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   Updated: 16/10/2007 16:04:28

Editorials


Editorial

How far have we come in 4 years?
"You may succeed in delaying, but never in preventing the transition of South Africa to a democracy" so wrote Nelson Mandela in The Long Walk To Freedom, And so we seem to be in a similar junction in our beloved Maldives. By rigging the referendum and trying to fill the hearts of our people with dismay and despair, the Dictator has succeeded in delaying our own transition to democracy. But do not let that fool you for one minute. Like Nelson Mandela, we must believe in our noble path to establish a democratic Maldives. We must stand steadfast together to lead the Maldives into the 21st century. If not for our sake, then for the sake of our children. Struggle we must. And struggle we on. more

 

 

Editorial

The Mummy Returns
Dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom must have thought that the bomb explosion in Sultan Park would have buried the issue of voter fraud in the recent referendum for good. But it is not easy to forget what happened, especially since there are thousands of missing ballot papers. The Electoral Commissioner Mr. K. D. Ahmed Maniku stated in his letter to the Special Majlis on 23rd September 2007 that 305,000 ballot papers were printed, which included the 300,000 ballot papers printed initially for the day of the referendum and a further 5000 printed because certain islands in Addu had to go for a re-vote. He stated that 155,890 ballot papers were issued on the days of the vote. That means he should have a balance of 149,110. more

 

 

Editorial

We Shall Not Succumb to Terrorism

When innocent people are hurt, injured, maimed, or killed, that is TERRORISM, irrespective of their nationality, cast, creed or religion and despite who carried out the attack. In recent times, terrorist attacks mainly directed at tourists have been on the increase around the world. However, for those of us on these shores, they seem distant, remote, and often at times surrealistic. That is until yesterday. What we witnessed yesterday is real terrorism targeted against tourists. This is frightening and menacing. By the grace of the Almighty, no one was killed in this particular incident. But it could have been otherwise. And we as a country need to get to the bottom of this and find out who carried out this dastardly act. more

 

 

Editorial

The Long Walk to Freedom
"You may succeed in delaying, but never in preventing the transition of South Africa to a democracy" so wrote Nelson Mandela in The Long Walk To Freedom, And so we seem to be in a similar junction in our beloved Maldives. By rigging the referendum and trying to fill the hearts of our people with dismay and despair, the Dictator has succeeded in delaying our own transition to democracy. But do not let that fool you for one minute. Like Nelson Mandela, we must believe in our noble path to establish a democratic Maldives. We must stand steadfast together to lead the Maldives into the 21st century. If not for our sake, then for the sake of our children. Struggle we must. And struggle we on. more

 

 

Editorial

Rigging the referendum is a blessing in disguise

There is absolutely no doubt that the public referendum held in the Maldives on 18th August to decide on the system of government was heavily rigged by the regime of the longest serving dictator in Asia. However, at this point in time, how the Maldives Dictator managed to rig the votes and produce the result he wanted is, as far as I am concerned, completely immaterial. What matters is the implications that will follow in the coming weeks and months. more

 

Editorial

Who do you want, a democratic leader or a dictator?

I believe that we are faced with a very easy choice tomorrow. It's not only easy; it is quite straightforward. It is the choice between the words of a murderous dictator and that of democrats. Just ask yourself the question, "Who do you want to run your affairs, a democratic leader or a dictator?" and then decide. Let me rephrase it. Do you want to remain under an oppressive ruler, deprived of basic human rights and social justice or liberate yourself and become a responsible citizen? more

 

 

Editorial

Pharoah Golhabo I and the Voters from the Dead
According to the religious beliefs of Ancient Egypt, death was an extension of life elsewhere and that too a better version of it. The Ancient Egyptians believed that they would be able to eat, drink and share good companionship even after they are dead. Several thousand years later, we Maldivians voted in Maumoon Abdul Gayoom as our President, believing that his only connection with Egypt is that he was educated there. Little did we realize that far from being the pious Muslim that he pretends to be, he has had us completely fooled. That is until now. We now know that he actually follows the religious practices of the Pharoahs (Firuaunu). Perhaps he thinks he is a Pharaoh. He certainly acts like one. more

 

 

Editorial


 
You idiot, you said they will never find out that it was a private visit?

We aint gonna work in MAG's farm no more...

During the twilight years of the Nasir era, a group of music lovers got together in the Maldives and held the Rock n' Roll concert; musicians from all walks of life participated in this colourful event from the likes of Naibugey Shiham, the father of rock music in the Maldives, to the unforgettable Dheedhibey. However it was the Bob Dylan's classic "I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more" that resonated around the hall. Soon after, Nasir was gone. more

 

 

Editorial
The future is in our hands and things can only get better
For hundreds of years, Maldivians have been living in absolute fear. It has always been the custom and the tradition to fear the leader and high ranking government officials. They have always been 'above the law'. The incumbent Dictator of the Maldives came to power in 1978 and many had high hopes for him, because he was an Islamic scholar, a graduate from the 'revered' Azhar University of Egypt. Little did the Maldivians knew, this was not any old man, this was a thoroughbred dictator, whose only aim is to remain in power and live like and Arab kings. more

 

 

Editorial
Back to Basics: Democracy according to Dictator Gayyoom
"Gayyoom is the father of democracy" - Dr. Ahmed Shaheed

When the US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleeza Rice quoted Natan Sharansky's "town square test" in her statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January 2005, she would know what she was talking about and those listening would no doubt understand. The US is one of the largest democracies in the world. According to the town square test "if a person cannot walk into the middle of the town square and express his or her views without fear of arrest, imprisonment, or physical harm, then that person is living in a fear society, not a free society". more

 

 

Editorial
Coincidence or Stage-managed: possibly with a view to frame the opposition?

The late eighties and Gayoom's popularity is waning. Then 3rd November 1988 – Tamil mercenaries, Weapons, Indian Assistance.  Fast forward 19 years. Gayoom's popularity is at an all-time low. Then 16 May 2007 - "Tamil Tigers", Weapons, Indian Assistance. Sounds familiar? A coincidence? If the incident where the Maldivian Coast Guard sank a vessel that was allegedly gun-running for the LTTE seems to be news that sounds too good to be true for Gayoom when he so badly needed some positive news, then, it may be because it is too good to be true. more

 

 

Editorial
"They are the real terrorists" - Ismailbe'

All societies teach their members, irrespective of caste or creed, to respect the elderly; to enable them to lead a life of dignity. In this sense, the Maldives is no exception. It is part of our culture and Islamic heritage that we treat our elderly with kindness and tolerance. In such a situation, it is horrifying to read the ordeal that was inflicted by the Maldivian police upon an old octogenarian with hearing and visual impairments. How the police could treat Ismailbe' with such indignity is beyond belief. To deny an old man water and food for 6 hours is something no decent human being could accept. And to physically force this vulnerable old man to be fingerprinted makes it even more atrocious. more

 

 

Editorial

The murderous dictator and the 'Bullet-Ballot' propaganda

In recent weeks, Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. Shaheed has been babbling away just a little bit too much as part of the ongoing propaganda to salvage an ailing dictatorship in the country. A British MP once told me, "this new breed of politicians in the Maldives comes across as decent people will liberal thinking", a sentiment expressed by other politicians even locally. However, over the past two years, these camouflaged politicians have failed to impress and deliver the promises they make. more

 

 

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Editorial

First ever Buddhist temple in centuries upsets Maldivians 

This image of a temple in a Maldivian resort, which was exposed on DO last Friday, have upset many Maldivians. The temple was built as part of a grand ceremony on the request of billionaire Sir Phillip Green, who had apparently booked the whole island for his 55th Birthday party. Of course, there are some who will argue that there is nothing wrong with it, but the common man has spoken and they do not feel comfortable about it at all. Some are even scared that this might bring bad luck to not just Baa Atoll but the whole of the Maldives. more

 

 

 

Editorial

Gayyoom is a loser

Gayyoom's military campaign against the democracy rallies in Male' is further proof that the Maldives dictator is refusing to allow any real democracy in the country. Claims by Gayyoom and his well-paid supporters, that the democrats will be violent, are transparent lies. Leading democracy reformers have been viciously attacked for years in Maldives by both Gayyoom's National Security Service (NSS) and by gangs of street thugs organised by Gayyoom and his relatives who hold ministerial positions in the dictator's personally selected cabinet. more

 

 

Editorial

Can India help democratise Maldives by protecting a 28 year old brutal dictatorship?

It sounds ironic; in fact, it is a joke that Dictator Gayyoom's special propagandist, Dr. Shaheed is begging India to help bring democracy to the Maldives. He is asking India to protect the most brutal dictator we have ever seen in our history. He is asking India, the largest democracy in the world, to protect a tyrant who has been ruling our country with guns, without any regard for human rights and the rule of law. more

 

 

Editorial

Big Friday could be Liberation Day

Throughout history, struggles for democracy and justice have never been easy. For many, it has taken years and cost thousands if not millions of lives before they realise their dreams. However, in the case of Maldives, the recent organised movement led by a handful of human rights activists in the aftermath of the brutal killings of inmates in Maafushi Jail in 2003, much has been achieved in just a few years. Gayyoom's 'Secret Dictatorship' is no longer a secret. It is classed amongst the most oppressive and despised regimes in the world today. more

 

Editorial
Gayyoom declares 'War on Poor'

Dictator Gayyoom's aggressive clampdown and attack on residents of remote islands of the Maldives is becoming more of a trend now. He obviously had no means to terrorise and control the residents of larger islands, such as the capital island Male', islands of Addu Atoll or the capital island of Huvadhoo Atoll, Thinadhoo. The reason is simple; people of these islands are fully aware of their rights and are no longer willing to bow down to the 'regime' sponsored terrorism. more

 

 

Editorial
The Legacy Of An Illegitimate Ba'thist Regime
Despite the claims by Dictator Gayyoom, that he is an elected President and that he is the head of a legitimate government, many have argued the case that the election processes, not only the public presidential referendums, but even the parliamentary elections in the Maldives have never been free and fair. To the contrary, every single referendum and election held in the Maldives over the last 27 years had been flawed and heavily influenced by the dictator and his cronies. more

 

 

Editorial
One of the darkest days in our history
On 19th September 2003, a young man, Evan Naseem was brutally murdered by Gayyoom's security forces. He was brutally beaten to death by more than 12 policeman allegedly for disobeying orders and hitting a policeman with a piece of wood. The policeman he hit was the best setter of their volleyball team and revenge had to be taken. more

 

 

Editorial

'Golhaabo' means, one who steals mercilessly from the poorest of the poor

DO readers must have read us referring to the murderous dictator of the Maldives as Golhaabo. Many of our foreign readers, including international diplomats, have wondered for months what the actual meaning of Golhaabo is and why people address him by this specific title. Basically the title 'Golhaabo' means toddy thief, one who steal the toddy of poor men, and is given to someone who mercilessly steals the hard earned living of innocent people, the way Gayyoom is stealing the hard earned life of thousands and thousands of Maldivians . more

 

 

Editorial

Will Gayyoom further "de-escalate" his "sweeping reform" process?

Gayyoom always uses terminologies like "Sweeping Reform" and "Road Map" to muster support within the international community as they happen to be widely used political terms of the time. So, with the new conflict in the Middle East, the conflict between Hizballah and Israel, and the most common term being used is "de-escalate", one wonders when Gayyoom will announce that he is to further "de-escalate" his so called "sweeping reform" agenda and the "road map" citing perhaps far reaching economic reasons, due to increases in fuel prices, for example, which will hit him and his cronies very hard over the coming weeks and months. more

 

 

Editorial

The 'Word' Cup is over; Wake up everyone! 

Despite being very insignificant and small in the football world, like most nations it is our national game as well. Maldivians glue themselves to the TV and watch every game of the World Cup (locally pronounced WORD CUP), no matter what time they are played. The teams they support vary from Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, Germany and England, perhaps in this very order. more

 

Editorial (re-visited)

How much does Gayyoom cost us? More than US$71.5 million over the past six years

Maldives has recently been promoted to a Developing Country from the Least Developed Countries category. However, the living standard of the Maldivian people does not reflect that rise. The only indication that the economic well-being of the country has improved is the criminal misappropriation of state funds sustaining President Gayyoom's lavish life style. more

 

Editorial

"Master of The Game" claims Dictator Gayyoom 

Many of us have over the years blamed others for the mismanagement, corruption and crimes of Gayyoom, now famously known as the World's Secret Dictatorship. However, the truth of the matter is that, as recently reaffirmed by Gayyoom himself, he is the key man and the final decision maker. Nothing can be done within his system without his full support and approval. In some serious cases, especially when dealing with his opponents and dissidents who rise against him, everything is carried out on his direct instructions, which include the kind of torture these opponents should be subjected to, for how long and their sentencing with or without trial. Yes, it is all up to the Master of The Game. more

 

 

Editorial

Dancing with the Golhaas: MDP introduces democracy to Maldives

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has consolidated its support and become a more mature political organization in its first year as a registered party in Maldives. The party has existed since the end of 2003 when Mohamed Nasheed, Mohamed Latheef, Ahmed Moosa (Sappe) and many other Maldivians moved off-shore to officially establish the democratic movement from safe havens in Sri Lanka and UK. more

 

 

 

Editorial

Golhaabo Faibaa Forever: A Referendum for Sanity
It is time for the international community to put its money where its mouth is, and financially back a large team of observers to properly scrutinise the coming referendum for a presidential or parliamentary system of government in Maldives. more

 

 

Editorial

There is nothing Gayyoom can do to defeat a united people

After May Day demonstrations in Male', there is an aura of hope and happiness amongst the people in our small nation. According to most people, the total number of demonstration was more than 10,000 and everyone was prepared for the worst but the sheer number of participants appears to have hampered any plan the dictator might have had in his mind to crush the demonstration and carry out arrests as he usually does. more

 

 

Editorial

Majeed Sir is a leader with a conscience and a threat to Gayyoom's illegitimate rule

Like thousands of Maldivians, I am also a student of the famous and respected teacher Abdul Majeed Shameen, popularly known as Majeed Sir. He is the founder and manager of one of the oldest tuition classes in the Maldives. Majeed Sir is a man worthy of praise, because he dedicated his entire life to educate Maldivians. more

 

 

Editorial

Let's not take our eyes off the ball 

Gayyoom is trying his very best to stay ahead of us. He is sending his corrupt diplomats abroad to try and convince the international community that he will implement political reform as per his 'sweeping reform' rhetoric. He is promising changes to the constitution but from behind the scene he is ensuring that the parliament, which is still under his direct control, reject these changes. more

 

 

Editorial

Simply Not True, Sweeping Reform and the Road Map

Let us recap on what is happening in our country. Gayyoom came to power in 1978 amidst a controversial power shifting arrangement manipulated by a few in powerful posts at the time. However, we all know that it was a setup and it was not the will of the people. We also know that Gayyoom and his associates were in possession of illegal firearms at the time he took oath of office, which renders his whole reign illegitimate. However, it was the beginning of an almost 3 decade old dictatorship, characterised by total oppression and marred in nepotism and corruption. more

 

 

Editorial
Finally UN takes notice

Gayyoom has been running a police state with an iron fist since he came to power unlawfully in 1978. He had illegal weapons in his possession at the time of taking the oath of office according to his own admission. World human rights organisations such the Amnesty International and Asian Centre for Human Rights and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative have condemned and criticised the regime of Gayyoom for the extensive abuse of human rights in the Maldives. The United Nations however have failed so far to interfere and protect the human rights of the Maldivian people. more

 

 

Editorial

Government sponsored terrorism in Maldives

Gayyoom has never been more unpopular than he is today. People around the country absolutely hate him and resent him with the exception of the few cronies and his close friends who directly benefit from his terrorist regime. Yet, instead of trying to win back popular support he is terrorising the people of Maldives. Instead of healing the wounds, he is putting salt in it. more

 

 

 

Editorial

Exotic resorts or prison islands for tourists?

Gayyoom's concept of building tourist resorts in uninhabited islands as self contained units has a darker dimension to it than what is perceived. As a tourist in one of these resorts, you are virtually an economic prisoner at the mercy of Gayyoom's cronies. more

 

Editorial
Gayyoom the terrorist is using our money to kill us
As we start this New Year, the Good Maldivians must firmly resolve to bring an end to this murderous regime as soon as possible. Every Good Maldivian must unite to defend our constitution because that is the only way we can guarantee a good future for our generation and those to come. more

 

Editorial

Gayyoom will never be able to win a national election in Maldives ever again

The official votes for the by-election has been announced. Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidates won 2 out of three with convincing majorities in both Male' the (capital of Maldives) and Addu Atoll. These two constituencies are the most heavily populated and represent 25% of the total electoral roll of the country. Mohamed Nasheed (Kaanal) and Husnu Al-Suood won Male' and Addu respectively. more

 

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Editorial
The Dictator has run out of options

The real hero of democracy movement in Maldives is the co-founder of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) which despite being in opposition, now represents popular support of the majority of the Maldivian people. Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), the chairman of the party however still remains in custody after he was arrested by Dictators ruthless militia 'The Star Force' as he sat in a peaceful vigil in the centre of the Republican Square in capital Male'. more

 

 

 

Editorial
Gayyoom's failed attempts to convince the world that "It's simply not true!"

"I do not wish to comment on Mr. Shafeeq's references to a "grand palace" "multi-million dollar yacht" "countless numbers of speed boats" "a holiday resort of his own", as these items are state properties same as the White House, Air Force One, Camp David and so on, in the United States, of course with no comparison intended, which are normal things available to and at the disposal of whoever is occupying the seat of Presidency." - Hussain Shihab more

 

 

 

Editorial
Once again our fishermen are forced to throw away tons of fish

For centuries the people of Maldives earned their living primarily by fishing. Tourism was introduced some 30 years ago yet it is now contributes to roughly 70% of the country's GDP and the fisheries industry has been declining since Gayyoom came to power in 1978. The main reason for that is that he refused to open up the fisheries industry for over 25 years and his illicit government had a complete monopoly over the export of Maldives fish. more

 

 

 

Editorial

November 3rd is not Victory Day

On November 3rd 1988, Maldives woke up to the darkest day in it's modern history. A coup plot lead by two Maldivian businessmen, Luthfy and Sagaru Nasir failed not because of Gayyoom's highly acclaimed military might but because of India. This was another of the many failures of Gayyoom which asserts the common opinion that he in incapable to running Maldives properly and defending it. Few dozen of hired thugs made him go into hiding and dress up like a woman to avoid being captured. more

 

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Editorial
The Paradox of Golhaabo - the bastard has lost it completely
We all know how much Gayyoom aka Golhaabo begged at the recent UN Summit to differ our promotion from Least Developing County to Developing Country. Here is exactly what he said "At this critical time, a mere smooth transition period of graduation from LDC status will not be adequate. It is imperative that our country's graduation be deferred until we return to the pre-tsunami levels of development."
more

 

Editorial
Our property is Gayyoom's booty
The whole purpose of a constitution is to protect the rights and property of the people who are bound to it. Such inalienable rights as freedom of speech, assembly, association, right to legal assistance, protection of land and property are essential to any free human being. However, time and time again, these basic fundamental rights of our people are violated in the name of national security by Gayyoom. more

 

 

DO Remembers
Gayyoom is directly responsible for the brutal killing of Evan Naseem and his friends
As we mark the 2nd year of the brutal killing of Evan Naseem and his friends in Maafushi Jail, we can be sure of one thing. Gayyoom is directly responsible for those deaths because he masterminded and allowed his militia to systematically torture those in detention in his jails for more than 2 decades. more

 

 

Editorial
Dictator's 999 Call to the World  "if you want democracy in Maldives give me loads of money"
As usual, listening to Gayyoom's UN speech was unentertaining and very upsetting to say the least. Every time he makes a speech, especially the United Nations, he comes up with a bit or trick which never works and makes him the laughing stock of the assembly. Last time round it was his reminder of the time left for him to speak and this time the idea of the '999' emergency call. more

 

 

Editorial
Travelling is not the biggest challenge faced by the Maldives health sector
World Health Organization donated two speed boats to be used in the health sector of Maldives this week. This was part of the aid WHO collected to help Maldives after the tsunami last December. more

 

Editorial
Mubarak's victory puts Gayyoom hopes up

There is no doubt that the victory of Husni Mubarak in the first ever presidential election in Egypt for 7000 years would have given the Maldives dictator Gayyoom renewed hope of remaining in power for more years. Mubarak won with 88% of the votes which represented only 23% of the eligible voters. The low turn-out was believed to be related to the lack of confidence voters have in the political system of Egypt as well as lack of awareness and understanding of the power of the ballot box. more

 

 

Editorial
Dictator Gayyoom's next move
Maldives is a very small country even in absolute terms. In terms of territory, population and wealth but it is a sovereign nation that has existed for hundreds if not thousands of years. As a member of the United Nation, it also enjoys the great many benefits of being a member of the global community. It is therefore essential that Maldives play by the rules of the world, in dealing with it's people and providing them with life's essential needs, after all, each country and it's wealth (as well as it's debt) belongs to it's people and not just to those who govern it. more

 

Editorial
Gayyoom getting ready for an election?

There is increased speculation that Gayyoom is being forced to call for fresh elections in order to convince the international community that he means business when he says he is going to make the Maldives a multiparty democracy. Political analysts have confirmed that the pressure is being applied to Gayyoom by the Commonwealth under instruction from the European Union and the United States of America. more

 

Editorial

Are we going to remember Evan Naseem this September?
On 19th September 2003, a young man, Evan Naseem was brutally murdered by Gayyoom's security forces. He was brutally beaten to death by more than 12 policeman allegedly for disobeying orders and hitting a policeman with a piece of wood. The policeman he hit was the best setter of their volleyball team and revenge had to be taken. more

 

Editorial
AVSEQ01_0001Heroes of our generation
These are testing times for our small nation. Hundreds of innocent Maldivians are being tortured in prison by the Dictator, who is unwilling to step-down despite the fact that the vast majority of the Maldivian people are fed up with his oppressive rule and want him to resign. more

 

Editorial
Will it be a White Friday this year?
Tomorrow is going to be a very important day in the history of our small nation. On August 12th last year, thousands converged near the Republican Square in front of Police HQ in Male' demanding the release of some reformists who were detained without charge.  more

 

Editorial
Parliamentarians must act like role models
In any community the burden of social responsibility heavily lies on the shoulders of parliament members. They are vested with enormous powers to ensure that peoples basic rights enshrined in the constitution are upheld and observed unreservedly. They must not breach the very laws they are meant to uphold. more

Editorial
Switching sides for the common good
There is an uneasy and disturbing feeling amongst some members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the public in general in welcoming former cabinet ministers and government officials. However, there are lots of advantages in welcoming those switching sides for the common good. What is important is to assess their intentions and give them the opportunity to prove their capability and see how well they contribute and integrate with the movement for democratic change in the Maldives. more

Editorial
What can a new cabinet do if Gayyoom is not willing to change?
Gayyoom has said good bye to some of his oldest friends who have together enjoyed the riches of Maldives without any consideration for the fate of the people of Maldives. People like his brother Hameed and his best friend Fathuhulla Jameel have been living like Kings because they knew that nor matter what they did, their jobs were secure and they thought that Gayyoom could not survive without them.  read more

 

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Editorial
Gayyoom and Mob Culture - desperate to remain in power
In Maldives Mob culture is quite rare and the kind of factional fighting that we are witnessing now is almost always organised by Gayyoom and his cronies. It is quite amazing how Gayyoom's immediate family is involved in organising these illicit activities headed by his brother Yameen, the Trade Minister. Yet, he wants people to believe that these unrests and social problems are caused by the introduction of multiparty democracy. Who is he trying to convince and sell his ideals to? more