This seems to me a calculated effort to plunge the country into Deobandi-Barelvi clashes," Abdul Khalique Ali, a Karachi-based political analyst, told IslamOnline.net.

Sunni Muslims in Pakistan are almost equally divided into Deobandi and Barelvi sects. Deobandis are Wahhabis who support Taliban. Dr. Naeemi belonged to the Barelvi sect, which opposes Taliban.

[For an analysis of the situation in IslamOnline.net click here.]

No Punishment Enough for this Mother

2009-06-12T07:27:00.001-07:00

How do you propose to punish a mother who abuses her 8-month old son in cahoots with her lover, batters him and finally kills him? Life imprisonment, judicial execution or stoning alive? Unfortunately, going by past history, the mother even if found guilty is more likely to walk free, at most after a couple of years.

On Wednesday night, the battered child of Noor Zaadhaa, 28 years, Silver Leaf / S. Hithadoo, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital with signs of sexual abuse and what would turn out to be fatal injuries. The child died next morning.

The police have arrested three people in connection with the murder, including the child's mother (the buruga clad woman in the photo above), her 46 year old lover Mohammed Waheed, Gold Wish, Male, and an undisclosed person. The three had reportedly tested positive for opiate drugs.

Such heinous crimes have become so common in our (supposed to be 100% Muslim) country that the public's sense of outrage is numbed. After being the topic of hot gossip for a couple of days, this story –like all other such stories –will soon fade from our collective memory.

Is this the right time to reduce import duty?

2009-06-11T12:16:00.001-07:00

Listening to the ongoing Majlis debate on the Import Export Act, where Member after Honorable Member spoke about reducing the import duty on a variety of items, it appears as if they believe the national treasury is bloated with loads of surplus cash. But as is painfully obvious, the reality is different. In fact, the financial situation is so precarious that unless additional revenue is generated the budget will be insolvent at the end of the year.

Over the past one and half years the budget has been overwhelmed with ill-advised salary hikes, unaffordable overtime payments, fanciful allowances and, above all, reckless spending to woo the electorate. As of now the ability to pay salaries is also in doubt, let alone implement programs to fulfill government promises. In this situation, talking about cutting an important source of government revenue appears out of place.

Import duty normally accounts for about a third of government revenue. If the proposals currently being discussed are adopted, it would lead to a revenue loss amounting to Rf 500 million, according to Economic Development Minister Mohamed Rasheed.

MPs supported reducing import duty believing it would reduce the cost of living. However experts differ. They say that even if duty is waived on diesel and essential food items, it would not help the people unless the current dollar shortage is adequately addressed. So this may not be the right time to reduce import duty.

[To read details of the Majlis debate click here.]

Omar Bongo: Mourning a Tyrant

2009-06-10T09:43:00.001-07:00

Anyone who would like to know how to rule a country for decades should consult President Omar Bongo of Gabon, BBC had once advised. Through a combination of violence, targeted killings and bribery, he eliminated all his political opponents and ruled Gabon almost unchallenged for 42 years till his death on Monday.

Money was the ultimate weapon in the hands of the president and his family. He amassed loads of it, the exact quantum of which none will ever know. But he was believed to be one of the world's richest men. In France alone he had 33 properties in Paris and Nice worth an estimated $190 million. He had $130 million in Citibank, a 1999 investigation revealed. This may just be the tip of the iceberg, but they provide more than a clue to the extent of his fortune.

It is money that helped him ensure peace, silence critics and fuel solid friendships abroad, notably in France, Gabon's former colonial power. It is also money that will ensure that the baton is passed on to his son Ali-Ben Bongo during the soon-to-be-held election, which only the most optimistic would expect to be free and fair.

Many Gabonese are not really heartbroken at Bongo's death. "I know that you don't really rejoice from someone's death. But it's a kind of joy because after 40 years, … I think that we must have been waiting for that for a long time; we've been waiting to see another face," a 42-year-old Gabonese teacher told BBC

Handicraftsmen versus Tourist Shops

2009-06-10T00:49:00.000-07:00

The lucrative tourist souvenir business in the Maldives has always been controlled by a handful of shrewd businessmen, many of who have gone up in life to become rich resort owners. The artisans who create handicrafts and curios, on the other hand, have little choice but to sell their products to shops at a tiny fraction of the market price. But then this is how things should be in a free market economy. The rich will get richer and the poor could only hope to get a few crumbs thrown down at them –the so called treacle down effect.

Not satisfied with the overwhelming advantages they already enjoy, some shop owners have also been using unfair (? illegal) trade practices. They import cheap products from neighboring countries and palm them off to unsuspecting tourists as Maldivian products. This deprives local artisans of their already meager earnings. According to Miadhu Daily, Maizan Adam Manik, recipient of the 2008 UNESCO Award of Excellence for Handicraft, has recently said that products of foreign origin are being sold in Maldives under ‘Made in Maldives’ label. He said shop owners often use misleading information in their sales pitch, sometimes with pictures of impoverished elderly people, to raise sympathy and sell foreign products.

Minister of State for Economic Development Adil Saleem has identified the urgent need for an authentication system for Maldivian products, Miadhu Daily reports. Considerable work has been done to produce an authentication logo, Director at the Economic Development Ministry Mohamed Luaiz has revealed. However the work has been delayed for various reasons.

This is not surprising since the long arms of businessmen reach the corridors of power in Male to ensure that no policy or regulation detrimental to their monopolistic practices is implemented. But again this is how things should be in a free market economy.

California Schools to Phase out Textbooks

2009-06-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has unveiled a plan to save money by phasing out school textbooks in favor of internet aids, BBC reports. He says converting to online study will help keep pupils more up-to-date.

Gov Schwarzenegger believes internet activities such as Facebook, Twitter and downloading to iPods show that young people are the first to adopt new online technologies, and so the internet is also the best way to learn in classrooms. But it is believed the real reason Gov Schwarzenegger wants the change is money. Last year California spent $350m on textbooks and can no longer afford it.

The Maldives also spends millions of rufiyaa each year to provide school textbooks, many of which are actually not used in classrooms according to parents. Perhaps we could also think of going for I-textbooks in the future. But it is currently not feasible as most students don't have easy access to computers either at school or home.

[To read more on the California initiative click here.]

Dr. Shaheed sues Umar Naseer

2009-06-08T06:23:00.001-07:00

Legal redressal for defamation is a necessary evil, as Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed would tell you. He has on Sunday filed a civil lawsuit against Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) leader Umar Naseer to recover Rf. 57,898,477 from him for alleged defamation.

Such lawsuits are the downside of unfettered freedom of expression, which in recent years has caused irreparable damage to the reputations of respected public figures. Something had to be done about it. As Shaheed's lawyer Dr. Mohamed Jameel said, one hopes this case will set a legal precedence that would be a deterrent to anyone tempted to make unsubstantiated accusations against opponents. Miadhu Daily quotes Dr. Jameel as saying, "We have to make people who make such allegations answerable and accountable. There are certain limits and boundaries stipulated in the new Constitution for freedom of expression."

Explaining how the figure of 57,898,477 was calculated Jameel said the amount included his fees as well as reparation for damages to Shaheed and his family's reputation and his future career prospects. He said this is how such are calculations are made in other countries too.

Miadhu Daily reports that Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) in early March alleged that senior government officials, including foreign minister Dr. Shaheed, accepted US $ 2 million in bribes to recognize Kosovo independence. The bribe was allegedly from Behgjet Pacolli, the leader of New Kosovo Alliance (NKA).

Ahmedinejad on the way out?

2009-06-07T19:37:00.001-07:00

Fed up with his policies, Iran's elite conservatives are arraying against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a behind-the-scenes campaign that aims at ousting him at the upcoming polls. Many Iranians blame his administration for the country's economic woes, in particular spiraling inflation and festering unemployment. Ahmadinejad has also been criticized for putting the Islamic Republic on a collision course with the West over the country's nuclear program.

The unprecendeted conservative alliance against Ahmadinejad includes Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri and Ali Akbar Velayati, both close to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But the brain behind the campaign is former President and Iran's longtime kingmaker Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, arch foe of Ahmadinejad.

Ahmadinejad's popularity, among various conservative factions, has plunged recently along with the global price of oil and natural gas. "A group of militarists cannot stuff this civilization into a can and put it away," Saeed Laylaz, a newspaper editor and analyst with contacts among the political elite, told the Times. "Iran cannot make up for its lack of economic might with nuclear technology, missiles and proxy threats in Lebanon and Palestine and elsewhere. We can't run Iran like North Korea."

Ahmadinejad is challenged in the June 12 vote by former premier Mousavi, ex-parliament speaker Mehdi Karroubi and former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezai.

[Further details in Islam Online]

Back to Bicycle

2009-06-07T03:29:00.000-07:00

The recently introduced ‘Back to Bicycle’ and ‘Walk to School’ campaigns are noble initiatives –on paper. For them to actually come to the roads certain basic issues must be addressed –issues that forced men to buy motorcycles and girls to become pillion riders in the not too distant past.

In one way, the Walk to School program is already 80% achieved even before it is launched. That’s because approximately that proportion of parents who take kids to primary schools are women and nearly all of them walk –not a problem because in most cases primary schools are within walking distance. The remaining 20% of parents are men who take their kids on motorcycles. It will be this 20% who must be persuaded to walk to school. In order to facilitate this they must be given more time off from work.

Imagine someone who works in Ghaazee building. If he has to take a kid to Taajuddin School he will need about 40 minutes for the 3-way trip. It will take a lot of persuasion to make someone do this in the mid afternoon sun, especially if that someone has a motorcycle. Further if 40 minutes of the one hour break is spent for the trip, he will need an additional half an hour for lunch.

Not long ago, most people in Male had bicycles. Girls used to ride nice looking brands of bicycles instead of riding behind someone. All this stopped mainly because of uncontrolled bicycle theft. Motorcycle thefts are relatively less common, not because they are more difficult to steal, but because they are more difficult to dispose off since they require registration and regular updating of fee payments.

Looking back on the whole thing, bicycles could have been retained on the streets if some minimum facilities were provided. For example, keeping a parking attendant or two around Huravee/Ghaazee building area and a few other strategically located places could have prevented a lot of thefts. But that was the past. How do we do it now?

Arab Reactions to Obama's Cairo Speech

2009-06-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

Arab reactions to U.S. President Barack Obama's speech at Cairo University on June 4, 2009 have been diverse. This was expected. Some influential figures had condemned the speech even before it was delivered, for example:

Osama Bin Laden: "Obama and US Administration have sown new seeds that will increase hatred and vengeance towards America; American people... [will] reap what White House leaders are sowing."
Ayman Al-Zawahiri (Al Qaeda number 2): "Obama, Global criminal and chief of oppressors, is not welcome in Egypt."

After the speech was actually given, reactions have been more cautious, even optimistic in a few cases. Here is a selection of themes from leading newspapers in the region.

Al-Madina (Saudi Arabia): "President Obama's address to the Muslim world… is a reflection of a new U.S. trend toward the establishment of a new world order based on new foundations, relying on international law and seeking justice, peace, and wellbeing for all humanity… This trend is an indication that the soul has returned to American values."
Al-Ahram (Egypt): "This Is a Change in the West's Centuries-Old Attitude Towards Islam."
Al-Jazirah (Saudi Arabia): "Obama [said] nothing new, though he [quoted] more Koranic verses and hadiths [than his predecessors] - reflecting his broad education and his familiarity with Islamic texts. … speeches are one thing, and the practical implementation [of what they say] is quite another."
Palestinian Authority Daily: "We do not expect the new American president to express hostility towards Israel or to demand that it dismantle settlements... He will remain hostage to the American imperialist interests, which are in tandem with [those of] the Israeli occupation..."
Saudi Columnist: "Obama's Speech Won't Change American Policy."
Al-Ahram Editor: "Obama's speech was good not only because of his personality, his influence, or the sentiments that have surrounded him since he arrived at the White House, but also because it contained new terms and ideas, and significant clues as to the expected changes in American policy in the coming years..."
Al-Watan (Saudi Arabia): "[Obama's] speech went beyond [the narrow] framework of recognizing and apologizing for the actions of previous U.S. administrations; it expanded to discuss openness towards Islam and turning over a new leaf with Muslims - all Muslims."
Al-Hayat (London-Saudi Arabia) Editor: "We'll Wait and See If the Arab World Wants Cooperation with the U.S."
Al-Hayat Columnist: "The Arabs and their leaders must remember that the peace endeavor is in the interest of the Middle East's younger generation. It is they who must transform the victory [achieved] in the battle for peace into an Arab victory"

Sibling Rivalry among Majududdine’s Descendants

2009-06-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

The ongoing legal imbroglio between Yacht Tours and Maldives Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has drawn in quite a few of the descendants of Chief Justice Ibrahim Majududdine, an illustrious personage of the Meedhoo line of judges. Majududdine served during the reign of King Mohammed Imaduddine IV during the 19th Century. Many of his sons, grandsons and great grandsons held and continue to hold key positions in the legal system in Maldives.

As an interesting coincidence, Majududdine's great grand children are playing lead roles in all aspects of the Yacht Tours case. To start with, Yacht Tours owner Jabir is married to former Attorney General Dhiyana Saeed, a descendant of Majududdine. Tourism Minister Dr. Sawad is also married to a descendant of Majududdine. Chief Justice Abdullah Saeed is a direct descendant of Majududdine, and so is Attorney General Husnu Suood, who has recently stated he will play a role in the case. Prosecutor General Ahmed Muizzu is also a descendant of Majududdine, though so far there has been no role for him in the Yacht Tours case as no criminal liability has been identified so far.

The Yacht Tours drama is being enacted against the backdrop of the approaching appointment of the first Chief Justice of Maldives under the new Constitution. Some possible choices for the prestigious post include, Husnu Suood, Abdullah Saeed, Muizzu and Dhiyana. Other possible choices among the descendants include Hassan Saeed and Munavvar. Of course there are very strong contenders, who are not related to Majududdine, for example Justice Ahmed Faiz Hussain and Shaheen Hameed.

In the meanwhile the Yacht tours case appears to be hotting up. Minivan News reports that when Suood was asked about the inordinate delay in resolving the dispute he laid the responsibility squarely on the doorstep of Abdullah Saeed. "When the Chief Justice does his duty, then it will be solved," he said. Strong words indeed.

On his part Abdullah Saeed isn't backing down either. "We can't hold a stick to them [Civil Court] and tell them to speed it up," he retorted. "I don't accept the attorney general can make such statements. It amounts to undue influence over the courts." He explained the case was in the Civil Court's jurisdiction and the Supreme Court only had a supervisory role over that court.

Beauty Health Body Light Parlor Busted

2009-06-03T05:59:00.001-07:00

The Police have arrested 5 women working in 'Beauty Health Body Light' massage parlor and charged them with prostitution yesterday. The five women, all Thai nationals, were aged between 33 and 41.

According to police sources, the five have confessed to providing 'indecent' favors in exchange for monetary incentives. The police also found in their possession a large quantity of cash and money transfer slips, which they believe to be the proceeds from prostitution.

Massage parlors had been legal in the Maldives since Ms. A**** F*** was licensed by Ministry of Health in 1998 to operate an aroma therapy and masseur training center on the recommendation of a VVIP politician. Ms. A had been a colleague of the politician when he was working as a teacher in Aminiya School in the 1970s before entering politics.

Massage parlors were de-licensed two years back following sustained pressure from Umar Naseer and his Islamic Democratic Party. However, they continue to operate under various guises.

Need for Managing the Expatriate Labor Force

2009-06-03T00:48:00.000-07:00

Going by media reports, it appears as if most Maldivians believe that the 80,839 expatriate workers in the Maldives are an ‘issue’ or a ‘problem’ that needs to be solved, perhaps by repatriating them. However, as Human Rights Commission of the Maldives has said in its statement issued on 10th March, expatriate workers make a valuable contribution without which the Maldivian economy will be severely crippled. Thus, what is needed is not repatriation but solving the administrative, regulatory and law enforcement issues related to the expatriate labor force, some of which are:
Administrative issues:
At the end of 2008 there were 80,839 expatriates, up 10,075 from the70,764 at the beginning of the year. In addition, there were approximately 20,000 illegal immigrants according to the Human Resources Ministry. Recently on June 1st, the Ministry has started a registration program for them.
Law and order issues:
In some cases expatriates have been the victims of law and order issues, while in other cases they have been the perpetrators. Here are a few examples from this year:
-Eight persons were arrested on 19 February 2009 on charges of prostitution.
-Two expatriate waiters in a restaurant were arrested on 21 Feb on charges of credit card fraud worth Rf. 700,000.
-A Bangladeshi worker was found strangulated in Thilafushi on 16 April
-Two expatriates were arrested on 21 April with several cases of illegal Vodka.
-Four expatriate workers were arrested in Hulhudhoo, Addu Atoll, on 23 May for group violence.
-A Bangladeshi migrant was found badly battered and murdered on Hulhumale Beach on 1st June. Another Bangladeshi was arrested as a suspect in the case.
Exploitation and human rights violation:
- An expatriate worker fell to death from a demolition site on 11 February.
-A large number of expatriates organized a strike on 15 February saying their salaries were not paid.
-Employees of a prominent construction company organized a protest on 13 April saying their salaries were not paid.

One More Coincidence of the Titanic

2009-06-01T08:45:00.001-07:00

The sinking of the great ship Titanic has been associated with an eerie series of coincidences that is still continuing. The latest in this series is the death on Sunday of Millvina Dean, the last surviving Titanic passenger. She died exactly on the 98th Anniversary of the launching of Titanic on 31 May 1911. When Millvina died she had just entered the 98th year of her life.

Some 14 years before the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg on April 14, 1912, a novel written by Morgan Robertson had described another ocean liner, which set sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage. She struck an iceberg and sunk with a heavy loss of life, since there were not enough life boats on board. The name of the vessel in Robertson's novel, Futility, was Titan.

The similarity between the two ships didn't end with the names. Titan and Titanic were approximately the same size, were capable of attaining the same speed, and both were capable of carrying approximately 3,000 people. Both ships were described as "unsinkable" and both ships went down in the same area of the North Atlantic.

William Thomas Stead, a journalist, wrote a short story in 1892 that resembled the Titanic disaster. Stead was also a spiritualist who had received messages through mediums urging him not to set foot on the Titanic. He ignored the warnings and was one of Titanic's 2,223 passengers who died on the fateful voyage.

Intimidating Civil Servants and Judges

2009-05-31T11:47:00.001-07:00

The rising trend of intimidation of government officials and judges is spinning out of control. It started a few years back as closure of island offices; blockade of atoll offices followed, and now contempt of courts is becoming the norm.

There seems to be little point in making the judiciary independent, if it can be threatened into submission by thugs. There is no point in establishing a civil service, if its functionaries are continuously harassed.

The whole thing could perhaps have been nipped in the bud if decisive action was taken at the point when island offices were being closed. But unfortunately at the time politicians in Male felt it was not their problem. Now it is perhaps too late.

This reminds us of the experience of Martin Niemöller during Nazi days: "In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew; And then... they came for me... And by that time there was no one left to speak up."

In the latest incident of this nature, Hulhudhoo Magistrate Ali Nazeer is facing a constant barrage of verbal abuse and death threats. To read the details of the case in Haveeru Daily click here.

World No Tobacco Day, 31 May

2009-05-30T09:10:00.001-07:00

On 31st May each year WHO celebrates World No Tobacco Day, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce consumption. Tobacco use is the second cause of death globally and is currently responsible for killing one in 10 adults worldwide.

The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2009 is tobacco health warnings, with an emphasis on the picture warnings that have been shown to be particularly effective at making people aware of the health risks of tobacco use and convincing them to quit. More and more countries are fighting back against the epidemic of tobacco by requiring that packages of tobacco show the dangers of the product's use, as called for in guidelines to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

WHO created World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and its lethal effects. Tobacco is the number one preventable epidemic that the health community faces.

A Mausoleum for Nasir

2009-05-30T02:37:00.001-07:00

It's a beautiful gesture to dedicate a mausoleum to Ibrahim Nasir, the father of modern Maldives and its independence hero. From a distance, the monument erected in the eastern courtyard of Male's Friday Mosque looks beautiful too. But only from a distance. When one gets closer, the quality of the workmanship leaves much to be desired and compares very unfavorably with the stone carvings in the mausoleum of King Ibrahim Iskandharu in the western courtyard.

For environmental reasons one could understand why coral stone is no longer a suitable material for a mausoleum. But surely something more suitable than concrete could have been found, perhaps limestone, marble or even slate. The material actually used is concrete, cast on fiberglass moulds.

When one looks at the assembled structure, individual blocks are out of alignment by as much as a couple of inches. Because of this, straight lines on the carved design look wavy, and the curves are interrupted.

For some odd and unexplained reason, a news reporter has asked an official from Islamic Ministry what he thought of the mausoleum. His enigmatic reply was, "No shrine has been made and no shrine will be allowed to be made." [No one has said this reply resembled the statement of Mohamed Saeed al-Sahaf, the Iraqi Information Minister during the American invasion, "There are no American infidels in Baghdad. Never! They're not even within 100 miles of Baghdad. They are not in any place."]

Shahid elected Speaker

2009-05-28T04:23:00.001-07:00

In an avoidably chaotic first meeting of the new People's Majlis, Keyodhoo member Abdullah Shahid has been elected Speaker. Ahmed Nazim was elected Deputy Speaker.

When the Majlis convened at 11 am today, it went into an avoidable debate allowed by the interim speaker Mohamed Hussein, following a point of order taken by Mariyaa Ahmed Didi saying that if the speaker uses his casting vote following a secret ballot, his vote will no longer be secret. Instead of going on with the agenda, which is to elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Mohamed Hussein decided to ask for members' opinion on the hypothetical situation: what to do if there is a tie in the secret ballot? One clause of the Constitution says the speaker must not take part in a ballot. Another clause says the speaker must use his casting vote in case of a tie.

Interim Speaker Mohammed Hussein thought there was a contradiction between the two clauses. However, many members felt there was no such contradiction. This difference of opinion led to a volley of 'points of order,' which wasted more than one and half hours of the Majlis's valuable time. In the end it was decided to go ahead with the vote first and to deal with the issue later if it arose.

When the floor was opened for proposing names for the post of speaker, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali proposed the name of Abdullah Shahid and Abdullah Yaameen seconded it. Mariyaa Ahmed Didi proposed the name of Ibrahim Mohammed Solih and Reeko Moosa Manik seconded it. When the names were put to vote Abdullah Shahid won the election 42 to 33.

When the floor was opened for proposing names for the post of Deputy Speaker Mariyaa Ahmed Didi proposed the name of Ahmed Hamza and Moosa Manik seconded it. Ahmed Thasmeen proposed the name of Ahmed Nazim and Abdullah Yaameen seconded it. Gasim Ibrahim proposed the name of Mohamed Nasheed and Ahmed Shyam Mohamed seconded it. But Mohamed Nasheed withdrew his name. When the names were put to vote Ahmed Nazim won the election 41 to 33.

The way the vote went is a strong indication of the strength of the two major parties. It does not augur very well for the ruling MDP.

As the new Majlis is sworn in

2009-05-27T11:49:00.001-07:00

Much has been made out of the fact that when the newly elected People's Majlis is sworn in tomorrow it will be the first Majlis in 75 years to include only elected members. This however is only academic. Once members used to enter the Majlis at the pleasure of the King, later at the pleasure of the President and now at the pleasure of the party bosses. However there is one significant difference: a powerful opposition.

Looking superficially, one might believe that the opposition PA-DRP Alliance would win the elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker. But they are quite likely to be surprised. In a secret ballot there could be floor crossings, which is likely to affect DRP more because its members are less bound by ideology compared to MDP.

Once the teething problems are over, the Majlis has a full legislative agenda. Urgent matters before it include:

Penal Code;
Criminal Procedures Bill;
Prisons and Parole Bill;
Drug Law;
Decentralized Administration Bill;

Police Search for Evidence in Nazim’s Office

2009-05-26T11:57:00.001-07:00

The police raided opposition MP Ahmed Nazim's office Sunday, apparently in search of incriminating evidence in relation to allegations levied in the Auditor General's report on the former Atolls Ministry. Released on 8th May, the report suspects three companies (in which Nazim holds shares, though he is not mentioned by name) of using corrupt practices to win a contract worth about 2 million rufiyaa for supplying harbor lights.

The three companies under suspicion are Namira, Standard and Neyza, which the report believes belong to the same owners who used them as fronts to bypass regulations that require a minimum of three quotations for a bid to be valid. The report does not specifically say whether the three are legal companies duly registered with the Trade Ministry, though this appears to be the case when one considers indirect references to their shareholders.

Police raided Nazim's office at 1.20 am on the night of 24th May and seized a number of documents, a laptop computer and two hard drives. This was done under a search warrant issued by the Criminal Court.

The raid comes two weeks after the Audit Report and one week after President Mohamed Nasheed created a presidential commission to investigate misappropriation of state funds by members of the former government.

Nazim who was recently re-elected to the parliament from Dhiggaru constituency has been the subject of many unsavory rumors, perhaps partly because of his meteoric rise to fame and fortune. Notable among the rumors are alleged misuse of his position in STELCO to promote his personal trade in electrical goods and alleged corrupt practices relating to rural electrification projects. However, none of these allegations have ever been proved against him.

A Mega Harbor for Thilafushi?

2009-05-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

As announced on 20th May, the Government has decided to nationalize private harbors in Thilafushi. The move, which is intended to stop drug smuggling, will require implementing a mega project to develop a commercial harbor rivaling that in Male.

There are seven ports in Thilafushi developed by private investors, including MTCC, Apollo Group, Nalahiyaa Group, Villa Shipping, Cement Fihaara and Coastline. These ports constitute investments worth millions of rufiyaa and handle the major share of building material and hardware imported to the Maldives. The government now proposes to bring them under Maldives Ports Limited.

However, since these harbors are not on contiguous plots of land, the possibility of joining them together into one large port is minimal. A separate major port will need to be developed to provide the services currently handled by the individual ports.

Thilafushi is not the only place in the Maldives where private port facilities exist. Many islands leased on long term basis for industrial work have their own facilities for unloading goods directly from foreign going vessels. On temporary basis, resort islands under development also get permission to unload imported goods directly. With so many different port facilities, smuggling of drugs and dutiable goods could very well be widespread.

However, it is not as if private individuals are allowed to unload goods as they wished without any control. Under the existing arrangement unloading of goods can only take place under the supervision of MNDF and Customs officers onboard the ship. There could of course be loopholes in the system (as will be in any new system developed to replace it).

Nationalizing the ports in Thilafushi will not only help to control smuggling, but also will help to make the port facilities more efficient and widely available to all importers. However, it will involve major investments, not to talk of the millions of rufiyaa needed for compensating the current owners. After that, millions of dollars will need to be invested to develop a modern port similar in size or larger than Male Commercial Harbor. Of course there are many investors for this type of mega projects.

Record Afghanistan Drug Bust

2009-05-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

According to BBC, 92 tons of opium and other drugs have been seized in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province controlled by Taliban. Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium, the raw material for heroin, and accounts for 90% of the global supply.

According to UN reports, when Afghanistan was under the control of Taliban the drug supply was at a record low level. However, with the US invasion, the supply has gone high once again. On the other hand US accuses Taliban of using opium as its main source of income.

[To read the BBC article click here.]

Djinns and Child Rights

2009-05-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

There is a prima facie case against the djinns who are possessing Hazrath, the little girl from Makunudhoo, for child abuse, negligence and gender discrimination. Social Protection Services of the Family Ministry must investigate the case urgently.

For those not familiar with the story, Hazrath is a 10 year old girl, who started having some sort of fits (clenching of teeth, fixed eyes and frothing at the mouth according to a newspaper report in Haveeru). According to her mother Saeeda, the whole thing started after an older girl scolded Hazrath. Saeeda took the upset girl to the artificial beach to make her forget the incident. At home later that evening Hazrath had her first fit. However, IGMH doctors did not find anything wrong with her and thought she was faking.

Since then she was taken to the doctor on three separate occasions. But the doctors have not found anything wrong with her, Saeeda says. She is planning to consult Dr. Ishwaran, the well-known IGMH psychiatrist during school holidays.

Troubled with the recurrent fits, Saeeda took Hazrath back to Makunudhoo in the hope that a change of scene would do her good. But as luck would have it, that was the time when a large number of students in Makunudhoo School were having mass fits and Hazrath soon got drawn into it.

A sorcerer has diagnosed her condition as a case of possession. According to him while playing on a patch of grass at the artificial beach, Hazrath had stepped on the head of a baby jinni who was sleeping there. The enraged mother jinni and her friends then started abusing Hazrath in retaliation.

Hazrath is now being treated by two different sorcerers under the advice of Muslim djinns. Earlier Hazrath was possessed by infidel djinns, but now she is under the protection of Muslim djinns, according to the two sorcerers. Apparently the djinns have advised against pursuing Hazrath’s treatment too aggressively, as it could jeopardize her studies.

Looking at the case the djinns have violated several provisions of the child rights law. First, negligence in looking after their own babies. An open patch of grass is not a proper place to put one’s baby to sleep, especially an invisible baby. As a matter of fact, Male is too crowded for them to come and live here. Djinns should seriously consider building some flats of their own in some uninhabited islands.

Second, punishing a 10 year old girl is a direct violation of the law. Further the djinns are also practicing gender discrimination by targeting only girls in all the islands they have attacked –Makunudhoo, Miladhoo and Maamendhoo.

On a serious note, health authorities must consider giving assistance to the family to do a full medical evaluation of Hazrath’s condition and treat her. For heaven’s sake, this is the 21st Century.

How about Consensus for Speaker and Deputy Speaker Posts?

2009-05-22T09:13:00.001-07:00

In a flagrant display of belligerent posturing, the DRP-PA Coalition has announced its own candidates for the posts of both the speaker and the deputy speaker of the newly elected People's Majlis. Such posturing followed by a contentious election would only politicize the esteemed post and hamper the speaker's ability to function effectively. In order to avoid such dilemma, efforts are made in parliamentary democracies to reach consensus and avoid voting.

For example, after the Indian General Elections in 1998, the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had the numbers in the 12th Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian Parliament) to get its own candidates through. But it negotiated with the Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to share the posts. Ultimately C.M. Balayogi of NDA was elected speaker and PM Sayeed (a native of Minicoy) of UPA was elected deputy speaker unanimously. Later when Balayogi died he was replaced by Manohar Joshi of NDA, again without opposition. This arrangement continued through the 13th Lok Sabha. In the 14th Lok Sabha, which ended last week, Somnath Chatterjee supported by UPA was elected speaker and Charanjit Atwal of NDA was elected deputy speaker by consensus.

As of now it does not appear as if the Maldives Majlis is heading for a consensus. On Wednesday, the main opposition Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP), which won highest number of seats in the recently held parliamentary election, decided to submit the names of Abdulla Shahid (Felidhoo) and Ahmed Nazim, (Dhiggaru) for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively. Though not officially announced so far it is rumored that MDP will propose Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Hinnavaru) as its candidate for speaker.

In the recently concluded parliamentary elections, DRP/PA coalition won 35 seats. The ruling party, MDP won 26 seats and 13 seats went to independent candidates. A total of 39 seats are required to secure a majority in the parliament.

Mohamed Hussein (Kanditheemu) the senior most parliamentarian in the Majlis will chair the first sitting of the Majlis to be held on 28 May, secretariat of the People's Majlis has revealed. The election of the speaker and deputy will be held during the meeting. For the sake of democracy, one hopes the two leading parties will find a consensus avoid a fractious election.

Ban on tourist lodges in inhabited islands lifted

2009-05-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

In a move that will be considered controversial by many, the Government of Maldives has lifted its three decade long ban on operating tourist lodges in inhabited islands other than Male. The ban was imposed shortly after President Gayoom took power, ostensibly to protect the islanders from the negative influences of foreign cultures. The cabinet decided Tuesday to lift the ban following a decree passed by the People’s Majlis earlier.

The ban was by no means the only measure taken to keep tourists segregated from locals –something similar to apartheid [this word is used here in the technical sense, not as a criticism.] Other measures included:
1. Restricting resorts to atolls near Male. (Imposed in the mid 1980s and abandoned during Gayoom’s last term in office.)
2. Requirement for tourists to take permission from atoll offices before visiting inhabited islands. (Policy abandoned in 2008).
3. Banning sale of alcohol in Male hotels (imposed in the mid 1980s and still in force.)

Analyzing the impact of these measures is not that straightforward because tourists are not the only factor that affects culture. But the fact remains that during the past three decades religious and cultural values have eroded abysmally in the Maldives. However, this may have more to do with the exposure of Maldivians to the outside world through films, cable TV, internet and travel abroad.

Income distribution
In countries like Seychelles, where tourist lodges are allowed on inhabited islands, the distribution of income is more even. It has been argued that this is because when tourists reside in inhabited islands it provides opportunities to islanders to run small scale businesses targeted at tourists.

There are arguments for and against operating guesthouses in inhabited islands. Perhaps the time has come to give it a try. However, one needs to tread very carefully, watching each step.

Sexting

2009-05-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Sexting definitely exists in the Maldives, though its true extent is not known. From the many incidents of nude photos of Maldivian girls appearing in ‘oriyaan’ sites, it is apparent that sexting is not that rare either in the country. There is at least one reported case in which a young lady lost her government job after her nude photos were leaked by her ex-boyfriend.

For those who are hearing the word for the first time, sexting is a new word recently coined by joining ‘sex’ and ‘texting.’ It refers to the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones. Sexting was reported as early as 2005 in the Sunday Telegraph Magazine, and has since been described as taking place worldwide.

In January 2009, a survey of 1200 teenagers in America reported that one in five had sent explicit photos of themselves. A social danger with sexting is that material can be very easily and widely promulgated, over which the originator has no control. It is rather easy for explicit photos to end up in wrong hands because often what was once the right hand could also become the wrong hand, when he turns into an estranged and jealous boyfriend.

According to a CBS report in January 2009, three teenage girls who allegedly sent nude or semi-nude cell phone pictures of themselves and three male classmates in a western Pennsylvania high school who received them, are charged with child pornography. In October a Texas eighth-grader spent the night in a juvenile detention center after his football coach found a nude picture on his cell phone that a fellow student sent him.

The Case of the Confused Attorney General

2009-05-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Fathimath Dhiyana Saeed is a sharp and smart woman. She would even have made a good Attorney General (AG) had she given more attention to understanding her role and responsibilities as a cabinet appointee. Sad, but her stint as AG has come to an abrupt end Monday when President Mohamed Nasheed sacked her under Article 115(f) and 137(a) of the Constitution, perhaps breaking her grandfather’s record as the shortest serving AG of Maldives in history.

This is not the first time Dhiyana was confused about her role. She was similarly confused when she was serving as an appointed member of the People’s Majlis during the regime of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. From her speeches and voting pattern in the Majlis, it appeared she sometimes believed she was sitting in the opposition benches rather than among the President’s members.

Dhiyana may have had valid legal points on the issues over which her relationship with the president broke down –influencing parliamentary elections and creation of provinces. However, going to the press with her opinions was a different matter. If she was unhappy with the President’s rejection of her advice she could always have resigned.

In an interview given to Miadhu Daily, Dhiyana said “I joined Attorney General’s office as a State Attorney, after which I held the position of Executive Director and today as I leave office I have held the position of Attorney General; I am happy because I know that I have fulfilled my duties and responsibilities as per the constitution and in the best interests of the people, if I weren’t able to do that I would be holding my head down.”

The ugly truth about the ‘bravery’ of terrorists

2009-05-18T19:44:00.001-07:00

LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was supposed to carry a cyanide capsule around his neck, which he would use if cornered. He was cornered on Monday. But far from killing himself with the capsule, he was shot dead while trying to flee the scene like a common criminal. This is typical of the myths and false propaganda that surround terrorist leaders.

The picture above shows a well-fed Prabhakaran hugging two emaciated pilots just before they flew on a suicide mission. The forced smiles on the pilots tell the whole story. This is again typical. It's the brainwashed foot soldiers who make all the sacrifices.

Terrorists are often pictured in stage-managed settings walking along open mountain roads carrying over-sized guns. This perpetuates the myth of the fearless terrorist who attacks battle tanks without the protection of any armor. The truth is less dramatic. Terrorists habitually hide behind women and children, using them as human shields.

The myth of terrorists not being afraid of death has also been disproved time and again. Psychological research consistently shows that deeply religious people are more scared of death than their less religious counterparts.

Of all the false myths the most cynical is the one that portrays the terrorist as the savior of the community for which they are supposed to be fighting. The truth is that often the community is little more than a hostage at the hands of the terrorist, who uses them as human shields.

MDP and independents score highest vote shares

2009-05-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

The results of Majlis Election 2009 announced* by the Elections Commission on Sunday indicate that MDP scored 31.1% of valid votes, which is the highest vote share of any party or group. This represents 51,167 votes out of the total of 166,082 valid votes cast. MDP is closely followed by independents, who scored 30.3% vote share, or 49,862 votes.

DRP which bagged 28 Majlis seats, scored 24.8%, or 40,822 valid votes. However, since they scored this number through only 59 candidates, their scoring rate is higher at 692 votes per candidate. This is higher than MDP’s scoring rate of 682 votes per candidate (MDP fielded 75 candidates) and the independents’ scoring rate of 202 votes per candidate (with 247 candidates).

PA scored 5% of the vote share or 8,283 votes. They averaged 460 votes per candidate (18 candidates), which is considerably lower than MDP scoring rate. JP, DQP and other parties scored a combined vote share of 9.7% or 15,948 votes. They averaged 285 votes per candidate (56 candidates).

The following is the list of individuals who scored the top 10 results in terms of numbers:
1. Gasim Ibrahim (JP) 1,961 votes
2. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed (Ind) 1,423
3. Mohamed Musthafa (MDP) 1,423
4. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (MDP) 1,413
5. Ahmed Mohamed (DRP) 1,395
6. Rozaina Adam (DRP) 1,378
7. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon (DRP) 1,324
8. Ahmed Shareef Abdulrahman Yoosuf (Ind) 1,317
9. Ahmed Makhloof (DRP) 1,280
10. Eva Abdulla (MDP) 1,243
Interestingly the 7th and 8th top scorers lost the election.

[* includes Thimarafushi interim results, though not officially declared by Elections Commission]

A Saturday of Contrasts for South Asia

2009-05-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 16th of May was a historic day for South Asia. The Congress Party in India was swept back to power with the country’s highest margin of victory since 1984. The two-decade long ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka came to a military conclusion. But in Pakistan, Taliban militants exploded yet another car bomb in the North Western city of Peshawar, highlighting the country’s uncontrollable tailspin into the bottomless abyss of Islamic militancy. (For Maldives too it could have been a significant day if the Elections Commission had gone on with its original plan to announce the results of the Majlis election.)

These events signify the tragic contrasts between the three South Asian countries born from the remnants of the British Empire in the aftermath of World War II. In Sri Lanka, its seemingly intractable ethnic militancy is coming to end, while the Islamic militancy in Pakistan is beginning to go out of control.

In India, the Congress won a general election, where the main issue at stake was development. As Rahul Gandhi said after the victory, this signals that Indians have rejected caste and religion based politics. This contrasts sharply with the General elections in Pakistan last year, where the main issues were religion and sharia law.

One wonders if the reality of Pakistan today is what its founding father Mohamed Ali Jinnah and its poet laureate Sir Mohamed Iqbal had dreamt.

Drug Smuggler Sentenced to Life

2009-05-15T03:07:00.001-07:00

Mohamed Wasood Bisthaami (38) the Sri Lankan national who smuggled 4 kg of Brown Sugar (heroin) into the Maldives on March 2008 was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Criminal Court on Thursday. This case involved one of the biggest drug hauls ever in the Maldives.

Bisthami along with his female accomplice Sameen Ummul Faumiyya (56) flew in from Islamabad via Dubai carrying the 15 million rufiyaa cache of the contraband in five packets hidden in false bottoms fitted to their trolley bags and suitcases. Maldives Customs Service officers nabbed them at Male' International Airport in a special operation.

In the meanwhile Faumiyya (see photo above) has jumped bail and fled the country.

Lessons from Majlis Results

2009-05-13T03:35:00.001-07:00

From the composition of the new People's Majlis (preliminary) one can draw certain tentative conclusions on voter preferences and their vision of the future role of the Majlis. Below are a few points for discussion.

Voters appear to have a distinctive inclination towards mercurial candidates who can express themselves fluently and create high drama on the Majlis floor. This is indicated by the success of Reeko Moosa Manik, Nihan, Alhan, Thoriq, Ali Waheed and the two Nasheeds. On a positive note, these members appear to be at a higher intellectual plane compared to who they are replacing. Thus this time it may not be just talk, but also substance.
There doesn't appear to be too many buyers for the MDP slogan 'fulfilling promises,' as compared to the DRP slogan 'holding the government responsible.' It doesn't require rocket science to find out why. 'Holding the government responsible' is the logical function of a parliament. Further, in a presidential system a parliamentary majority is not indispensable to fulfill government promises.
The relative success of DRP/PA Coalition despite all the audit reports detailing their past deeds shows that the Maldivian people are not vindictive. Instead of harping on the past they appear to want to move on.
The electorate has given a strong thumbs-up signal to the party system, as indicated by the overwhelming success of party candidates, many of who were unknown and would have ended with 2 digit results without party backing. While it is true that 13 independents won, some of them are not really independents in the usual sense of the word. People like Nasheed, Ahmed Shyam, Red Wave Saleem and Zahir Adam are independents just because they wanted to fight the election that way. None of them will suffer from the usual disadvantages faced by run-of-the-mill independents, and the voters know that.
An interesting side story is the success of Dr. Afraasheem while his critics Sheikh Ilyas and Hussein Rasheed Ahmed did not make it. However, this appears to have less to do with their religious views and more to do with local politics. Afraasheem had the full backing of DRP, the dominant political party in Raa Atoll. In contrast, Ilyas and Hussein Rasheed had to fight not only DRP, but also MDP, their own coalition partner. Afraasheem also enjoyed the luxury of belonging to an elite family of Ungoofaru from where he won the election.

Some Big Guns Misfire

2009-05-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

Election 2009 has thrown quite a few surprises for a large number of big names in Maldives politics. According to the preliminary results announced so far, many veteran parliamentarians are on their way out of the Majlis. Some of them failed probably because they made wrong political decisions on party affiliation; others because they could not perform to expectations, while yet others simply because they were unlucky.

Perhaps the unluckiest is Ibrahim Ismail, who will best be remembered as the main architect of the current Constitution. He was ousted by the massive MDP wave that swept across Male. Ibra was simply unlucky to be pitted against MDP Chairperson Maria Ahmed Didi.

On the top of the list of those who made wrong decisions in their campaigns is Mohammed Ibrahim Didi (Mody). Despite being closely affiliated with the ruling MDP, he decided to fight his Fuahmulaku seat as an independent. In the end, he lost to MDP official candidate Shifaq Mufeedh (Histo).

Veteran Ahmed Abdullah also appears to have made a mistake in leaving DRP and fighting his Laamu Atoll seat on a Jumhoori Party ticket. He was swept aside by the rising tide of the DRP/PA wave in the atoll.

Ruling Coalition bigwigs ADK Nashid and Hassan Afeef surprised everyone by losing seats that were considered very safe till the results were announced. Their loss could perhaps be attributed to overconfidence.

Despite a very credible performance in the Majlis, Ibrahim Shareef (Mavoata) also lost his home seat this time. This could perhaps be because voters were not very happy with his tendency to change parties.

Voters appear to have rejected candidates who openly took advantage of their membership of the last Majlis to further their business interests. Similarly they also appear to have rejected those who have given valuable services to the Majlis in the distant past but are now obviously past their prime.

All in all, voters appear to have used their discretion very well to reject whom they rejected. An exception to this generalization would be Ibrahim Ismail.

Pakistan’s Doomed War

2009-05-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

The Pakistani government has launched an 'all out' war against the Taliban in its troubled Swat valley. This is a war that is doomed to fail, even though the government has bravely promised to 'eliminate' Taliban militants from the valley.

History is not on the side of Pakistan government. No conventional army has ever achieved a sustained victory against Taliban/Al Qaeda style militants. Such groups have developed a time-tested plan to emerge victors:

Use civilians as human shields to maximize collateral deaths and generate international pressure for a ceasefire (picture above shows civilians trapped in Swat);
Disappear into safe hideouts when the going gets too tough;
Re-emerge when the army has left and declare 'victory.' It does not matter to them that thousands of civilians have died and civilian infrastructure has been totally destroyed in the war.
Start a nationwide campaign of suicide bombings to send out the message that they are still in control.

President Asif Ali Zardari has promised to continue the military operations in Swat until 'normalcy' returns to the troubled valley. But the normalcy that follows this war may not be what Mr. Zardari expects. It is more likely to be the 'normalcy' of lawlessness, abductions and piracy that prevails in failed states like Sudan and Somalia.

[To read more details in Islam Online click here.]

Islamic Ministry to Privatize Friday Prayer Leading

2009-05-07T09:24:00.001-07:00

In a revolutionary move, Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced it will outsource Friday Prayer and Eid Prayer leading on contract basis. Up to now these prayers were conducted by imams employed by the Ministry, who have now been given notice.

The Ministry has not revealed the details of the bidding procedure, or how the bids will be evaluated. However it is likely that the Ministry will employ a prequalification process. Permanent Secretary Mohammed Didi indicated this when he said 'capable' imams will be selected. Even though Didi did not spell out what he meant by 'capable,' Shaikh Ibrahim Fareed should not be very surprised if he does not find his name in the list of 'capable' people.

As of now it is unclear whether the bidding is open to foreign imams from countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who will face difficulty in reading the Dhivehi parts of the sermons. However, this should not preclude them totally, as it can be circumvented by using Arabic transliteration. With transliteration they would do considerably better than Maldivian imams of the Latin Khutuba era.

For those not familiar with 'Latin Khutuba,' a little explanation may be in order. During the 1970s President Ibrahim Nasir abolished Thaana script and replaced it with Latin script (basically the English alphabet.) As a consequence, Friday sermons were also changed to Latin script. Old imams had difficulty reading the sermons and some could not finish even by Asuru Prayer.

[For details of the news in Dhivehi click here]

What Happens after the Elections?

2009-05-06T11:59:00.001-07:00

The following Mullah Nasruddin story gives a clue to what will happen in the aftermath of the general elections slated for May 9:

When Mullah undercut the local donkey merchant's prices for the third week in succession, the merchant was worried. "I don't know how you offer lower prices than mine. I use my slaves' free labor. They steal fodder from neighbors to feed my donkeys. So how do you keep your costs lower?"

"Simple," Mullah replied, "you steal labor and fodder. I steal donkeys."

In this story substitute 'merchant' with one of the political parties and 'Mullah' with another party. Also substitute 'labor' with campaign effort and 'fodder' with monetary gifts. And yes, I forgot, 'donkeys' with members (the pun is not intended).

Like the merchant some parties are spending on 'labor' and 'fodder'. But the smart parties are waiting for the election to be over to buy the elected members. As Mullah would have said, this is a much more cost effective method of stealing the public mandate.

So how will the whole thing end? This could depend on what is on offer. Let's sum this up in poker terms. If independents have a Full House, then DRP has Four of a Kind. But it's MDP that holds the Royal Flush.

Swine Flu Update

2009-05-05T10:38:00.001-07:00

As of 5th May, 21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection. Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).

Some WHO recommendations

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.
There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person you should wear a mask.

How can you protect yourself and prevent illness?

Practise general preventive measures for influenza to prevent infection:

avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough;
wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

How do you care for an ill person at home?

Separate the ill person from others, keeping the person at least 1 metre in distance from others.
Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person.
Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
Improve the air flow where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds.
Rest and take plenty of fluids.
Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.
Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people.

How quickly will influenza A(H1N1) vaccines be available?

The first doses of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine could be available in five to six months from identification of the pandemic strain.

Vandalizing tombstones

2009-05-04T11:26:00.001-07:00

The wanton destruction of historic tombstones in Hukuru Misky compound on Friday night is shocking beyond words. Who would want to vandalize these last vestiges of our glorious past, and why?

As usual the index of suspicion has been directed at drug addicts. But why on earth would they do a thing like this? They have absolutely no motive, unless of course someone paid them for it, which again raises the question as to who made the payment. From the scale of the destruction it is pretty obvious that this was no random mischief committed by intoxicated youngsters.

If the vandalism was preplanned, then who planned it? There is certainly no dearth of groups in the Maldives who believe tombstones must be destroyed. But as there are ongoing investigations, it may be out of place here to speculate about possible culprits.

Apart from a few mosque inscriptions and copper plates, tombstones in various parts of the Maldives are the only material evidence available on Maldivian history. The most important collections of tombstones are in Hukuru Misky and Koagannu in Meedhoo, Addu Atoll (see picture above). A large number of tombstones in Koagannu were vandalized in the recent past based on a superstition that if one breaks a tombstone one could commit Quran to memory.

Whoever did the destruction and whatever the reason, the act must be condemned in the strongest terms and the perpetrators brought to justice.

Saving honor at the cost of murder

2009-05-03T19:29:00.001-07:00

In certain societies, people are prepared to go to any length, even murder, to save their honor. In the Maldives too, many a newborn baby has been gruesomely murdered to save family honor. The ghastly infanticide last January in Omadhoo, Thaa Atoll, is typical.

According to the details of the crime emerging from the ongoing trial, Aminath Hussein, Kasthoorimaage, Omadhoo, Thaa Atoll, drowned her newborn child in a tub of water. She then buried the body in the island beach. Allegedly she was helped in the act by her mother and husband. Such help from family members is a typical feature of this type of murder, perhaps in a deranged attempt to save family honor.

Even in the days when adult homicide was extremely rare in the Maldives, infanticide was relatively common. Apparently people considered infanticide as a lesser crime than other forms of homicide. However, such murders in many respects are worse than the average homicide, and must be given the strictest punishment.

[To read the details of Omadhoo murder in Dhivehi click here]

Sea Demon or Darwin’s Missing Link?

2009-05-02T02:55:00.001-07:00

In one of the goofiest wild goose chases ever in the country, Maldives Defense Forces (MNDF)are combing the woods of Konday Island in North Huvadhoo, in search of an elusive creature believed to have crawled out of the sea. Last week frightened islanders taking a stroll on the island beach saw tracks that resembled a turtle's, but differed from those of any local species.

The islanders soon concluded it could be a crocodile. Experts from the Marine Research Center also agreed with the islanders that the elusive creature is not a turtle, but stopped short of labeling it a crocodile.

What is most surprising about the whole saga is why no one has so far speculated it's a sea demon. After all, Huvadhoo had in the past been a favorite haunt of a host of sea demons, spawning a whole profession around safeguarding islands from the monsters. Our forefathers in the Southern atolls those days could make a decent living out of exorcising demons.

No one really knows when demons and djinns settled in the Maldives. But we know that during the times of Jahiliyya, the countryside in parts of West Asia was full of them. Some of them may have migrated to the Maldives on board dhows that plied along the coasts of Indian Ocean. Apparently the jinni population multiplied rapidly in the Maldives. In fact their population was so thick those days that it was rather difficult to throw away anything at night without hitting one. Islanders used to warn off djinns in the neighborhood by calling out, "Gaikolhu gaigaa dhuru." But mysteriously their population has dwindled rapidly in recent years (based on reports of sightings) and now they appear to be on the endangered list.

But let's get back to the million dollar question: who made the mysterious tracks on Konday beach? It could be anything from a sea demon to Darwin's Missing Link. But most likely, it's a prankster who must now be laughing his heart out at all the people he has managed to fool.

Sexual Abuse and Incest

2009-05-01T07:55:00.001-07:00

Maldives Police Services are investigating allegations of sexual abuse of two daughters, now aged 13 and 16 years, by their father ever since they were five-year-olds. The accused father is Hussein Adam, 68 years, White Rose, Kulhudhuffushi, who currently lives in Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll.

Police have revealed that the accused had repeatedly abused the children by intimidating them as well as their mother who remained a helpless witness to the heinous crime. She was coerced to keep their room door open while she and her daughters changed clothes.

Recently there has been a perceptible surge in the numbers of cases of sexual abuse and incest reported to the police. It is not yet clear whether this is due to an actual increase in these crimes or whether it is because of higher awareness leading to more reports.

Popular myths debunked

The present case debunks some of the popular myths Maldivians harbor regarding the origins of sexual crimes. Here are two of these myths:

Sex Education: Some Maldivians believe people are drawn to sexual crimes after attending 'sex education' classes in schools. Born in 1941, Hussein Adam would not have attended any school, let alone sex education classes.
Influence of cable TV: Cable TV was not available in the Maldives till Hussein Adam was well past his youth.

Is Kalhuvakaru Mosque Mughal Architecture?

2009-04-25T11:35:00.001-07:00

According to an article in Haveeru Daily, Kalhuvakaru Mosque is an example of 'miniature' Mughal architecture. How accurate is this statement?

Examining the mosque, the first thing one observes is that the mosque does not exhibit any of the typical features of Mughal architecture. These features are:

Jaroka: Overhanging balconies;
Chhatri: Stone canopies that resemble umbrellas;
Chhajja: Stone eaves;
Jali: fenestrated stone carvings. Dhivehi word 'jaali' has more or less the same meaning;
Guldasta: Flower shaped pinnacles;
Charbagh: Quadrangular gardens.

So what architectural features does the mosque have? The most prominent feature is the coral carving in the base structure. This is more or less identical to the carvings in Hukuru Mosque, built during the time of Ibrahim Iskandharu (1648-1687). (Hukuru Mosque was built a few years after Taj Mahal was completed in 1653.)

Coral carving is an ancient art practiced in the Maldives since time immemorial. Evidence of this can be found in tomb stones in Koagannu Cemetery of Meedu Addu Atoll, which date back to the 12^th Century CE. This was 400 years before the first Mughal Emperor, Babur, defeated Ibrahim Lodhi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 to establish the Mughal Empire. Mughal architecture came much later. (The picture above contrasts Mughal stone carving and those found in Male mosques.)

The other striking feature in Kalhuvakaru Mosque is the wooden ceiling decoration. This type of ceiling decoration is not part of Mughal architecture, which uses interlaced stone-and-masonry arches and vaults for this purpose. On the other hand, such ceiling decoration is found in some temples of Sri Lanka.

It might be interesting to find out why experts who saw Kalhuvakaru Mosque thought it is Mughal architecture. Is it simply because it's a mosque and Mughals were Muslims? In the 16 years I spent in India, I have seen hundreds of Mughal buildings and mosques, none of them resembling Kalhuvakaru Mosque even remotely.

[To read the Haveeru article in Dhivehi click here.]

BBC: Blast carnage at shrine in Iraq

2009-04-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

The howling of the wounded echoed through a nearby hospital where the victims were admitted, the hallways packed with security forces and anxious family members looking for loved ones … …

At Friday prayers in Tehran, former Iranian President Ali Akbar Rafsanjani condemned Thursday's attack on pilgrims. "The incident yesterday was a very, very hateful example of those who harm religion in the name of religion," he said.

Lying on a stretcher, her head and hand bandaged, Sabiha Kadhim, 50, said: "I was near the shrine and suddenly there was a huge explosion and a fire broke out.

"I saw human body parts everywhere."

According to new statistics from Iraq's health ministry since 2005 when violence worsened more than 87,000 Iraqis have been killed.

For more details click here.

Preventing Hospital Mishaps

2009-04-24T02:34:00.001-07:00

The demonstrations against ADK Hospital following the tragic deaths of 37-year-old pre-school teacher Aishath Shaheen Mohamed and her unborn baby following a caesarian section on Monday brings to sharp focus yet again the increasing frequency of suspected cases of medical malpractice in the Maldives. The few cases that have gone up to the court, thanks to pro-bono lawyer Husnu Suood, such as those of Ali Zakhwan and Aishath Iyan are just the tip of the iceberg. Even those two cases are still pending in the court.

Shaheen, who had a past history of 2 caesarean deliveries, was admitted to ADK Hospital on 19th April. She was taken up for surgery the following day after her baby was diagnosed dead by hospital doctors. Her condition worsened following surgery and was referred to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, where she died soon after.

The matter is under investigation by Maldives Police Services as well as ADK Hospital. Thus it is inappropriate to express any opinions here that would compromise the investigation. However, in the interest of preventing future mishaps certain points must be noted.

Is there an internal system in any Maldivian hospital to review complications and deaths proactively? Or is the system geared to hush up mishaps unless relatives complain or demonstrate?
So far we have only heard about Police and ADK investigations. Where is the Health Ministry investigation; and is the Medical Council sleeping?
One protester, Fathimath Shirmeela, is reported to have said it was imperative the government carried out comprehensive checks on foreign doctors and their qualifications. Is the Medical Council in a position to clear her doubts and concerns?
Another protestor, Hawwa Riyaza, said the purpose of the protest was to raise awareness about the poor service at the hospital. How accurate is her statement on quality? Is there an objective way to measure quality in ADK or any other hospital? Whose responsibility is it to ensure that each hospital has a system of quality assurance?
Is it left to Husnu Suood to single-handedly tackle the issue of medical malpractice in the country?

Why Maldives was not in ILO

2009-04-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

Till yesterday, when People’s Majlis resolved that Maldives could join International Labor Organization (ILO), it had the dubious distinction of being on a very short list of countries refusing to join the organization, a list that was headed by North Korea. The long delay in joining ILO had historic reasons that date back to the late 70s and early 80s, when a large number of Maldivians were employed as seamen in foreign shipping lines.

People from those days could perhaps recall many incidents of returning seamen going to jail straight from the airport, though not many would have understood why. At the bottom of the mystery was the reason why foreign lines preferred Maldivian sailors: they could make Maldivians work for a pittance, as they were not protected by any local or international laws. As such, Maldivian sailors were paid very low wages compared to the minimum wages in Western countries. When ships called at US and EU ports, lawyers representing labor unions helped the Maldivians file cases against the shipping lines and get large amounts of money as compensation.

Those days the government took a hard-line against those who filed such cases. Perhaps officials felt they were detrimental to the continued employment of Maldivians as sailors. This is not the place or time to discuss whether that policy was right or wrong. The issue is raised here to give background information on why Maldives was not an ILO member all these days.

Some interesting points:
There were a couple of interesting points during the Majlis debate. One was the assurance that joining ILO would not automatically impose any obligations on Maldives. This assurance betrays lack of understanding of how international legal instruments work. They follow a familiar pattern. First, countries are made to accept the parent convention. This would then be used as the thin edge of the wedge to pry open sufficient space to push in ‘optional protocols.’ Soon, the country would be overwhelmed by implementation and reporting obligations.

The other interesting point was the reservations Maldives made while deciding to join ILO. This was mainly to enable the country to continue denying the right of worship to expatriate workers.

Must an atoll council be an atoll council?

2009-04-21T08:52:00.001-07:00

The term 'Atoll Council' as defined in the decentralization bill currently under debate in the Majils has led to a political maelstrom and a war of words between the President and his Attorney General, who believes the councils are unconstitutional. Below is what the Constitution says on the subject.

Article 230 (b): "For the purpose of governing the administrative divisions according to the principles of decentralization, the President has the power to create institutions, posts, island councils, atoll councils and city councils, as provided in law."

Schedule II of the Constitution lists out the 'administrative divisions.' The list comprises 21 divisions: the existing 20 atolls of Maldives plus Male.

In the light of Article 230 (b) above, the President has the power to create 5 entities, three of which are councils. The question is where do these councils belong?

Let us start with 'island' council, probably the least controversial among the three. There appears to be no dispute that the word 'island' here refers to the existing administrative islands of Maldives (which in some cases could be more than one in a geographical island, e.g. Fuvahmulah).

Defining 'city' council is also not that controversial. According to common perception, Male is the nearest to a city that the Maldives has. Further, Schedule II lists Male as an administrative division. Since it is the only division in the list which is not an atoll, putting 2 and 2 together, it is reasonable to assume that 'city council' belongs to Male.

This brings us to the bone of contention –atoll council. Attorney General Dhiyana Saeed appears to favor the view that an atoll council should belong to one of the 20 atolls listed as administrative divisions in Schedule II. However, this is not how the draft bill on decentralized administration sees things. According to the bill, an 'atoll' council need not belong to just one administrative atoll. Rather it could belong to the 2 - 4 atolls in the provinces proposed by the bill.

The decentralized administration bill is currently in the Majlis, where members will decide the issue and pass the law. After that it could perhaps go to the Supreme Court for a ruling on whether the law is constitutional.

Heritage vital to the survival of Maldives as a nation

2009-04-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

The recent history of Kalhuvakaru Mosque is a virtual barometer that reflects the cavalier treatment meted out to Maldivian heritage by successive regimes. It is also a damning clue to why the younger generation has lost its sense of identity and pride in the nation.

Built of ebony wood (the black color of which gives the mosque its name) on a carved coral stone base, Kalhuvakaru Mosque dates back to 1789, to the regime of King Hassan Noordeen I in the Maldives and the French Revolution in Europe. Till 1978 it was located near the National Football Stadium.

In 1978 Kalhuvakaru Mosque was dismantled to make way for a larger two-storey mosque. The old woodwork and masonry was auctioned off and bought by Furanafushi resort, where it was reconstructed. After Maumoon Abdul Gayoom became president later that year he took action to get back the mosque. The Australian owner of Furanafushi donated the mosque to the government (It was not bought back as claimed by the government).

Maumoon’s action appears to have been motivated more by politics than any love for heritage. This is indicated by the fact that the mosque was not restored back to its original historical site. Rather, it was placed in an insignificant corner of Sultan’s Park and left to decay. Perhaps it would have been better maintained if it was left in Furanafushi.

Kalhuvakaru Mosque was not the only historical structure demolished during the regimes of Ibrahim Nasir and Maumoon. The list includes, Aa Koattay Buruzu and other forts in Male, most buildings in the royal palace compound, Sifainge and numerous historic mosques in various parts of Maldives.

Last year, under an externally funded project, restoration work was started on Kalhuvakaru Mosque. The mosque was reopened by President Mohamed Nasheed on Monday. Speaking at the ceremony he said that history and heritage were the most important distinctions of a country. This is a significant departure from the past policy on nationalism and heritage, giving a ray of hope for national revival.

Theemuge Audit Report

2009-04-18T09:57:00.001-07:00

The latest in the 'time bomb' series of Auditor General's reports, this one on Presidential Palace Theemuge, confirms what we have known all along. Despite celebrating the diamond jubilee of constitutional rule in the Maldives, the concept of state property remains the same as it was during the era of absolute monarchy.

From time immemorial right up to this day, Maldivians believe that state property belongs to the ruler. Up to the dawn of 20th Century it was the King; afterwards it was the Prime Minister and finally now it's the President. The conviction runs so deep that despite the current Constitution requiring that presidential entitlements must be limited by law, such a law remains yet to be passed eight months into the Constitution.

Against this background, each year during the past 30 years, Presidential Palace budgets have been passed by the Majlis, each one larger than its predecessor. No member of the Majlis had ever dared to question the size of the budget or how it was spent. No wonder then that the Auditor General found what he found in Theemuge expenditure, some of the highlights of which are:

$ 17 million spent on construction of Theemuge;
Over 300 staff employed;
Rf 45 million spent on staff out of a total budget of 187 million;
55 cars at the service of the Presidential Palace;
11 plots of land dedicated for Theemuge in various parts of Male;
4 houses in 4 regional airports for the President's personal use;
Presidential suites in Colombo and London High Commissions.

Auditor General has recommended that former President Gayoom be asked to repay what he spent on his extended family from Theemuge budget. This is likely to take us back in time to the first half of 20th Century, when Abdul Majeed Rannabandeyri Kilegefaanu (former Prime Minister and Bodu Bandeyri) faced a similar predicament. He was supposed to have replied, "You know how these things are. We don't keep accounts here, so it's difficult to determine what's mine and what's the government's. Let's do one thing. I have three houses, Maabageechaage, Maafannuge and Athiree Maafannuge. I'll keep two; the government can have one, Athiree Maafannuge."

By a strange coincidence, the house that Kilegefaanu gave that day was today's Theemuge.

Will little Iyaan get justice in medical malpractice case?

2009-04-17T12:47:00.001-07:00

While the Maldivian judicial system grapples with one of its first medical malpractice cases, everyone wishes well for the little 5-year old girl at the center of the case, who sustained permanent damage to her ears and hopes she will get justice.

The case revolves around a course of the antibiotic gentamicin given to Aishath Iyaan in 2007, when she was only 3 years old. Later, Iyaan developed deafness.

While quite commonly used for serious infections with susceptible bacteria, gentamicin has well known side effects, which include ear and kidney damage. Thus the question of malpractice will hinge on whether it was used appropriately with due precautions. For example:

Was there a proper indication (reason) to use gentamicin and was it the best choice for the child's infection?
Was the dose appropriate for the body weight?
Were the parents informed of the risks?
Was kidney function monitored?

[Note: the above is not an exhaustive list.]

Going through reports of the case in Jazeera and Minivan News it appears that the hospital records of the child were not documented well enough to answer the above and other similar questions. In many jurisdictions in the developed world, lack of documentation is taken as evidence against the hospital, which has the burden of proof to show that it followed standard recommendations and procedures.

The Evolving Illicit Sex Industry

2009-04-17T03:23:00.001-07:00

During the 1990s, the Maldives became perhaps the first country in the world to use a 'military' tactic to invade a brothel house, when a high ranking officer of the National Security Service announced on national TV that Ni*** Mo** house in Maafannu was raided and prostitutes caught in action. Since then brothel houses are being raided with increasing frequency (though military tactics are no longer used), indicating that the business is burgeoning.

As years pass by, the business is also evolving. For example, when Ni*** Mo** brothel was in operation 10 years back, the staff as well as the clientele were all Maldivian. Nowadays both tend to be foreigners. The staff now comes from places as far as Samarkand and Shanghai.

Those arrested in the most recent raid included 3 Chinese women and a Bangladeshi man. Caught flagrante delicto in a guesthouse in H. White Stream, the quartet were 36 year old Caixia Zhuang, 38 year old Ziufang Wang and 26 year old Lihua Rao and Mahabub Aalam. The police recovered from them money and 'equipment' used for the act (whatever that meant).

Perhaps such foreigners represent the tip of the iceberg. There is reason to believe that a larger hidden component exists, involving Maldivian girls and Maldivian clients. However, it's more difficult to detect because that particular market segment operates on a different model using mobile phones and house visits. There is also a niche up-market segment that provides escorts for holidays in resorts, Colombo or Singapore.

According to the few surveys that have been conducted within the local community, the price of a unit of sex has been steadily decreasing from about 500 rufiyaa about 5 years back to about 100 rufiyaa these days (there is a price range of course). This indicates an increase in supply.

Prostitution will not disappear unless its social root causes are addressed:

An expatriate population of 80,000 in the Maldives;
A floating population of about 20,000 Maldivians in Male;
Wide income disparities between poor households and the elite.

Saudi Drug Law: Liberal and Modern

2009-04-15T23:23:00.000-07:00

Saudi Arabia has one of the most liberal drug laws in the world. Considering drug addicts as patients needing medical attention, the law provides ample opportunities for them to take treatment and avoid punishment. At the same time, drug smugglers and dealers are given severe penalty including the death sentence. Here is a summary of how the law deals with drug related offenses.

Narcotics smuggler: The severest punishment, for those who are involved in smuggling narcotics and bringing narcotics in the kingdom is death.

Dealer: For the first time offender, punishment is imprisonment, lashing or financial fine or all. For the repeat offenders, punishment is increased and the involved person may be sentenced to death.

Narcotics User: Narcotics user is jailed for two years and punished according to the judge's decision. A narcotics user who enrolls in the treatment is not questioned, but admitted into a specialized hospital. Saudi law treats narcotics addicts as patients who need treatment.

Special Treatment for students: The law excludes students from punishment and limited to disciplining and monitoring them. To benefit from this exclusion from punishment, the students must meet certain conditions including:

• Full time student under 20 years of age;
• Not involved in dealing and smuggling and other crimes;
• Not involved in serious road traffic accidents.

[Based on information from Saudi Ministry of Interior]

Top 10 and Maldives Schools

2009-04-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

Every year when Cambridge O' level results are announced, it's chest thumping time for Maldives Education Ministry officials, claiming their school system is the best in the world. True, Maldivian students display individual brilliance that compares with the best in the world who take these exams. But what is conveniently forgotten during the celebrations is the inconvenient fact that 73% of the 7000 candidates fail the exams. So, which of these two pictures represents the real school system of Maldives?

Looking at the results this year, six students were placed 1st in the list of world top 10. Five of them belonged to the so-called elite schools of Male, even though five of them were citizens of other islands. In addition, 33 students were included in the world top 10. This is an increase over last year's figure of 25.

That's the good news. The bad news is that only 27% of the 7000 candidates passed the examination. Further, 22% of the candidates brought a "U" set, meaning they did not score any marks. Another worrying trend is the decreasing pass percentage of Dhivehi and Islam.

Many ordinary Maldivians believe that the brilliant performances at Top 10 level is more due to inherent talent and private tuition rather than anything done by the schools. They believe the actual contribution of the schools is the 27% pass rate. This of course is a very harsh judgment.

Whatever the reason, there is a widening gulf between the handful of world beaters and the vast majority of students who come out as failures from the schools. An interesting question is, how will the new policy of establishing elitist private schools affect the situation?

Can DRP Unite the Country?

2009-04-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

As articulated by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, DRP’s main election promise this time is to unite the country politically and religiously. This is one promise that is unlikely to be fulfilled even if the DRP-PA alliance gets all the seats in the Majlis. We are not talking here about the capability of the alliance, but the impossible nature of achieving social unity, a task no country has achieved in modern times.

In fact developed countries have realized the impossibility of achieving such unity and have adopted a policy of multi-culturalism long ago. The policy involves accepting the differences between various groups and tolerating them.

It’s not actually very difficult to understand why unity cannot be achieved in an information age. When one knows a subject one is likely to have opinions on various aspects of the subject. The more one knows the subject, the stronger his opinions are likely to be. Further, strong opinions are likely to clash. It is such clash of opinions that results in factionalism.

In the Maldives case, religious factionalism started with increased religious awareness created over the last three decades. Religious awareness is still increasing in the Maldives, so factionalism will also keep increasing.

There is no basis for the claim that ignorance is the cause of extremism and jihadism. All academic studies on the subject reveal that jihadists are generally more educated than the average person in the community from which they come. (Recall the academic backgrounds of 9/11 hijackers.)

In the sphere of politics too, awareness is increasing in the Maldives. So political divisions are also likely to increase in the future.

Probably Maumoon himself knows that he will never be able to unite the Maldives the way it used to be. After all, when all the disunity occurred he was firmly in power. What can he do now that he couldn’t do earlier?

How Genuine are the Candidates?

2009-04-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

No one has so far said they are standing for the election because of the 62,000 rufiyaa salary. We don’t even expect them to admit it, but at least for some candidates the salary must be a big issue. It’s really a funny situation. The candidates as well as the voters know that election promises will remain just that: promises and nothing else.

Most candidates claim their reason for standing for a particular constituency is because they know the place well. However, in most cases the truth is that the candidate lives in Male and has no contact with the home island except for occasional visits during the Eid Holidays. The real reason to choose the constituency could more likely be to take advantage of the presence of relatives in the island.

When a candidate is asked what they will do for the constituency, they usually come up with long lists of projects including schools, harbors and resorts. Realistically speaking Majlis members will have no direct influence on decisions to build such infrastructure, since they come under the purview of the executive branch of the state.

Few candidates appear to concentrate on the actual role of Majlis members and their realistic contribution to the process. But if the voters are happy with what the candidates say, who are we to complain?

Presumed Innocent

2009-04-12T08:46:00.001-07:00

The old couple who brought one kilogram of heroin from India to the Maldives on 9^th April may be innocent –an assumption most people are apparently making because of the advanced age of the couple. But are they really innocent? Whatever the truth, one thing is certain. This is a loophole in the system and criminals are certain to take advantage of it.

With one notable exception, Maldivians generally assume old people don't do crime. The exception is of course former President Gayoom. Supposing the contraband was found on his luggage when he returned from his recent trip to Trivandrum, he is unlikely to have received much sympathy. Why this difference?

Again this may be due to the assumption that uneducated people are innocent. Like the previous assumption this also has no scientific basis at all. In fact in most studies low educational achievement is associated with higher crime rates, not lower.

For details of the case in Dhivehi click here.

Judges Deserve Good Salaries

2009-04-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

In any country except the Maldives, it would be shocking to see so many high profile resignations from judicial posts as we saw in recent years, including those of some of the best legal brains in the country such as Husnu Suood and Ahmed Muiz. However, in the Maldivian government services, dominated as it were by bureaucrats who insist professionals must be paid less than them, such resignations are taken in the stride. It is therefore very welcome that the Judicial Service Commission has proposed more reasonable salaries for judges.

Judges and lawyers are highly educated professionals with earning potential far surpassing the salaries they are paid in government service. While it may not be possible to fully compensate them, a reasonable salary is the minimum they deserve.

Enhancing the salaries of judges alone may not be enough to raise the quality of the legal system in the country. Lawyers also must be paid reasonable compensation and retained in the government service. The recent fiasco about lawyers in the Civil Service was eminently avoidable.

Similarities between the drug epidemics in Maldives and Iran

2009-04-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

There are striking similarities between the drug epidemics in the Maldives and Iran. Thus, there could be some lessons from Iran that we could use in the Maldives. However, it must also be stressed that there are important differences too between the two epidemics.

During recent decades, Iran has suffered from drug abuse, which has turned into a malignant social phenomenon with widespread social, psychological, familial and economic calamity. Emergence of intravenous drug use along with transmission of infectious diseases including HIV and HCV has added further to the burden.

Comparing the two countries, both have very high prevalence rates of drug addiction. The officially estimated rates are 2.23% of the population in Iran and 2.7% in the Maldives. According to more pessimistic unofficial estimates the rates are 5.9% of the population in Iran and 5% in the Maldives.

In both countries, 90% of the drug users are male. In Iran the average drug user is about 33 years of age while it is about 21.4 years in the Maldives. Perhaps because of this, most addicts are married and employed in Iran, while it is the reverse in the Maldives.

In both countries, opioids were the commonest drugs of abuse. In the Maldives the number 1 drug is heroin. In Iran the number 1 drug is opium, perhaps because of cultural and geographic reasons. Heroin is number 2 in Iran. Cannabis use is much lower and cocaine use negligible in both countries.

In both countries, the percentage of intravenous drug users (IDU) is about 25% of all drug users according to official sources. The unofficial estimates are higher in both countries.

Drug control strategies in Iran

Medical intervention for drug abuse is legalized and exempted from prosecution.
A 14-day detoxification regimen is used using Clonidine and miscellaneous psycho-active therapeutics.
During the detoxification period and thereafter, patients received individual counseling, supportive psychotherapy and participated in group sessions mainly with an unstructured composition.
Unfortunately, the results showed that, despite the persistence and effort by staff and family members, attrition and relapse rates were high.
Structured Relapse Prevention (SRP) group therapy, cognitive behavioral individual and group therapies, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups and motivational enhancement interviews were implemented in some centers.
Along with such groups, similar self-help groups with various ideals and belief systems were introduced.
A number of NGOs have been established for rehabilitation, training and emotional and financial support for the former drug users and their families.

[Information on Iran is from an article by Dr. Azarakhsh Mokri, Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran]

Recovering even a single copper coin may be difficult

2009-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

“This is your ransom. Two million dollars in unmarked bills, just like you wanted...,” Tom Mullen (Mel Gibson) in the 1996 movie ‘Ransom.’

Why, do you think, former President Gayoom (allegedly) used to pay in cash in his many trips abroad, in this day and age when all self-respecting presidents make their payments in credit cards or bank transfers? We may never know why he did it, but from watching thriller movies we have a fairly good idea why some others do it. (See quote above). It leaves no paper or electronic trail – and makes it that much more difficult to trace. Recovering even a single copper coin of embezzled money –if any –would be near impossible.

Dead ends and cold trails
Some years back I asked the Philippines Ambassador about the progress of recovering the over 1 billion dollars allegedly embezzled by former dictator Marcos. It appears that less than 1% of the sum was recovered, while the expenditure on the international investigations was higher. Marcos had transferred the money to dummy companies he had created. Investigators hunted the money from company to company across the globe. But in each case the trail ultimately disappeared in a non-existent company. Marcos had developed a smart way to cover his trail. But perhaps smarter would be to leave no trail at all.

Wealth beyond known sources of income
When Gayoom came to power in 1978, members of his family and in-laws were middle class people, some struggling with debts. When he left power in 2008, many of them were unimaginably rich, owning resorts and vast land holdings in Male. Many people believe such richness is well beyond their known sources of income. There are rumors of commissions, kickbacks and gifts for favors to international parties. It is unlikely that any records of such transactions would be uncovered in an investigation.

Siphoning?
For most of Gayoom’s regime government offices were required to import their needs of machinery and heavy equipment through STO and MGTC. Often the quotations from these companies were 2 to 3 times higher than direct quotes from suppliers. What happens to the difference between the two? Again, no evidence is likely to be uncovered.

Thus, it is quite likely that not a single copper coin is recovered in the investigation of the alleged corruption of the former government. So is it worthwhile to investigate? I’ll repeat here the answer that the Philippines Ambassador gave to this question: “Yes, it’s important to investigate. Even if no money is recovered, it will send a strong message to leaders who might think of becoming corrupt in the future.”

Raajje Islam Website Unblocked

2009-04-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

In a move that will be welcomed by advocates of free media, Telecom Authority of Maldives (TAM) has unblocked ‘Raajje Islam.’ Earlier the site was blocked at the request of the Ministry of Islamic affairs.

According to unconfirmed sources the block was triggered by Raajje Islam’s reporting of the events leading to the blockade of a mosque in Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll, because the Imam refused to recite qunooth regularly in every dawn prayer. Raajje Islam has posted translations of fatwas on the subject by the late Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz, the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and others.

In his Fatwa Bin Baz says, “... As for reciting qunooth indefinitely in each dawn prayer, it is not allowed. On the contrary, it is an innovation. This has been proved from Ahadith reported in Imam Ahmed’s Musnadh and Imam Thirmeezee’s Sunan. ... ... As for Ahadith favoring qunooth indefinitely in each dawn prayer, let it be known that they are weak Ahadith according to Hadith scholars."

The above is an example of the type of information and opinions posted in Raajje Islam. If the authorities feel such information is erroneous, they could perhaps refute them. Failure to refute is no reason to block websites.

To view Raajje Islam click here.

Not Divine Punishment this Time?

2009-04-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

When lightning struck the Island of Kanditheemu in North Miladhunmadulu Atoll on the morning of 5th April, mercifully this time no one has labeled it a divine punishment. The twister observed the same morning in Hulhule (see picture above) also escaped the label. Lightning, tsunamis and earth quakes are often attributed to a punishment from God, not just in the Maldives but also in Western countries like the UK and the US. This is perhaps because of the sudden onset of unforeseen destruction.

Lightning is a particularly favorite for this type of labeling. This could be because it has a way of pinpointing individuals instead of a large population. In the Maldives lightning strikes are often labeled as punishment for false oaths and misappropriation of property belonging to others.

It is remarkable that more than 200 years after the scientific discovery of the explanation behind lightening and Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning conductor, people should still continue with their age old superstitions.

Dhiraagu must be happy that in this particular instance no such negative association was made. After all, it was the Dhiraagu antenna that was the prime target of the strike. Other installations struck were the cable TV and electric supply. They could also consider themselves lucky to escape the blame

AG Says a Ministry must have One Permanent Secretary

2009-04-06T11:49:00.001-07:00

Attorney General's Office has given its legal opinion to the Civil Service Commission that permanent secretary posts of ministries abolished since 11 November 2008 remain automatically terminated. AG Office also noted that the Civil Service Law is formulated to have one permanent secretary in each ministry.

The legal opinion comes as no surprise. Everyone except the civil Service Commission has been saying all along that the Commission's decision to retain 2 to 3 permanent secretaries in some ministries is illegal. Article 54 (Haa) of the Civil Service Act says a Permanent Secretary's post must be created and filled in each responsible office of the government. The wording of this article and its context leaves little doubt as to its meaning: each ministry must have one and only one permanent secretary.

Having two permanent secretaries in a ministry is more than a mere cosmetic issue. It dilutes the responsibilities of a permanent secretary (PS) described in Article 55 of the Act, and weakens the line of authority from minister to PS and downwards to civil service staff.

Simply not true

In its defense Civil Service Commission has said that it is the practice in some developed countries to have more than one permanent secretary in an institution. This is misleading. In countries with posts equivalent to permanent secretaries (head of the civil service in an institution equivalent to a ministry) such posts are single. They may be supported by deputy secretaries, joint secretaries, additional secretaries, second permanent secretaries or other similar posts. But this is an entirely different matter. The permanent secretary remains one.

[For related article in Dhivehi click here]

Why should you vote in the election?

2009-04-05T11:22:00.001-07:00

Majlis candidates have come up with a wide range of reasons why they think you should vote for them. Here is a selection of some of the more popular reasons (among the candidates). Let's go through them to see if you can find a reason good enough to make you take the walk to the polling booth.

Visiting the constituency at 2 to 3 month intervals: This is a very popular promise in candidate manifestos. Ostensibly it is to learn the concerns of the people. This promise will be fulfilled for Male constituencies (for obvious reasons), but islanders will be lucky if they see their member once in 6 months.

Reducing salary to about 50% or donating the salary to constituency: Another very popular reason. This is going to be the first broken promise. Mark my words. You will never hear about this promise after the election.

Quran teacher and religious lectures: No manifesto will be complete without using the religious card.

Embroidery and tailoring courses for women: This promise simply has to be there. How can chauvinists hide their true colors?

Reporting back parliamentary proceedings to constituency: An elaboration of the first promise. Is this really necessary when the Majlis is shown live on TV?

Raising issues in the Majlis: This is a promise every candidate will love to fulfill. Who can resist the temptation of acting in the biggest 'Kasauti' in town?

Maintain good attendance record: Easier said than done.

Establishing a club house in Male for constituents: This is my favorite reason. If anyone promises a club house for Henveyru South constituents behind Dharubaaruge, my vote goes to him/her.

Helping government achieve its agenda: This is the ruling party reason for choosing their candidates.

Holding the government accountable: The opposition party reason.

Afeef Faces a Catch-22

2009-04-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

Majlis Members nominated to the Judicial Services Commission face a catch-22 situation. When a general election is announced they must contest the election and retain their Majlis seat, or they will lose their place in the Commission. But if they contest the election they automatically vacate their place in the Commission. Thus either way they are doomed. At least this would be the scenario if we are to go by the legal opinion of Attorney General Dhiyana Saeed.

The issue heated up when the present Majlis nominee to the Commission, Thaa Member Hassan Afeef, who is also Chairman of the Commission, filed his nomination to defend his Majlis seat in the coming general election. Citing Article 10 of the Law on Judicial Services Commission, AG Dhiyana has said that Afeef has automatically forfeited his Commission membership. Below is an unofficial translation of the relevant parts of Article 10.

"Article 10: The following are the conditions under which a Commission Member's position may be deemed vacant: … (a.4). Contesting in an election for a political post under the Constitution or under a law…"

Applying this Article to all other members (Except the Ex-Officio members) poses no problems because they may complete their full 5-year terms without taking part in an election. But for a Majlis member nominated to the Commission, it is simply impossible to complete a 5-year term. This contravenes Article 6 of the Law, which says the term of all members (other than ex-officio) is 5 years.

Some legal experts are of the view that it is inappropriate to apply Article 10 literally in isolation without considering other articles particularly Article 6 and without considering common sense or the purpose behind the law. They say a reasonable solution to the impasse would be to allow Afeef to continue in the Commission till the dissolution of the current Majlis.

For the Dhivehi original of the Law click here

Rethinking Darwin

2009-04-03T07:41:00.001-07:00

Darwin's On The Origin of Species was published in 1859 and translated into Arabic in the mid-1870s. Since then it has been at the center of a long-running debate in the Arab world. However, the debate has not been as biased as one would be led to believe after watching TV shows based on the works of Harun Yahya (the penname of Adnan Oktar, a Turkish author, whose shows have been aired and popularized by TV Maldives with Abbas Ibrahim's Dhivehi commentary).

Many Muslim scientists today accept Darwin's theory, often within the understanding that the evolutionary process was preceded by a moment of creation that the divine God had willed and carried out. In addition, evolutionary concepts — whether under the Darwin and evolution labels or not — are now part of the standard biology curricula in most Arab and Muslim countries.

Clearly Harun Yahya does not speak for all Arabs or all Muslims. Hassan Hamid Attiya and Abdel Sabour Shaheen, to mention just two scholars, have contributed valuable insights into how to view evolution within the Islamic context.

For an excellent analysis of the topic posted on Qatar based Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi's Islam Online website click here.

Should Bad Boys be Expelled from School?

2009-04-03T06:22:00.001-07:00

There is little doubt that the discipline of students is appalling, particularly in Malé schools. According to a student source who wants to remain anonymous, his classmates in a famous school in the capital often take mineral water bottles filled with Vodka for drinking and selling during the interval. Smoking and selling cigarettes and supari are also widespread.

Many parents believe the problem is at least partially due to the negative influence of a few wayward students, and these 'bad apples' should be removed to save the remaining apples in the barrel. However, Education Ministry and educationalists have steadfastly refused to expel any students except in very rare instances. This is a protracted controversy with strong arguments on both sides.

A typical argument could go like this, "As a young person in the mid twenties and a teacher, I feel that the influence of any drug on pupil learning and behavior is bound to be detrimental and if left unpunished then others will follow suit."

A counter argument could go, "Expelling pupils leads to social exclusion and increases the likelihood of crime becoming a way of life, rather than just teenage misdemeanor."

And … "I would go further; they should be sent to borstal. Our attitudes to bad behavior have been far too tolerant. This would be quite a lenient sentence to many of us and a real deterrent. Let's restore some modicum of law and order rather than the liberal instigated persecution of decent ordinary people. Society must have deterrents to protect the decent law abiding majority."

… "Of course children should be expelled from school if they are known to have drugs. They are a bad influence on other children and parents have a right to know that their child will be protected from drugs, the same as they should be protected from guns or knives. The over-riding factor is very clear, drugs ruin lives. I believe that the message of teachers/heads should be explicitly clear, bring drugs into my school and you're out!"

With increasing juvenile violence in Malé streets, discipline is no longer a mere school issue. It is rather a national issue. The question is, will expelling the bad students from school improve school discipline or will it merely lead to the expelled students becoming street thugs?