Report: Soodh
Many still wonder why President Gayom's brother Higher Education Minister Yamin Abdul Gayoom resigned from the cabinet and distanced himself from President’s Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party, DRP. Yamin, a graduate from American University of Beirut, has played a dominant role in President Gayoom's government from 1993 to 2007, is seen as one of the most powerful and seasoned politicians of the country. Having served as Trade and Foreign Investment Minister and key member of economic and other policy making committees of the cabinet.
Yamin has earned respect among colleagues and business community as capable and articulate in policy planning, economic development and investment. He has won wealthy and influential friends from the business and tourism sectors during the 11 years he has held the portfolio of Trade Minister.
Yamin was also instrumental in the planning and organization of DRP and he was a key strategist and organizer of the party although he did not contest in the election of high positions of DRP. Yamin's apparent show of disinterest in DRP and government started surfacing from the time arch rival billionaire businessman Gasim Ibrahim was appointed Minister of Finance in August 2005. Gasim became very powerful both in the government and in DRP apart from enjoying tremendous popular support from the public. Gasim was also elected second deputy leader of DRP at the first congress of the party. Gasim's power in the party and government and his generous financial support to DRP consolidated his position while the same continued to distance Yamin and his supporters from the government and DRP.
Yamin was also not happy about the increasing power of former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed and former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed who with their supporters created the New Maldives grouping. Both ministers enjoyed wide powers and were key players in the Reform agenda of the president until Hassan Saeed and his close friend Justice Minister Jameel suddenly resigned from their ministerial posts on 5 August blaming President Gayoom and calling the reform agenda a failure. This followed Dr. Shaheed's resignation two weeks later just a day before he was to face a no confidence vote in the Majlis. There was a bitter rivalry between the New Maldives founders and Yamin and his PA. The resignation of the 3 ministers surprised the nation but would have been a consolation to Yamin. While some think that these 3 young leaders would be going into oblivion, others feel their political career has just begun. It is also speculated that these three have a close affinity with Finance Minister Gasim.
This deepening rivalry and dissatisfaction over government and DRP culminated in the creation of Yamin's own People's Association, PA which progressed into a formidable power in the Maldives politics. Many members of the People's Majlis and People's Special Majlis are members of PA and most of them have developed a strong allegiance with the ambitious leader. PA also diverted its position from government policies and became a vocal and strong opposition faction in both Majlis often taking side with opposition MDP and independents challenging the government.
Yamin and his Deputy Minister Nazim finally resigned from government after weeks of intense speculation. His departure from the government was a serious blow to the government and DRP. But his New Maldives rivals who were in the cabinet at that time would have been pleased naturally. Analysts believe the resignation of Yamin and his friends would have weakened the political standing of DRP and they made it difficult for the government to pass bills and other matters in the Majlis.
The real motive of Yamin's political maneuvering is still a mystery according to these analysts. There is growing speculation that Yamin's wrangling with the government is a ploy to strengthen his position in the Maldivian politics and induce public popularity for the rising leader. They also feel Yamin's clever and lethal attacks would weaken Gasim and eventually force Gasim to resign in the same way as Dr. Shaheed.
Analysts say they would not be surprised if Yamin decides to come back to the cabinet with even more powers. He may even become a successor to President Gayoom. Yamin's announcement last week that his PA would become a political party very soon was talk of the country. He said the objective is to serve the people and country better. He has said it is imperative for PA to go to the people and contest in elections because of its growing membership and popularity. Yamin has however ruled out speculation he will be contesting in the 2008 Presidential election.
Yamin's position has further strengthened with the re-evaluation of the bids of his close associate GA member millionaire Abdullah Jabir for Vilivaru and Biyaadhoo resorts. The re-evaluation has found Jabir's bid for Biyaadhoo resort won the highest points thereby guaranteeing him to receive a fair compensation. Rumours are also afloat that Jabir's lawyer wife President's member Diyana Saeed is likely to be given the vacant post of Attorney General. These would be a huge boost to PA and Yamin's political future.
2008 presidential election is nearing and Special Majlis is in full swing to finish the constitution by the November 30 deadline. Speaker Gasim is determined to complete the uphill task and members of DRP and opposition seem to be equally eager to finish the job and make history. However, a lot of people are sceptical the constitution can be completed in time to enable a multi party presidential election next year. President Gayoom has said repeatedly 2008 presidential election will be held on multi party basis.
Whether under the new constitution or otherwise, the election is less than a year away. President Gayoom has said he will be DRP's candidate and would seek a seventh term of office. It is expected there will be more candidates. What is to be seen is who will be contesting from MDP and PA and other parties. Who ever contest from other parties, President Gayoom will easily win the election. And Yamin will remain a dominant power.
VELIDHOO NEWS SERVICE
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