Among much furore, we wrote a Constitution, which by and large, provided for the practice of democracy in the country. A key feature of the Constitution was that it provided for, and necessitated the separation of the three powers of the state. In addition, it also provided for the establishment and operation for Independent bodies, charged with specific functions.
It might bring some nostalgia to some people to remember the events leading to the famous August 12/13 incident. Prior to the incident, those who became active in the Reform Movement were gathering every night at the east end of Male’, which was the start of the Reform Bon’dibaiy. Remember what that area came to be known as? Yes …. “Thin baaru vaki kuraa sarah’adhdhu”! People were so tuned into the need for the separation of powers. If we were to sum up the sentiments among “rayyithun” those days into a catch cry, it would easily be “separation of powers”. Almost everyday, we were calling for the removal of the appointed 8 or 29 members from the Majlis, and for MP’s who were Ministers to choose one or the other. The underlying rationale was that The Majlis should be free from the Executive, and hence the influence of the President. That the President should not represent any Party as he was the Head of State, and above all, he should not interfere in the business of the Majlis in any way. That the President and the Executive Branch of the State should not try to influence the outcome of the Majlis elections in any way. Beautiful and idealistic sentiments, to say the least.
These are standards and norms followed in democracies. As I understand it, even in the States, though the President is elected on a Party ticket, once he assumes that office, he becomes largely non-partisan. Even in selecting people for key posts, he concentrates on the best that the country has. Partisan politics is by and large confined to the Congress, and the President immerses himself in the task of running the government. As I write this, Barack Obama is getting ready to assume office and putting Team Obama together, and he is not doing it on a partisan basis.
Closer to home, how are things panning out?
Twice, the Speaker of the Majlis, from the Speaker’s Chair has lost all dignity in singing his praise to the President and the Government. The beginning of God knows what is to come. I had hoped that the days of Thanking the Government for simply doing its job, especially form the Speaker’s Chair, had been left behind.
The first thing that the President did after being sworn in was appoint 8 members to the Majlis! Leaving aside breaches of the Constitution, I wonder where we may place this in the rhetoric-ethics-moral nexus.
Members of the Majlis and the Elections Commission are getting so cozy that the Elections Commission wants to put into law things that the Commission has full responsibility and authority to do, and which is clearly out of the mandate of the Majlis as per the Constitution. And all discussions are taking place in the presence of the Attorney General.
The Government is proposing a Federal System for governance, and they have the audacity to expect the Majlis to pass it ( which the Majlis most probably will), when the Constitution quite clearly, and specifically says that the Republic of Maldives is a Unitary State. The justification? The President says that the “people” voted for his manifesto, and therefore it is the will of the “people”.
The President has publicly announced that if he is to carry out his “promises” to the people , the people must give a majority to his Party in the Majlis elections! I am sure that this does not constitute an attempt at influencing the elections.
The Majlis Standing orders are breached everyday because “we have to get these things done quickly”, and therefore let us rubber stamp the Executive’s wishes!
Oh! My God! I had better stop here. I have already committed sacrilege and blasphemy as per the New Religion. It is still early days, and I must give them time. Time to do things properly (or to twist everything up and consolidate power so that it cannot be undone?)
Blimey, here I go again…..but dammit, someone has to say it. Everyone seem to be so bloody starry eyed they can’t see the forest for the trees.
welcome to the world of blasphemy! excellent post, Ibra! this is the new order. All of us know it is a little too early to be judgemental about the new government. But as a people who had the tenacity to come out of the a 30 year old regime through peaceful and democratic means withing a period of just a few years, we are mature enough to know when things are not going in the right direction. The initial telltale signs seem to be indicative of a government trying to hoodwink its people (oops..that gets me into the blasphemer's boat too)
ReplyDeleteregards, naimbe
This culture of idolisation of the "president" figure as the emperor is deeply embedded in our psyche.
ReplyDeleteWe may have a new constitution and whatever else but our mentality is still in the old system.
This is very true.
ReplyDeleteWe need to voice these things more and make the public aware.
Hi Ibra,
ReplyDeleteI commend you for having the courage to speak the truth (cause not many Maldivians have that kind of courage to speak out against things that are going wrong, when money and power are at stake, especially when they have that to loose).
Realizing that you have a lot of potential power should you wish to exercise it, given your popularity and political stature and connections, it is your integrity which I commend the most for not bowing down in its presence and for speaking out when things aren't as great as people like to make them seem to be.
I would like to take the example of recent increases in the pay for president and vice president...in an article that I read in the Minivan news... the pay raises for Maldivian president and vice president were compared to that of US president and vice president and justified on that basis...
I don't know when was it Minivan News a previously investigative journalistic source suddenly lost its investigative journalism skills.
Does it not know that US is the richest country in the world and its GDP per capita is 50000 USD whereas Maldives has a GDP per capita of 3000 USD...So when the US president gets 33000 USD per month as the pay its not a lot of money (on whcih the president has to pay taxes, whcih is quiet a lot :40-50% of salary)...!! but when a Maldivian president gets 10000 USD per month thats a lot of money !!! especially given they dont have to pay any taxes on it.
The point here is not to say that president shouldnt have a pay of 10000 USD, in fact I think even though it is huge figure...if it will keep them honest and not corrupt and out of public purse I am all for that (because public officials need to paid for the job they do so that they cant be bought off by some rich person).
I just wanted to raise this point as I see a trend where once the opposition then, now the government MDP...it seems to me like they are doing things to benifit thier party and perhaps for bigger gains in future elections..which dosent necesssarily translate to good governance and policies for the country.
With this also the previously critical sources of news sources like Minivan which were the guards to keep politicians honest and criticize about corruption/ political abuse/ governement overspeding etc, have lost their role as objecive sources who can look at polices and critizice them when it is against the public interest.
So I totally agree with Ibra when he says, that days of Speaker of the house continuously prasing the exectuve for doing the job they were elected and are paid to do were a thing of past, is still present is somewhat bizzare.
But I do support the decentralization of the government and Ibra is right when he says it is contrary to the contituion...So I am wondering what would the solution be to this...
I support decentralization because I do think that jobs/services/industry needs to be distributed more evenly across the country as opposed to everything being only concentrated and developed in Male..which has lead to much of the social problems and break down.
Any how again, I commend and admire a real political leader with convictions and doesn't get swayed with money or power and this shows integrity which is what I see in Ibra. Thanks.
I asked you previously about clans and the extent Maldives has evolved from feudalism.
ReplyDeleteI see that the anxious, aggressive desire for absolute control by "want to be elites" in Maldives stems from the limited resources per capita, simple as that, and no matter how advanced a political system exists, until resource security is deeply embedded in the culture, elite groups will attempt to manipulate the "spirit" of the constitution. If you were in Government, what incentives would you give for people to move to Hulumale' to control overcrowding problem? Also, what would you do to diversify production more (I know some islands are wholly agricultural but maybe not enough.) I feel, Maldives must aspire to be as self sufficient as possible for this clan allegiance to be replaced by principle allegiance. What would you do to make that a reality if you were behind the wheels? I feel that these are important issues.
ibra, you as the leader of SLP you have one seat in the majlis. you should raise this in the majlis too.
ReplyDeleteand you also have one from SLP in the government,
as far as i know, government policies are discussed in the cabinet meetings and your party does have a say in the government.
laa marukazee and federal...wats the difference?? unitary and laamarukazee cannot go together??
As usual, u stay till all bad is done and criticize. Why didn't you for God's sake advice on all this if you are so smart Ibra? Ofcourse you are the smartest of all and you wait till all bad done so that we all would say see see? Ibra is great! Ibra the greatest!! Why don't ppl see his potential???
ReplyDelete@naimbe :
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't come out and criticize the government yet for non-delivery of promises or lack of organization in the government or a little bit of chaos. The really need time, as they did not have enough time to prepare to take over.
However, these attempts to throw out the constitution and diffuse lines of separation and take total control has nothing to do with time.
What I see happening now is exactly what happened during change-over from Nasir to Qayyoom. The rosy, honeymoon period when everyone allowed him to take absolute power. Once MDP takes majority of Parliament in the upcoming elections, the game will be over. The next move will be to appoint a "government friendly Supreme Court" and appoint "government friendly independent institutions" to facilitate "speedy delivery of promises to 'Rayyithun'". Once all this is in place will come the coup de grace : Rewrite the Constitution.
@Anonymous (November 27, 2008 8:41:00 AM MVT):
I support decentralization and devolution as well. The Constitution provides for it through island, Atoll and City councils. Imposing a Regional Authority on top of the lower levels of governance will, I believe, take away a lot of power from the lower levels and put it into the hands of this Authority (probably a Sate Minister reporting to the President Directly), effectively nullifying the Cabinet ( a Constitutional Body) by the State Minister/Regional Authority (Bodies not provided for by the Constitution - for a deliberate purpose)
@thuaas :
I have alreay raised these issues in the Majlis. But alas! I am a one member minority at the moment when it comes to talking about these kinds of things.
The Liberal Party has one cabinet portfolio out of fourteen in the cabinet. It is my belief, that even though Minister Latheef represents Liberal Party, I, as an MP, should not be discussing these issues with him. If I have issue with Goverment, I must raise it through the Majlis.
Contrary to popular belief, I, or the Liberal Party, has not been consulted even once abou any of these things. I do not know what goes on in Cabinet, nor do I have any desire to interfere in Cabinet functions through a back door.
I am MP for Male' first, and Liberal Party Council Member after that.
FYI Mazlan Rasheed is the Leader of the Liberal Party. I was simply the Presidential Candidate of the Liberal Party (on which I failed to perform dismally, if you will recall!)
I get the feeling that we're too institutionally biased.
ReplyDeleteIt would appear that it was not to Gayoom that people/institutions were biased towards - it was the Presidency... and other institution.
Right now the President is 'benevolently' influencing everything because it was the people who elected him - remind you of someone else much?
The fact that the constitution was considered as so much paper was apparent in the first round of voting - why could Gayoom stand AND even if he did why the HECK did a majority vote for him when this was CLEARLY against the spirit of the constitution.
Everyone's looking for exceptions - to work out in their advantage.
It's frustrating - I DON'T want to believe that we do not need a constitution BUT time and time again the 'all knowing people''s actions seem to indicate that they might be just as happy with a napkin that reads 'All power, to do whatever the heck he/she likes, resides with the president. If ya don't like it bite the majority'.
@Anonymous (November 27, 2008 11:13:00 AM MVT) :
ReplyDeleteI have "advised" on all matters on which my advice was sought. Why do you think that my advice will necessarily be followed by the Government? Why do they have to?
Anyhow, if you wish to criticize me, which you have every right to do, why don't you focus on the issue? Your comment takes the cake, really. I see that you subscribe to the general philosophy that "everyone should 'advise' the government, and if the government decides not to accept the advice, one should remain silent". Also, the public must not be allowed to see that there is anyone who is smarter than the President? Dangerous mentality, I tell you. In your language it would be "Golhaa mentality".
We all prostituted this word called change so much over the last 3-4 months, when infact we really don't know what it means. Or is it that we really do not want change. We wanted only one thing. To get rid of Maumoon. Not the system and culture that he helped create.
ReplyDeleteThe above post illustrates clearly why I voted for Ibra in the first round of presidential elections.
ReplyDeleteThis also shows why Ibra and people like him should keep on fighting. I hate to see the "benevolent leader" disregard the very principles that he flouted on the campaign trail to implement "the will of the people" as he obtained the majority vote.
For the purpose of checks and balances, it'd be a shame if MDP wins majority seats in the parliament. Even though I hate DRP, I'd like to see MDP coalition government lose parliament by a slim margin.
The constitution must not be raped.
Jaisham
Anni said, in a campaign speech once, something to the effect that MDP does not want to throw Maldivians down to the level of worshipping a human! Of course, these sentiments hit the religious impulse of the Maldivian as the essence of Islam is the dignity of human kind as He/She is ultimately answerable to nobody but Allah. This almost anarchist mentality is why Middle Eastern countries swing from warfare and tribal anarchy to tyranny of a King, and the same opposing sentiments are in the Hadith's. Some Ahadith attempt to impose unquestioning, submissive obedience to the absolute power of the Caliph, the Imam, to the Qureysh or to who ever the ruler may be, others suggest fighting the oppressor and opposing him whoever he may be to enforce justice. The problem of finding the balance between order and anarchy, between belonging and individual freedom is really evident in Maldives right now because of the transition, but it is human nature in all cultures. Just because the Western world may not constitutionally give absolute power to a single individual politically does not mean that Westerners don't find somebody to worship, their Rock'n'Roll Gods, their preachers in the church or favourite actors. The key to preventing Anni from claiming absolute power, which comes when he gets addicted to being worshipped, is to lift up role models outside of politics, soccer stars, musicians, Fanditha men who can put hexes on the Government,,hehe that last one was just me being stupid. People need someone other than politicians to take pride in, someone who makes them feel proud to be Maldivian apart from Anni. I mean, Anni is great, and I feel he does give much needed pride to the Dhivehi soul. But the story of his struggle, his suffering, his battle so completely dominates Maldivian media and thinking and contemporary culture that no other Maldivian's story seems significant in comparison.
ReplyDeleteAbdul-Rahman
decentralization is making Maldives a federal state? you've got to be kidding me, Ibra! and we gave to accept what JS Mill said about democracy, "... tyranny of majority"
ReplyDeleteIbra, SLP has double standards. Hassan Latheef is in the cabinet, supporting giving away resorts for 50 years. He has not resigned. So you too are part of this Government. The decentralization issue too is supported by cabinet. Why not the straight talking Hassan Latheef say something. Why are you still in coalition. Dont try to fool us. If you keep such double standards, then you risk the Majlis seat. Why dont your minister resign on this issue. Then we will believe you.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous (November 27, 2008 3:20:00 PM MVT):
ReplyDeleteJust because Hassan Latheef sits on the Cabinet does not mean that the Liberal Party is in agreement with every decision of the Cabinet, nor does it mean that Hassan Latheef himself agrees with the majority of the Cabinet. I don't know that this particular decision was a cabinet decision or not. It is irrelevant.
As for my Majlis seat....if I decide to contest again, and if the public who votes decides against me,...well there is a certain honour in it. Don't for one moment think that I am out to get a Majlis seat at whatever cost, and that I can be intimidated by juvenile threats.
As for you, anonymous, you never believed me, and never will. Hassan Latheef doesn't come inot this, does he?
Dear Ibrahim Ismail
ReplyDeleteBy observing the answers you have given to comments in your blog ,I can say that you are an arrogant and Khuthaaru person. Even the colleagues who has worked with you told that you are very stubborn and do not accommodate ideas and opinions expressed by others and other has to believe what you says. Even the Mjailis colleagues have said so Ibra pls don’t think that you are the only person who knows everything as Kutti Nasheed has said in his blog. During the transitional period president can appoint members to Majils. Even you will take every political benefit if you were elected as president. Anyone can say anything easily but when it comes to practice it would be very different. That’s politics. I am sure that Mr. Mohamed Nasheed government would not be as you wish. After the 30years of dictatorial rule every things could not be in good track within a day. Ibra don’t spread propaganda to make people disappoint about Nasheed government. Many Maldivian have sacrifices their life to topple the Mau moon regime and bring a good government which will work for the benefits of the people
Hussain Didi
Ibra
ReplyDeleteIts essential for Mdp to get parliament majority seats to fulfill the promises they have made and to complete the 5 year term. Its oblivious if DRP or any other party got the majority of the parliament MDP government would be sacked by casting a no confidence vote.Ibra just think, can DRP will allow MDP to run government if they have majority seats in parliament.Can they allow to unfold the corruptions they had done in the last 30 years. Maldives history tells that Maldivian are power hungry and Munafig in politics. We Maldivian are not civilized as Europeans. In America and Europe a government can run even without getting majority of parliament, since they will not sacked a government unless it is necessary. They will not go to no confidence vote just to put an election to make them to come power. To learn such values, democratic procedures and implement rule of law Maldivians need time. Now its beginning, there is nothing wrong MDP trying to get majority of the seat for the time being. Even the so called European and American political parties work to get majority seats in the parliament .We just started to run the country in a democratic plat form , it may need time to form in its full fledge. I am sure Maldivians will not allow any party to rule as they wish... We have closed that chapter with Maumoon government .MDP know that .We have independent media,We can protest , we can express our opinion, we have political parties, we have independent institutions. We have NGOS, Ibra don’t make others fool and don’t think others are idiots and ignorant
Hussain
@Hussain Didi:
ReplyDeleteSacrifices of people? I am sure I am not one of them.
I haven't said anything about Nasheed's Government, if you would only care to read what I said. I am simply commenting on compliance with constitution.
You have simply made a personal attack on me based on hearsay. I have nothing to say about your opinion of me. That is your privilege.
The only thing I cherish in this life (over my wife & children) is my independence and speaking my mind. That is my privilege.
If you want to defend the government, fine. But please give a counter argument to mine.
Dear Ibra
ReplyDeleteIf its personal attack.I aplogize for that if its herasay and i have to say sorry for that.I have heard that from some people t..ok Ibra
keep it up your work
Hussain Didi
Ibra,
ReplyDeleteOne I also do cherish is my independence and speaking my mind. Please allow me.
First and foremost, I believe SLP must resign from government. If you oppose so much with a major policy issue with this government, what on Earth is SLP doing sitting in its cabinet? I dont undetstand! You cant have this both ways.
Secondly, a unitary state is a state whose three organs of state are governed constitutionally as one single unit, with one constitutionally created legislature. The political power of government in such a state may be transferred to lower levels, to national, regional or local elected assemblies, governors and mayors, but the central government retains the principal right to recall such delegated power. There is absolutely nothing unconstitutional about decentralisation of administration in the Atolls. That will not make Maldives a federation. In a federation the component states are regarded as in some sense sovereign, insofar as certain powers are reserved to them that may not be exercised by the central government. A federation is more than a mere loose alliance of independent states. Therefore this is impossible unless our constitution is amended. This is not what is being proposed by the government.
Thirdly, you got so few votes in the presidential election. Not even your own parties 3000 votes. Therefore you arent a people’s man anymore. Yes you are an elected member of the majlis. But because of something you have done, or because of something others have done a lot better than you do or did, people decided not to vote for you. You should sit at home.
Thank you.
Ibra,
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed my 4th point.
In our constitution, the three branches of government, legislative, executive and judiciary, each have specific constitutionaly defined functions and powers. No branch is allowed to exercise the powers of the other branches or interfere in the way the other branches exercise their powers.
The legislature has the power to try impeachments. The compensation of executive officials and judges is determined by the legislature, but they may not increase or diminish the compensation of a President, or diminish the compensation of a judge, during his term in office.
The President exercises a check over the legislative through his power to veto bills, but the legislative may override any veto by a certain majority.
The Judicial can check both the executive branch and the legislative branch through courts.
However, seperation of powers does not mean that all supporters and/or members of the party to which the head of the executive belongs to, should not be appointed to a seat of the legislative. Separation of powers is a political doctrine under which the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are kept distinct to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. Although the US form of separation of powers is widely believed to be the worlds top "checks and balances" system, its president can, has and does influence votes in the congress through party lines.
Thank you Ibra. We don't have to wait till we walk half way to point out that the path is wrong.
ReplyDeleteAnni is pointing out the importance of the Majlis majority in every public meeting. He is showing us his desperation. If they fail to deliver what they have promised because of the Majlis. Who is ruling this country??!!. Thank you.
Badeeu
@A:
ReplyDeleteOn your first point, just because the Liberal Party holds one seat in the Cabinet does not mean that the Party has to let go of any of its policies in the Majlis. Liberal Party did not support 'Aneh Dhivehiraajje' manifesto in the second round. The support was for the only remaining CANDIDATE to oppose Qayyoom.
Just as you are asking Hassan Latheef to resign from the Cabinet, why don't you ask the Liberal Party to expel me from the Party for opposing the Coalition Government.
FYI, I just found out today, this particulr decision was not a Cabinet decision either.The Cabinet was not asked for a decision on this.
On your second point,you say, "The political power of government in such a state may be transferred to lower levels, to national, regional or local elected assemblies, governors and mayors, but the central government retains the principal right to recall such delegated power." I disagree. The political government in a Presidential system has no such right. Only the legislature has the right to create statutory bodies, and once created, only the legislature has the right to recall such bodies.
Th Executive can only EXECUTE what is in the constitution and laws.
I do not disagree with decentralization of administration. But creating political appointments underneath the Cabinet, which can be used to keep the Cabinet out of implementation? Questionable at the least.
On your third point, I write my Blog from home, thank you. Just because I got "so few votes", does not mean my right for expression is forfeited. If that is so, where do you derive your right to comment on national affairs without even competing for a post?
On your fourth point, I agree that MDP can seek to obtain a majority in parliament, of course. It is their right, and of course their aspiration. But just the same, other parties and individuals can also point out the possible consequences of that eventuality in order to oppose them.
You quote freely about the US. In the US tradition, how many times have the Party of the incumbent President enjoyed a majority in the two houses of the Congress? This year's election is an exception to the rule.
@Hussain:
Why on earth do you think that if MDP does not get a majority in Majlis that President Nasheed will be impeached or that his policies cannot be implemented?
If you read the Constitution, you will see that formulating and implementing government policy is the sole right of the President and has nothing to do with the Majlis.
FOr the President to be impeached, he has to violate either the Constitution, the Law or Islamic Sharia before the motion can even be put to the floor. Even then, a two thirds majority of the WHOLE MAJLIS is required for impeachment. After the Majlis impeaches him, the matter can be nullified by the Supreme Court if it was done against the Constitution.
Please don't mix up impeachment and no confidence. No confidence happens in Parliamentary systems. Not Presidential systems. So don't worry. President Nasheed will remain in office as long as he does not break the law.
After a good comment which expressed your ideas quite well, you have lost control in that very last sentence. Taking a punch at Ibra seems to be a sedative for some people after this Post? A colleague once did tell me that to be in politics, you have to have unusually thick skins (to cushion those punches, I'm learning)!
I suggest you look more closely at European and American system of governance. I believe you have some misconceptions on those.
ibra, a good post and we share your concerns. we are most concerned that mr nasheed is being partisan like zaeem in his political decisions in a presidential system and that it might set precedence for future govts.
ReplyDeleteIbra,
ReplyDeleteWhether its a cabinet decision or not, its still a government decision and as 'A' said, SLP is part of this government.
We all know that decentralization is in MDP's manifesto. We also know that the person elected as the president was MDP's candidate. Therefore he is obliged to try his level best to implement MDP's manifesto and promises. He has said several times that this governments policies will be based on MDP's manefesto. People who oppose this governments core policies must not remain in its top level posts. The cabinet post was offered to SLP and not Hassan Latheef. You are a founder and presidential candidate of SLP and you seem to oppose a lot, if not all, of this governments policies. Why do you want your party to sit in its cabinet? Is this ethical?
What would you say about the statements below
ReplyDeleteStatements from Former reform Minister Mohamed Nasheed blog dated 25th Nov 2008
Except for Ibrahim Ismail, I did not use any language that could be considered as rude or ridiculing. I seriously believed then, and I seriously believe even now, that if the man got so few votes, he had lost the moral authority to be a people’s man in the elections. He should sit at home.
Losing an election is one thing, but not collecting votes beyond the nullified and still acting as if the only political guru in town was truly hilarious for me. My comments were also an indirect response to many allegations and attacks he had made against me on various media on several other occasions.
shahyr
Dear Ibra,
ReplyDeleteMost people just don’t listen or see any thing in the wrong direction by MDP government or shall I say the coalition. I now wonder in much system (Presidential or Parliament system) is MDP going to govern this country. Looks like Ibrahim Hussain Zaki is appointed as a Prime Minister and pokes his nose to every where. If Anni doesn’t have the confidence in his Ministers why would he give them the Ministers post? And to decentralize do they need to govern Maldives as a federal states government.
The other problem I see is MDP have reduced Cabinet post to 14, but they are still giving jobs to reward their friends and family. If it were Maumoon government people would say that it is Gulhaa style. See how many State Ministers and deputy Ministers are there in MDP led coalition government. And it looks like to me that Anni is offering handsome jobs to people who might criticize him if he takes steps in wrong direction. One example of this is appointing GoGo Latheef as Ambassador of Human rights. And It is a Cabinet level job. But why is this job coming from no where. Isn’t this what Maumoon was doing. Making jobs to suits people instead of finding people which suites for the job. Jennyfa Latheef went on streets to protest for 2 or 3 days and now to lower her voice she is appointed to newly created parole board.
The other problem I see is why MDP government needs to make the Budget meetings in Majlish a close door meeting. Is it legal to make budget meetings a close door meetings. If I recall right the constitution says that a Majlish meeting can be made a close door meeting if there is national threat. Didn’t the members of MDP in Majlish tried so hard and succeeded to make budget meetings a public meeting where public and media can see the meetings? Now when MDP is ruling this country they are saying Budget meetings should be closed door ones. Isn’t this what we call Hypocrisy?
Ibra, I think even if you talk and point out very obvious and good things, I don’t think people will see these things. I think people of Maldives are too loyal to MDP. I wonder do people of Maldives really want a change. Do we really want a change in the system how Maldives is governed. Why the ‘party’ is so important. If some one out side MDP is talking about a good thing why cant people of Maldives believe it or even check for oneself about the credibility of what he is saying.
We are in a situation where if any body talks or even say any thing about MDP doing anything in the wrong direction, people will just rubbish it. People will just say that is propaganda and will not bother even to think about it. We most of Maldivians think that MDP will and can never do any thing wrong. I see Maldives heading to a very sad situation.
Ali Ibrahim
Dear Ibra,
ReplyDeleteYou have been a shame for SLP. You are selfish and you dont listen to others. You have been the main reason for SLP's poor performance during the presidential election. I thought it would be best for SLP if you resign. Same goes to DRP. Gayoom must resign from DRP and politics.
@shahyr :
ReplyDeleteWhat is there to say? He said what he said. I said what I said. Most of what I said is on this blog. He and I argued on a constitutional matter. Whatever the arguments, it turned out as I said.
Even though I disagreed with him on different occasions, I respected him. He came out and called me a hypocrite. I reminded him of the truth. He then said in a press conference that I was the only one who did not believe that the Elections could be held properly by October 10th, and ridiculed me. I never said anything against him.But events have proved that I was right, and they were all wrong. Then he started talking about the Void. When the bill was presented in Majlis, I argued against it and made my case based on the Constitution and the Constitutional process. He did not answer me on the floor, but came back and wrote on his blog, calling me a "self proclaimed Thomas Jefferson". That was when I decided enough was enough, and I should reply. After all, I was a candidate in the middle of an election. To date, he hasn't made a case against my arguments. Again, events have proved I was right and he was wrong.
All this doesn't matter any more. In politics you cross swords, and then you forget it. He has his views, I have mine. I will certainly not go down to the level that he displayed.
He says I didn't get votes even to the nullified votes, which is not true. He did not check his facts. But I can say this. I got 1382 votes more than he did.
When he says I should sit at home, he forgets that I am the sitting member of parliament, representing the constituency of which he is a constituent. As long as I sit in Majlis, I will continue to speak on behalf of my constituents. When the public votes me out of Parliament, I will not speak on behalf of the people, but I will continue to speak my mind, any time I chose to.
Elections are over now. Let us frget thos things. Who knows? Destiny may force he and I to work together again. Politics is such.
@Anonymous (November 28, 2008 11:35:00 PM MVT) :
I do not hold any post in the Liberal Party. What should I resign from?
The Party Constitution allows members to move a motion for another member to be dismissed from the Party. If you are a member of the Liberal Party, you are most welcome to do so against me.
Lets cut the crap. SLP is not run by 33-year-old Hassan Latheef or 32-year-old Mazlaan Rasheed. It was not run by almost 30-year-old Colonel Mohamed Nasheed either. It is run by you. I am not saying that they don't have a say in anything. But that you still run the show, Ibra. So we are expecting SLP to show their stand on this issue of leasing resorts to 50 years. Don't say you don't hold a position in SLP. That's the way politics works. How convenient for you to dodge blame? No hard feelings, Ibra. Just want to hear what your party says on this issue.
ReplyDeleteYes you are right Ibra. I totally agree with you. Lot of things are not going according to the way Anni was saying during the presidential campaign. It looks to me that Anni has forgotten many things he was saying in the campaign. And I see public also have forgotten what they were promised of. Maybe only change that Maldivians wanted was to topple the Maumoon regime not the bad tradition that Maumoon regime has brought to Maldives. I would like to highlight some of false hope or empty promises which Anni has made during presidential campaign.
ReplyDeleteDuring campaign Anni was saying that in MDP led government businessmen will be near their safe not in government or not near the national treasury or safe. I thought what he was saying was that in MDP led government businessmen will not be in government, they will be doing business. But now you see private businessmen like Rado Zahir owner of Reefside businesses in STELCO as the chairman. Anni has asked the chairman and board of directors to be active in STELCO’s business. The other private businessmen near national treasury are Aadhihleege Faroog Umar, owner of SIM hardware businesses in STO (the biggest state business company) as the chairman. He doesn’t have any formal education to this date.
Among ministers Finance Minister Ali Hashim is a shareholder of Lecute businesses in Male’. Home Minister Qasim Ibrahim is one of biggest businessmen in the country. Maybe these two are not active in their business.
During campaign Anni was saying in a MDP led government Long jumpers will not be sent to a swimming race. I think what he meant that time was the jobs will be given in the field in which the person has had formal education. But now we see that Fisheries and Agriculture Minister is a Dentist. Tourism Minister Ali Sawad is lawyer and human rights expert. I don’t see giving jobs like this is a problem. But the problem I see is that things are not going in the way MDP was preaching before.
Already newspaper and media have started praising the President. The struggle of President Nasheed., his road from jail to presidential palace, is being portrait in the media. The speaker in the Majlish has started praising the president for doing his job. There is no media to criticize the government now. All the media is indirectly influenced by the government. And it looks like to me that everything is going back to where it was.
When I meet my friends on roads and in coffee shops I used to ask them how are things going right now politically in Maldives. And every one is saying it is going in the right direction so far. I wonder how much of knowledge they have when they say so. How much they think and see for their self how things are going. I don’t see things going in right direction. I agree it is too early to criticise the government. But I don’t think it is early to point out that things are not going in the right direction.
Cheers
Hussain Didi
questions you have to raise tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteduty of food items and diesal is no more. 60 percent food items are imported to resorts.
From where governmetn gets the money lost?
i would suggest 15 percent corporate tax to be introduced to all business immidieatly
or take all teh resorts and call for a rebid. so that bed rents are fair and will be at market rate. plus there are so many who want to a share of it. make the field competetive. now government has created monopolies owned by few handpicked individuals.
resorts like kurubaa are paying peantus to government compared to what they earn.
the president has clearly shownthat he is a puppet of big business and will pay lipservice to wishes of ordinarly ppl.
he is another maumoon in the making.
@ Anonymous (November 29, 2008 5:15:00 AM MVT):
ReplyDeleteIf you are a member of DRP or MDP, you must be quite used to one individual controlling the party. So maybe you think all Parties are like that. Actually, Liberal Party is run on democratic principles. We don't go talking about it all the time, we just do our business. It has an elected leadership. If you doubt it, the Party Council minutes are available for you to see.
As for the position on extension of leases of resorts, I can assure you, the Liberal Party decision on the issue will be in the best interest of all, and not a few. Our Party Manifesto is actually a guiding principle for us, and not just written for rhetoric.
BTW, I have said this before, I don't intend to publish comments directed at me personally or the Liberal Party on the blog unless it has direct relevance to what is published in the Post. If anyone wants to do that,they can use my email, which is given on the Blog.
If you are in MDP, you have to get used to criticisms which will be levelled at your party now that you are in government.
Ibra,
ReplyDeleteIn a reply to one of the comments in one of your previous post, you said that the constitution is actually silent on dismissing/appointing the presidential 8 members to Majlis. However now, it looks like you have changed your mind? Are you getting bitter about anything and everything related to MDP?
Ibra's integrity out weighs the comments against him.
ReplyDeleteI am an MDP supporter and Anni supporter from the beginning. Even if there is an election, i would vote for Anni, BUT this all seem a bit gloomy here isnt it? I had/have faith in Anni but not the ones around him. Anni is proving to be not what i thought he would be, BUT i still think this has something to to with the coaliation as well which most of our ppl voted for. I mean there are lot of ppl who support Qasim/Hassan etc. But this would does not serve as a justification for Gogo latheefs appointment, or Dental Didi appointment or various other NOt so popular appointments by the President.
I believe its the absolute truth, that some commenters has said "Maldivians wanted just to topple gayoom and not the traditions and values or ways of his regime"
We need a clean and fresh start. WE need independent media still BECAUSE even if i vote Anni, i do not beleive he is the mighty one. He is anni and he needs guidance and criticism as well in order to keep in the right path. Gee! we are so power and money hungry eh! where is the passion! where is the love! for the people and for the nation and for your self.
Good post i have to say Ibra
@Amir :
ReplyDeleteI am not 'bitter' about anything, nor am I against 'anything and everything' MDP does. That would be very petty.
If you read the Post again, I have not commented on MDP policies. Simply issues in the Constitution, and how things are being done. What is your take on that?
As for appointed members. Yes, the Constitution is silent on that for the simple reason that this constitution does not recognize appointed members, and hence there is not any reference to appointed members.
I understand from lawyers that when the Constitution is silent on an issue, we have to make inferences based on general principles in the Constitution and look at the purpose which is trying to be achieved. Therefore there will always be an answer to any legal qustion, which will be based on how you interpret the constitution.
I have not changed my mind, because I have not spoken my mind on the issue before. This is the first time I have made any public comment on the issue.
I suppose we have a long way to go before we can put personal attacks, character assasination and goal shifting in arguments before we can engage in issue based discourse. Yet another indication that simply removing Qayyoom from office was not a panacea.
we would be listening to you on monday. you may be the only one on country's sides.
ReplyDeletewhen it comes to tax nobody talks about how it is done in first world
nor they talk about it when proposing such insane bills (50 year lease).
we maybe saved from the endheri and kaaminy clan.
do we want our future and the uninhabited islands which is our only resouce to be controlled by koli, qasim and champa.
there are hundreds of youths, and briliant minds waiting to use their skills in building our economy.
but it is designed as a tharika of few ppl.
you help us to break the chains.
what we are simply calling is open doors for competition even in resort business so that everyone have a fair chance to get rich. in that way government ppl and the best minds in the country for business wins.
passing laws so that it benefits only few individuals and not teh business community as a whole is robbing and stealing and admiting you dont have the skill to compete in fair market and there are better and capable ppl out their who might get the contracts.
we have to get rid of the culture where only ppl favoured by government becomes powerful businessmen not because they are more skilled but because they have connections . we have to introduce a system where proposals, people based on merit wins. we have to burry favoritism
i suggest you get a team of business men who wants a level playing field and understands the concerns of common ppl like us. and let them talk.
Dear Ibra
ReplyDeletepls express our opinions in the majilis about the extension of the lease period of resorts.Thanks for your invaluable work as MP
15% import duty – milk, vegetable. Fruits and meat – 80% use in resorts
10% import duty – diesel -- 30% consumption in resorts
When we abolished the custom duty from the above, state will loss huge revenue, huge amount receivable from resort operators.
Abolishing the custom duty from the above will increase resort owner’s profits.
So its not good idea just to increase resort lease period to 50 years for the operating resorts and introduce 15% taxation on profit
15% taxation would not match the revenue receivable as custom duty from resorts owners and the the extension made (from 35years to 50years).
It would be wise if we do such extension when we do future bids,we can set certain condition, such as - sell 20% shares to public, should be 7star or 8star resort or should invest certain amount of money to build resort , some amount of profit should retain at Maldives banks for certain period.
It’s very much needed to introduce a sales tax. Currently we are taking a fixed tax from each bed, regardless guest house and 6star resorts. There are resorts, which sell beds at the range of usd 2000 per bed – 150 per bed. So it’s unfair to have a fixed tax for bed.
dIdi
ibra y do u have to respond to each n every comment. ur posts r ok. but i feel its too lengthy. pls make ur posts precise n lucid. n in ur responses too.
ReplyDeleten one more thing. i really dreamt of u b our education minister. v infact got ur mobile nmbr n wanted to discuss some of the issues in the system n someone comes up n tells us ibra is a very rude person. so v gave up on it.
Removing Gayoom was the most important step we have taken for reform. What follows wont ever be as big and as difficult as removing Gayoom. I agree that some of the steps taken by this government is questionable. But this is a coalition of several parties. Left to right conservative to liberals. Maldivians voted for all of them. There is another election in February. What do you expect?
ReplyDelete@Concerned :
ReplyDeleteThanks. I respond to some comments because some people try to twist what I say. Most people believe these things unless it is countered with the truth.
For example, you stopped trying to reach me because SOMEONE said I was rude. Have you heard me being rude to anyone? On average I answer about 50 - 60 calls a day. This is the first time I have heard anyone say I am rude!
if we give the majority seats in parliment to mdp than seperation of power has no meaning. majilis and executive will be one. check and balance will be no more.
ReplyDeletesome policies of mdp showed that we need parliment as a watch dog to president.
What constituency of Male' will u be running for?
ReplyDeleteIs President Nasheed calling the final shots of the government or is it Zaki? I somehow feel that President Nasheed is a mere puppet in this political game. Change is what we voted for and obviously it's comming with a hefty prise. So far what our present government is doing is simply creating a mirage. From what President Nasheed is doing, it looks as if he's no better than the Maumoon regime. And why not???? President Nasheed is the puppet of Zaki. A FAILED POLITICIAN OF THE MAUMOON REGIME. HIS IDEOLOGY IS THE SAME AS MAUMOON'S: ZAKI AFTER ALL WAS a PUPPET OF MAUMOON.
ReplyDeleteyes we voted for change. not anni or ibra or buruma. 4 the gud of our children and 4 wat we were promisd. alas! look wat anni doing now. traitors like amin faisal n abdula shahid as security heads. protecting interests of few biznesmen.
ReplyDeleteHi Ibra,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking if you have any opinion on the recent appointment of Shahid "Traitor to the Maldivian Nation on November 3rd" to the position of deputy defense minister !
I personally think this appointment is very hurtful to the sentiments of all the Maldivians and their families who lost their life on that fateful day.
I was very young, but I remember that all the male members (father, grand father, uncles) of my family being rounded up and taken to the courtyard in front of the presidential jetty as hostages. I know people personally that were taken on the ship that came and took hostages on their retrieval after the Indian forces arrived, some of whom to this day still need to seek regular therapy due to their injuries from being shot etc.
I love our nation and I don't think a traitor like Shahid who has blood on his hands from November 3rd should be paid for by the state after what he has done to us. This is not to say we shouldn't forgive him, which he already has been, as he was not executed as a traitor ...which would have been the sentence given even in a country like the US.
I also have question regarding this issue, is there any way the parliament could pass a motion similar to an impeachment to remove this individual....?
I just wanted to raise this issue as I think it relates to some of the wrong policies that this government is implementing as we speak. Thanks.
Ibra,
ReplyDeleteAllow me also to get into the blasphemers' boat.
You sad
"I am MP for Male' first, and Liberal Party Council Member after that." and man am I proud of you.
I have always maintained that reform has to start from the Majlis. We have the best Majlis that money can buy, so how many can utter the statement above. When the majority can say that we are well on our way and the idolisation will stop then and there. Until then God help us.
Dear Ibra,
ReplyDeleteI just want to ask from you whether transitions parliament can extend resort lease already agreed and signed contracts. Or can any parliament do this. Is it ethical to extend the resort lease agreement when these bids were won by biding?
I think Ibra, Anni made a deal with business tycoons that if they back Anni during presidential campaign he will reward them by extending the resort lease agreement. Otherwise why would all these business tycoons back Anni during presidential campaign? Now Anni cant go back in his promise to give businessmen extra years for their resorts. And President Nasheed family and his wife’s family, his family members, relatives and friends having resorts or are shareholders of some resorts. I would say President Nasheed himself will benefit when he extend the resort lease agreement to 50 years. This is a very greedy and unfaithful act by President Nasheed to even send it to the Parliament.
The saddest of most members in our parliament are also businessmen’s. They have increase there salary to a record high level. I have seen how these members have debated in favor of allowing minors to get married. I am sure these members, with a split second, will vote to pass it. When Majlish decides on this decision President Nasheed will not be blame for this unfaithful act.
Wake up my fellow Maldivians. We are bringing another Maumoon system to this nation.
Mohamed Areef
about this extension of resort lease to 50 years...
ReplyDeletei wonder weather any investor after getting a resort in maldives complained that the lease is 30 years so he don't want it and left?
none i think. so instead of increasing this lease to 50 years we shall decrease it to 20 years. let it be determined by demand and supply.
we need to stop proposed 50yr leasing policy. also with the number of new state ministers and deputy's are we on right track??? Ex-cops who have revealed security secrets/info to terrorists, now incharge of Defense Ministry (Minister and State minister, both admiited for their involvement in nov3rd)..
ReplyDeleteIbra,
ReplyDeleteI dont see any problem by extending the lease period. In fact in countries like Singapore land for these kinds of investments are given for atleast 40 years. This creates a more investor friendly environment. On the other point you keep making, well, we still have hundreds of uninhabitated islands in Maldives. Why is it that other cannot have resorts? They can in the future! Its a problem with the bidding process which keeps on giving the islands to the same old bunch of guys. Its not the period of the lease. So this is just politics. All aimed at the FEB election.
Hey Anonymous December 1, 2008 8:49:00 AM MVT, Ameen Faisal was never convicted in a court for anything about Nov 3rd. Its not true. He never admitted for anything either. These are all things that cooked up in Gayooms head!
ReplyDeleteIbra,
ReplyDeleteThe game IDP, SLP and DRP are playing has crossed the line today. Members of these parties tried to attack the attorney general and attacked Laamu Member Moosa Manik. Although this government doest treat protesters like Gayoom did, someone needs to teach how to protest! This is not how a civilized protest should take place. This is a disgrace to our democracy. Is this what you support??!!
Ibra,
ReplyDeleteI love the way you open yourself to the people like this, and I am sorry that some ppl take adavantage and see your peopleness as a vulnerability and a punching bag, but it is really nice to have conversed with a hero of Maldivian democracy such as yourself so thankyou and please do not stop all this friendliness. Even though you did not get heaps of votes over the years you had struggled alot for Maldivian reform and many r greatful for the gift of your suffering and struggle., Abdul-Rahman
@Anonymous (December 1, 2008 7:09:00 PM MVT) :
ReplyDeleteI am not aware that the Liberal Party had organized or joined any protest.
Yes, I agree with you. We all have to learn a lot in this teething process. I have never supported, and never will support physical attacks on ANYONE. I maintained this all throughout the Reform Movement, and I still do. Physical attacks do not constitute protest. It is a criminal offence. Obstructing the work of Parliament in anyway, including obstruction of Parliamentarians from getting to the Majlis or threatening them also constitute criminal offences and it can be held as contempt of parliament. I would never support such a thing.
FYI, I myself was verbally abused as I was walking into Parliament this morning, and abused inside Parliament (in the members room)as well! Tempers are flying high indeed! Such is democracy in infancy, I suppose. Let us hope this passes away quickly, and that we will all learn to play our respective roles in a civilized fashion before too long.
The best political blog ever! Its so interesting because we can talk back and forth with the author, Ibra!
ReplyDelete