As Maldives celebrates Teachers’ Day…

Even as Maldives celebrates yet another Teachers' Day, few teachers are in a celebratory mood. The profession today faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its very vision as a body capable of guiding the next generation of Maldivians to their maximum individual potential, while instilling in them religious and cultural values and fostering among them social unity and harmony, and love and pride in the nation.

Maldives Association for Teachers' Link, a recently formed NGO of teachers, has identified 16 points that must be addressed urgently to revitalize the profession. Teachers' Link founder member Abdul Qadir Ismail says the priority points among them are related to quality of education, teaching environment and teachers' salaries and benefits.

Teaching is a noble humanitarian service no doubt. But like any other profession, teachers also deserve a certain minimum standard of living commensurate with their contribution to society. An increasing number of teachers today feel that they are being left out in the redistribution of the economic pie that is taking place as a consequence of the reform movement. While the salaries of some public servants have increased tenfold in the past decade, teachers' salaries have remained more or less stagnant. If this trend continues, Qadir says, it will become increasingly difficult to retain good teachers in the profession and maintain quality of education.

Qadir says that teachers' salaries have declined relatively in the past 3 decades when compared to other government servants in the atolls. For example, throughout the 1980s and right up to the mid 90s, teachers were second only to atoll chiefs in terms of salary. All that has changed now. In round after round of periodic government salary hikes, teachers have been sidelined. As a result, many professionals who were paid much less in the 1990s today earn much more than teachers. For example, magistrates today earn about 20,000 rufiyaa per month, compared to about 4940 rufiyaa for a grade-five teacher. Even a mudhim earns almost as much as a teacher. Atoll chiefs today earn 35,000 rufiyaa per month while assistant atoll chiefs earn 12,000 rufiyaa.

Inconsistency in providing housing is also a major issue for teachers, Qadir says. Some teachers get housing flats at very nominal rents, while others don't get even a housing allowance. Many teachers today live in rented accommodation paying much more than their salaries.

Teachers' salary scale was in the making since 2002, and was at long last adopted last year. However, it is yet to be financially implemented. Qadir says it is difficult to accept the excuses put forward for the delay, such as lack of budget and shortage of finances. He says provisions could have been included in this year's budget itself because the new salary scale was adopted as early as last November. On the other hand there is a long list of unbudgeted salary hikes implemented this year, including increased salaries for majlis members, independent institutions, etc.

Coming to the quality of education, Qadir says there are serious problems with the curriculum, physical facilities and discipline. The Law on Children's Rights introduced in the early 1990's is a major impediment to maintaining discipline, he says. Because of the law it has been difficult to take any action on pupils who misbehave and distract others. According to Qadir one of the reasons why Ahmediyya School has been able to maintain high grades is because the management insisted on taking strict action on unacceptable behavior, despite pressure from the authorities.

Teacher's Day is an opportunity to reflect on the status of the teaching profession. Unless we as a nation are prepared to give teachers the decent life they deserve, they as a profession will not be in a position to command the respect of their students and raise them as responsible citizens.

What this election is all about

By anonymous visitor to blog

We analyze politics at the same level as kids. And I am surprised that even the so called intellectuals do not fully grasp the picture. As much as some like it to be, the issue in the election is not about Maumoon. It is not even about the election of a president. This election is all about bringing a much desired correction to the system. We are in the process of adjusting to a new equilibrium.

And what is it, you may ask?

The world has changed rapidly in the last 10 years with new technology, internet, mobile phones, cable TV, cheap travel in a tsunami of globalization. We are now part of the global culture, for which we are making the adjustment. This requires a serious upgrade of the political system - you don't do it by blaming Maumoon. In fact Maumoon is not even a factor here.

We are witnessing a global change that demands an equivalent change to our attitudes and lifestyles. Out with the tried, tested and failed methods; and in with the values and aspirations of Generation X.

This is not a time to be nostalgic about past people such as Amin Didi and Nasir. They are also not without their share of blame in maintaining our present feudal power structure.

Power is not about right or wrong. It is about sustainability of the current system, which has been in Maldives for centuries.

Now with globalization and with new rules, even Maldives is forced to change. No one can hold it back.

Question is who is best to lead this. None of the candidates have proven credentials to do this. Who is talking about new technology and new ways of doing things?

Even USA and Europe are changing and adjusting to the new reality. But our learned PhD people are talking of copying their systems which they themselves are questioning now.

Our present situation demands a good statesman who is able to articulate the values and aspirations of our new generation. That is the future.

The future cannot be determined by the values of the middle-aged people, because they are just as clueless as kids.

[Note: This article was submitted by an anonymous visitor to this blog, and so the contents are his/her intellectual property. This blog will consider for publication articles that are constructive, avoid obscene language and do not needlessly launch personal attacks on individuals or communities. Authors of controversial articles are requested to identify themselves.]

‘Beg Your Pardon’ –a selection of political quotes

"We are navigating a dangerous ocean, and getting wrecked on each reef –drugs, religious divisions, housing shortages, basic services like jetties, crime." –Umar Naseer on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008 explaining why he is contesting the presidential election

"I will strengthen the steps already being carried out, and will work to solve this in the next five years." –President Gayoom on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008 explaining how he will fulfill his promise on drugs.

"As you know there will be occasions in a country's life. Every country faces moments, moments that change the country's situation from one state to another. I am certain what is being played out tonight is one of those moments." –Anni speaking on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008

"No mother or father has the certainty their child will be able to return after they go to the shop next door." –Dr. Hassan Saeed on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008

"I believe the state of the country has come to this because rule of law has not been established in the country, people have been discriminated against at various levels before the law, and the system has been shaped to provide national opportunities to different people in different ways." –Ibra on TVM's Riyaasee Suvaalu program on 3 September 2008

"I came to Male' from my island for education. I was unable to get a proper education and I do not want others to be deprived of a proper education. That is why I do my part in contributing to the society." –Gasim Ibrahim speaking at a party rally on 11 September 2008

"What is a weapon? I did not use any sharp weapon. No pistol, knife, gun, cutter, nothing. I always had a pen in my pocket. That is the weapon." –President Gayoom on TVM's Siyaasath program on 16 September 2008, responding to the question whether he was in possession of anything that could be considered a weapon when he took the oath in 1978

"The solution is Umar." –Umar Naseer's campaign slogan

"The coming presidential elections will be the most fair and free election ever in the entire South Asia region." –Anni speaking to Colombo based diplomats on 29 September 2008

"Convince me and I will believe." –Entry in Ibra's official website

"Those who say I have a selfish motive to become president are right: I want the job to solve the difficulties people face today." –Gasim Ibrahim speaking at the official launching of his campaign, responding to allegations that he was selfish

"A new future for Maldivians; a new leader for the Maldives." –Dr. Hassan Saeed's campaign slogan.

Who can lead the Maldives for a better tomorrow?

By Mohamed A. (A Maldivian student abroad)

Dr. Hassan and Dr. Shaheed cannot rule the Maldives for the people, because they were once part of a corrupt regime. They inherited that philosophy. They left the government and formed a group because they were opportunists who wanted to get power badly by hook or crook. They are taking credit for a reform movement initiated by Anni with support from the people who are against the dictatorial rule of Maumoon.

Maumoon is talking about taking Maldives to new heights. He ruined the Maldives for the last 30 yrs. He never wanted Maldivians to progress; and to prevent this he gave a blind eye to the drug mafia actively destroying each and every household in the Maldives. This is his way of staying in power.

The development that took place in the Maldives was only foreign aid. Most of the schools were constructed with Japanese aid, Social Center with Japanese aid, and Regional hospitals with foreign aid. Now he is planning to make a deal on Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital with a Singapore firm. How can he improve medical services without spending on medical education and training doctors? Last 20 years there were many school leavers who wanted to become doctors. But he did nothing for them. Because of his education and development policy Maldives lacks skilled persons in every field. People were made to work like bonded laborers where they cannot make the ends meet with the salary. Those who could steal the public money they stole to make the ends meet.

There is nothing in Maldives that people are happy about. The country has become a hell to live and raise a family.

I am a student studying abroad. The last Republic day I was in Maldives and viewed a programme telecast by TV Maldives. The programme was produced on the basis of some research done on former president the late Mohamed Amin Didi by Maldives Historical Research Center. The programme was based on an article written by Mohamed Amin on his vision for the Maldives.

After viewing the programme I believe that the father of modern democracy in the Maldives is President Mohamed Amin. In his vision he planned to introduce modern education to Maldives, give education and rights to women. He also planned to provide college education in the Maldives. And also he mentioned in his vision to introduce party system politics to Maldives. He completed 20% of the work he mentioned in the vision within the first year of his rule.

After viewing this programme I now believe the presidents that the Maldivians got after late President Amin Didi, especially Maumoon, are none but only dictators.

During my holiday in Male' I also visited some of my friends. Most of them live in one room homes. Most of the families living in Male' have to live and sleep in only one room with grown up boys and girls. Most of them have gone to drugs. There is no life for them. The little income these families earn goes to drugs.

The Islamic scholars now enter politics and confuse the public regarding religion. One day they say Maumoon is not a Muslim of Sunni sect and the other day they go to court. These Islamic scholars, don't they have anything better to do instead of mixing religion and politics? It looks like everyone is hungry to become president.

The country needs people like Anni who have the strength to face the dictator, who have the courage to challenge the dictator's regime and who can lead the Maldives for a better tomorrow. The country will change for the better if he is elected to lead the Maldives for the next 5yrs.

[Note: This article was submitted by a student, Mohamed A., and so the contents are his responsibility. This blog will consider for publication articles that are constructive, avoid obscene language and do not needlessly launch personal attacks on individuals or communities.]

Supreme Court Okays Gayoom candidacy

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." –Alice in Wonderland

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court this afternoon determined that the Election Commission's decision to accept Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's candidacy was constitutionally valid. The apex court gave this verdict while dismissing a case filed against the Commission by Social Liberal Party.

While delivering the verdict Chief Justice Abdullah Saeed said that in drafting Article 107 (Haa) of the Constitution the People's Special Majlis had not intended in spirit to bar those who had earlier served two terms. Incidentally Justice Saeed's declaration is in harmony with the statement DRP Zaeem Gayoom made on the issue at a party rally in Kalaafaanu School on January 18.

"People's Special Majlis has passed certain provisions in connection with my candidacy for the presidency…," Gayoom told his supporters, "In fact it was DRP members who proposed and voted for what was passed by the Special Majlis. No other party member voted for it. This shows what was passed was what DRP wanted. And it allows me to stand for the coming election as was your decision…"

This statement is however sharply out of tune with the 5^th point of President Gayoom's (9 June 2004) reform agenda, which proposes "to limit the number of terms anyone can hold the office of president to two terms of five years."

In its law suit Social Liberal Party had argued that Gayoom's candidacy violated Article 107 of the Constitution, on the grounds that he has already served more than the 2 terms stipulated in the Article. But lawyers on behalf of the Election Commission and Gayoom responded saying the country has adopted a new Constitution, under which Gayoom can contest two more terms.

SLP lawyers had argued at length on the intention of the Article in limiting the terms of any president to two, saying that if Gayoom is allowed to run another two terms, the whole purpose of the painstaking reform process was in vain.

The decision of the Supreme Court is final on this matter. SLP leader ibra has in the meanwhile issued a statement saying he respected the Court's decision, even though he is not in agreement with it.

Has plutocratic politics given way to party politics?

The conventional wisdom till August this year was if one had enough 500 rufiyaa notes to distribute on Election Day, one was assured of victory. This doctrine however came for a severe hammering almost overnight with the lukewarm response Qasim Ibrahim received for his presidential bid. All of a sudden one started hearing comments such as, 'Qasim is a good businessman and philanthropist, but not the type of person we want as president." Does this herald a paradigm shift from the plutocratic politics of the past decade to party based politics?

According to conventional wisdom, businessmen could dominate politics because Maldivians can be bought for a few rufiyaas. This however may not be the case. The real explanation could be that in the days prior to the formation of political parties, only government officials and businessmen had the resources to conduct campaigns in the atolls. Before 1999, only civil servants with government blessing were allowed to campaign and so they won nearly all Majlis seats. After that, particularly during the last Majlis elections, officially everyone was allowed to campaign, but practically only rich businessmen could make use of the opportunity. That's how we saw the entry of the likes of Jaufar, Waheed, Shaheed Zaki, Thasmeen, Nazim, Hamza, Nashid, Shyam, Jabir and Zahir into the Majlis.

Even during the 2005 election, it could have been the ability to campaign and take the message to the electorate that made all the difference, rather than the actual money that passed hands. Now with the entry of political parties, there is an alternative method of financing election campaigns, other than spending one's personal wealth. Going by the experience of countries like the US, parties appear to be the more sustainable and effective method out of the two. The utter failure of billionaire Ross Perot in election after election is a good case study.

Thus in the future we could perhaps expect a reduction in the number of business tycoons getting elected to the Majlis. This of course is merely a theory and needs verification in light of the results of March 2009 General Election.

[Disclaimer: This article does not purport to prove that businessmen will have no influence on Maldivian politics in the future. After all, political parties are also funded by businessmen. What the article theorizes is a shift in their role from direct financing to party financing. ]

Who says the election will be free and fair?

Few Maldivians appear to believe the October 8^th election will be free and fair. This general trend however is broken by two very illustrious exceptions. One is President Gayoom, of course. The other is –hold your breath –Mohammed Nasheed (Anni). Strange bed fellows? Probably not. Despite Jumhoori Party accusations, there appears to be no plausible reason to believe Anni and Gayoom are collaborating on this matter. Rather, they may have their own unique and independent reasons for endorsing the election.

Gayoom's reasons are rather easy to guess. He has been widely accused of electoral malpractice during his 30-year rule, an accusation he vehemently denies, like he did in TVM's Siyaasath program recently. Such denials are absolutely necessary to defend the legitimacy of his rule. So it's not surprising he should be claiming all elections, past, present and future to be free and fair.

What IS surprising is Gayoom's nemesis, Mohammed Nasheed (Anni), should also be endorsing the election. Speaking to diplomats based in Colombo last week, Anni said the coming presidential elections will be the most fair and free election ever in the entire South Asia region. Why did he say this?

The clue to this mystery could be a statement Anni made later at the same meeting. He told the gathering he was "confident of winning the elections, with opinion polls for the past three weeks keeping him in the lead." Thus he probably believes he will win the election despite any possible rigging against him, like he did in the 1999 Majlis election. So what's the point in condemning an election he believes he is going to win anyway? (Did a winning football team ever complain about refereeing?)

Public opinion on the other hand is quite clear. In an SMS poll conducted recently by TVM, 75% of respondents did not believe the election will be free and fair. Perhaps their opinion is based on past experience. Accusations of electoral malpractice have been rampant throughout recent history, though few of these ever went to the stage of being proven. Here is a selection of some of the more interesting allegations:

• Transfers of government servants in the atolls for the election period based on 'lists';
  



• Island travel restrictions on government servants perceived to be negative;
  



• Using government servants to campaign for 'officially endorsed' candidates;
  



• Island chiefs physically blocking voters from casting negative votes;
  



• Fishing out and replacing negative votes in the box;
  



• Chiefs putting 'yes' marks en-masse for absent voters;
  



• Favoring islands that produce the perfect 100% result.