N. Velidhoo Community

Dr. Shaugy ridicules Addu people

2008-01-31T23:01:00.002+05:00

Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy, Minister of Tourism speaking at official inaugural ceremony of Herathera Resort has responded to the comments of some adduans who kept saying that Herathera was just another dream resort similar to that of Villingili of that atoll. He said he was reminded of that night of 20 October 2005, when at a meeting held in Hithadhoo to discuss the introduction of tourism to Addu Atoll, the attendees, cried out “that is not possible, this government will never introduce tourism to Addu”.

“Many people of the this atoll attended that meeting held in Hithadhoo on the 20 October 2005, they insisted that such a thing was simply not possible, they said this government will never allow tourism to come to this atoll, many other government ministers have already shown us that dream, you are here to complete just another link in that chain, toward the end of that meeting I thought Addu people will never believe however much I tried” said Dr. Shaugy speaking at the official inaugural ceremony held in the mirror bar.

Tourism Minister Dr. Shaugy further that he told the attendees of the meeting at Hithadhoo, he fully appreciated how much the people wanted tourism to be introduced to Addu and that they would believe him when they saw it happening right before their very eyes.

Herethere Resort was officially inaugurated by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday.

Peaceful coexistence depends on judicial system – Justice Minister

2008-01-31T23:01:00.001+05:00

Minister of Justice Muiz Adnan has said that peace and harmony existent in a society is dependent on the judicial system in place in that society. He made the statement speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate the Hulhumale’ Court.

Justice Minister Muiz said that the judicial system must be system which has the support of the people and one which the people can readily identify and trust. He said in such a system the court’s decision will be respected by the people. He also said that the purpose of opening a court in Hulhumale’ was to solve the difficulties faced by Hulhumale’ residents in attending the courts in Male’.

“In order to obtain the trust and the support of the people, decisions of the judicial system must be ones which the people can accept, it is hoped this court would solve the difficulties faced by Hulhumale’ residents in attending Male’ courts” said Justice Minister.

Justice Minister further revealed that the court would handle family cases and minor civil cases. He although no criminal cases are handled at present, the service would soon be introduced.

Before concluding his talks at the ceremony, Minister thanked President Gayoom’s effort to strengthen and improve the judicial system of the country.

The ceremony which was commenced by the recitation of Holy Quran was introduced by Khalid Gasim Director of Judicial Affairs at the Ministry of Justice. The ceremony in addition to the Minister of Justice was attended by senior judges of courts in Male’ as well as by senior officials of the Justice Ministry.

Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has said that people of South Maldives prefers a transitional arrangement in or

2008-01-31T23:00:00.002+05:00

Hulhumale’ Development Corporation (HDC) has revealed the corporation was planning to give land for housing purposes this year.

According to Deputy Director of HDC Nuhaa Mohamed, no land or flat were given from Hulhumale’ last year as the roads project was not completed. Although the Deputy Director said land will be given did not specify any specific date when flats and land would be given or what procedures will be used.

HDC revealed that the project to construct additional 500 flats is underway and that the project would be completed by the end of the year.

“Currently the project to construct 500 flats is going on, the flats will be completed by the end of the year, however we exactly give a completion date as yet” said Nuhaa.

Hulhumale’ Development Corporation revealed that currently a population of nearly 5000 people resides in Hulhumale’. Many believe that due to development of Hulhumale’ the problems arising in Male’ due to unavailability of land would be solved.

Huge support for transitional govt- Anni

2008-01-31T23:00:00.001+05:00

Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) has said that people of South Maldives prefers a transitional arrangement in order to have elections under the new constitution. Anni said this was clearly demonstrated by the tremendous support given by the people of the south to the expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz.

Speaking to Miadhu Anni said the support received for the transitional cause surpassed expectations. “We went from door to door, we met and held discussions with Island Development Committees of 26 islands, and we knew from their talks that people gave a lot of support to establish a transitional arrangement” Anni said.

Although people were a little hesitant to attend seminar meetings, door to door activities proved very successful and it really revealed the extent of their support said Anni. Anni also said on two occasions police were a little hostile but soon amended their ways after a little persuasion.

Regarding the talks that some people were intimidated by Island Chiefs, Anni said that he believed that it was a government decision. Anni also said Shereen Deputy Minister for Atolls Development made calls to some islands and that her actions were childish.

Although the expedition faced some minor problems, the expedition was a huge success said Anni in reponse to a question posed by Miadhu. Some people from Gahdhoo and Villingili called Miadhu and complained that they faced some difficulties in attending the sessions of Dhekunu Arumaz held in those islands. It is widely believed that efforts of the political parties to promote political awareness of the general public will not be hampered by the government as long as the parties remain within the legal boundaries.

Population of Addu is 18,026 – Planning Ministry

2008-01-31T22:59:00.001+05:00

The results of national census 2006 shows population of Addu Atoll is 18,026 people revealed Ministry of Planning and National Development. Ministry indicates that the population comprises of 8,401 males and 9,625 females. Ministry further revealed that this was 6.03 percent of total population of Maldives.

The census 2006 indicated that most adduans take up jobs in police services or administrative jobs. Second choice of adduans as a means to earn their livelihoods is in the area of manufacturing or producing items. Favorite job area for Addu men are in the area of manufacture or producing items while the jobs in the educational sector is second choice.

72 percent of men and 50 percent of women are active economically in Addu Atoll. Highest number of women who are economically active in Addu is from Hulhdhoo and they form 59 percent of Hulhudhoo women. Highest number of men who are economically active in Addu is from Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo and they form 78 percent of men in those islands.

According to census 2006, 29percent of the people of Addu Atoll were unemployed. Unemployment according to census survey 2006 of the atoll is highest in Hulhudhoo. They are 16 percent men and 43 percent women.

Most people of Addu Atoll live in Hithadhoo of that atoll. 53 percent of Addu population lives Hithadhoo while 15 percent live in Feydhoo. The census indicates that women form the majority group of the population of Addu. For every 100 women there are just 87 men. In Meedhoo of that atoll for every 100 women there are only 78 men.

In contrast to other atolls, many adduans live in Male’. During the period of the census survey a total of 6,888 adduans were living in Male’. Out of the 6,888, highest number was from Hithadhoo and they were 2,500. Only 302 from Maradhoo Feydhoo were found to be living in Male’ during this period.

Looking at the literacy rates, 97 percent of adduans are literate, especially Meedhoo and Hulhudhoo where literacy rate is 98 percent. Educational standard of the population above 6 years age is grade 7. Census 2006 also indicated that number of women who achieved O level standard is higher than that of men.

In Addu Atoll according to the national census 2006, men get married at the age of 22 while women at 18. Couples normally have 2 children while most women give birth between 19 to 25 years of age.

Families usually drink rain water although well water is also used. The census indicates 88 percent use rain water for consumption. Cooking gas is becoming increasingly popular although kerosene and fire wood is still used.

Census also indicates 83 percent of adduans have septic tanks in their compound.

Indian Commerce Minister meets FM Shahid

2008-01-31T22:51:00.000+05:00

Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh has paid a courtesy call to Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid yesterday.

During the meeting Maldives Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Indian government for the assistance and support the Indian government has always rendered to the development of Maldives. He also highlighted the close brotherly relations between the 2 nations and discussed ways on improving the relations even further.

Speaking during the meeting State Minister Ramesh expressed hope that a meeting of the Joint Commission formed between the 2 countries will be held soon. He also talked about increasing investments from both sides.

The meeting held at Foreign Ministry was attended by Maldives Ambassador designated to India Anbaree Abdul Sattar, Indian High Commissioner designated to Maldives, A. K. Pandey, Ambassador at Large, Abdul Azeez Yoosuf and Director at Foreign Ministry Fathimath Inaya.

Wataniya inaugurates Maldives first 3G network

2008-01-31T22:50:00.002+05:00

Wataniya Maldives has revealed that the company has inaugurated the first ever 3G network in Maldives, which according to the company would form the basis of the foundation of future mobile communications in the Maldives. Wataniya revealed that this was a major step for Maldives as the country continues to grow with modern world of telecommunications.

Wataniya revealed that the company now has a fully functional 3G High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network in Male’ and Hulhumale’ with limited coverage to Male’ International Airport. Wataniya informs that the coverage to the airport as well as to other parts of Maldives will be expanded.

The inauguration ceremony was held at Dharubaaruge yesterday in two stages. A special media presentation was delivered in the morning for press and invitees and a very special VIP ceremony in the evening.

At the ceremony a demonstration of the 3G services was made to the invitees and the members of the press. These included Wataniya Vedio Calls, Wataniya Vedio Surveillance, Wataniya Mobile Broadband and Wataniya Mobile TV.

According to Wataniya the company is currently testing these services. Wataniya said that the company hoped to introduce these services by first quarter of 2008.
Speaking at the ceremony yesterday Wataniya’s CEO Abraham Smith said “Wataniya 3G/HSDPA mobile high speed data network is termed as 3G in technical terms. This is an advance version of 3G technology and this is also the most advanced mobile technology ever to be introduced to Maldives as this is actually a 3.5G network. In just over 2 years, Wataniya has led ventures that delivered the most advanced technology, most unique services and the most innovative products. Wataniya came for the people of Maldives and we are making sure that the people get the best services available anywhere in the World today”.

The inauguration of the network placed Maldives in the very short list of countries that have 3G/HSDPA technology in the Asia Pacific region revealed Wataniya. According to Wataniya these countries are Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore South Korea, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Second girls school will be opened in 2009- Ministry

2008-01-31T22:50:00.001+05:00

Ministry of Education has revealed that construction of the second all girls secondary school will be completed and inaugurated some time next year.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Director of the Ministry of Education Mohamed Yousuf said that school which will be constructed with grant aid from the Japanese government will be opened some time next year. He said that he is unable to provide an exact date as to when the construction work would commence but said that the work previously scheduled to commence last December.

Director Yousuf revealed that the school has a design capacity of 1500 students and includes 25 class rooms and other facilities required for a school.

Education Ministry revealed that the school is 4 storey building and would be constructed on land where former Tajuhdheen School was located. Education also revealed that the school is being constructed to provide a relief to ever increasing girl student population of Aminiyya School, the only all girl school providing secondary education in Male’.

According to sources the Japanese government is providing 774 Million Yen as grant aid for the construction of the school.

President briefed on “Addu Atoll Development Vision 2015”

2008-01-31T22:49:00.000+05:00

Addu Atoll Committee briefed President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on the “Addu Atoll Development Vision 2015”, yesterday night.

The members of the committee gave President Gayoom information on the main categories of the project.

The Atoll Office, Chiefs of the islands, Atoll Development Committee, non-governmental associations and societies, officials of Government offices and the people of the atoll contributed numerous ideas for the compilation of the project.

During the meeting, the members of the committee presented President Gayoom with a copy of the vision.

President Gayoom thanked the committee members for taking the initiative to carry out such an important project and said that such projects are vital for the progress of the atoll. He further said that the Government had launched the “Vision 2020” so that Maldives could reach new heights of development. He also noted that the “Addu Atoll Development Vision 2015” was designed for the development of the entire atoll, and that it accentuated the “Vision 2020”.

Herathera will contribute to development of Addu- President

2008-01-31T22:46:00.002+05:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the inauguration of Herathera Island Resort marked the beginning of the South’s tourism zone and that the resort would make a valuable contribution to the economy and progress of Addu Atoll.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the Inauguration Ceremony of the resort by the Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, Hussain Afeef, Managing Director of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Mohamed Solih, members of the Board of Directors, distinguished guests attending the ceremony and the General Manager of the resort.

Speaking at the ceremony, President said that the opening of Herathera Island Resort was a remarkable achievement for MTDC and noted that the whole resort had been successfully completed within 16 months. He further said that work to open two more resorts in Addu Atoll is underway, and that the people of the atoll would benefit greatly from these projects.

The people of Addu Atoll presented President Gayoom with a plaque to commemorate his contributions towards the commencement of international flights and the promotion of tourism in Addu. Mohamed Abdulla presented the plaque to the President on behalf of the Addu Atoll Committee.

Certificates were presented to those who had contributed to the successful inauguration of Herathera Island Resort. The recipients of these certificates were Dr. Mahmood Shaugee, Champa Hussain Afeef, Mohamed Solih, Ibrahim Nooradeen, Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, and Late Mohamed Saeed of Addu Atoll Hithadhoo Moonlight Villa.

MTDC presented the people of Addu Atoll with an honorary plaque for their efforts in developing the resort. Tour operators, Thomas Cook and Hotelplan also received plaques for their contribution and faith in Herathera Island Resort. The plaques and certificates were presented by President Gayoom.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee said that the arrival of tourists directly to Addu Atoll through this international gateway has long been a dream of all the residents of the atoll. He noted that the inauguration of the resort could not have been possible without the full cooperation and support of several key figures of the tourism sector.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maldives Tourism Development Corporation, Hussain Afeef said that it was a significant day for the people of Maldives, particularly to the people of Addu Atoll. He highlighted various difficulties faced during the development of the resort and noted that all the work in building the resort had been done by Maldivians.

In his vote of thanks, the Managing Director of MTDC, Mohamed Solih noted the high priority attached by the Government and the President in particular to the development of Herathera Island Resort.

A video presentation showing the developmental work of the resort was made during the ceremony.

President met with the Board of Directors of MTDC during his visit to the resort.

President meets with the people of Hulhudhoo & Meedhoo

2008-01-31T22:46:00.001+05:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with the people of Addu Atoll Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo yesterday
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Speaking with the people of Hulhudhoo, President Gayoom commended the people for the contribution they had made in achieving the present development. He highlighted the perils of narcotic drugs to the society and urged the people to work in partnership with the Government to rid society of the drugs menace.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Hulhudhoo School, Senior Island Chief, Mohamed Jameel said that the introduction of tourism in the region was very promising for the people of Hulhudhoo. He also noted the efforts of the President Gayoom in promoting tourism in Addu Atoll.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim personally met with the people after the meeting.

President Gayoom and the First Lady also visited Meedho yesterday afternoon.

Speaking with the people of Meedhoo, President Gayoom said that Gan International Airport was a very important channel between Addu Atoll and the other islands of Maldives. He said that the opening of Herathera Island Resort in Addu Atoll would greatly boost the economy of the atoll. He further said that strategic planning and careful implementation was the key to success.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Meedhoo Shamsuddin School, the Island Chief, Abdulla Rasheed said that the President’s visit was a sign of prosperity for Addu Atoll in the days to come. He then highlighted the progress Maldives has achieved under the President’s tenure.

President and the First Lady personally met with the people after the meeting.

Gan International would speed up development - President

2008-01-30T12:52:00.001+05:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday said that the Gan International Airport (GIA) would make a remarkable contribution to speeding up the pace of progress in Addu Atoll.

Speaking at the ceremony held to officially inaugurate the Airport, President Gayoom said that the government attaches a very high priority to the development of Addu Atoll in particular, as it is the most populous atoll in Maldives. He noted that a number of projects had been launched for the progress of Addu Atoll over the past few years, and that the opening of the International Airport was a notable achievement in the field of aviation.

Urging the employees of all the airports in Maldives to provide the best services for their customers, President Gayoom said that Airports were the face-front representatives of the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed noted the historic significance of the Addu Atoll Airport. He further said that Maldives had achieved significant progress in the field of aviation due to the collaborative efforts of the Government and the people.

In his speech, Addu Atoll Chief, Saud Abdulla urged the people of the atoll to work cooperatively to ensure that high standards are maintained in the airport. He expressed confidence that this airport would add to the development of the people of Addu atoll as well as those of neighboring atolls.

President Gayoom and First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the ceremony by Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed, Senior officials of the Ministry, the regional airport and Maldives Airports Company ltd.

President and the First Lady arrived in Addu Atoll at 11 am yesterday morning. They were greeted at the Gan Airport by the Atoll Chief, Saud Abdulla, Minister of Transport and Communication, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Tourism and Civil aviation, Mahmood Shaugee, and other officials attending the ceremony.

The students of Feydhoo School welcomed the President and the First Lady with a welcome song at the airport.

President meets Feydhoo people yesterday afternoon

2008-01-30T12:51:00.003+05:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with the people of Addu Atoll Feydhoo yesterday afternoon.

President Gayoom and the First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim were greeted upon their arrival at the Feydhoo School by the officials of the island and the school.

Speaking with the people of Feydhoo, President said that the Government attaches a high priority to the development of Addu Atoll in particular, as it is the most heavily populated atoll in Maldives. He noted that a number of projects had been launched for the progress of Feydhoo over the past few years and briefed the people on the progress of such on-going projects.

President Gayoom further said that the plans for the development of our country could only be fulfilled by the cooperative effort of all the people. He also highlighted on the roles played by individuals, non-governmental committees and associations towards national development.

Speaking at the ceremony held in the Feydhoo School, Senior Island Chief Hassan Latheef spoke of the difficult period they had undergone when the English left the island decades ago. He also noted the progress Addu Atoll and Feydhoo had achieved since President Gayoom came into Office.

President and First Lady personally met with the people after the meeting.

Foreign workers rose by 30 % in 2007

2008-01-30T12:51:00.001+05:00

Ministry of Higher Education, Employment and Social Security has revealed that in year 2007 number of foreign workers in the country rose by 30% when compared to year2006.

In a written response given to Miadhu Daily, Ministry of Higher Education Employment and Social Security revealed that last year the number of foreign workers in the country rose by 30 % and by the end of last year 70075 foreigners were employed in the country.
Ministry revealed that most of the foreign workers are employed in the construction industry and that Bangladeshis form the majority group.

Ministry’s statistics reveal that by the end of the year 2006 a total of 53,901 foreigners were engaged in various jobs in the country and that since 2002 there has been an increase of 3000 to 4000 every year. However statistics reveal that in 2006 that number jumped by 9056 when compared to 2005. The number of foreigners working in the country in 2005 was 44,845. In this regard in 2006 the number rose by 20.19 %.

Department of Immigration has revealed that by the end of October 2007 a total 315 foreigners were found missing and are believed to be working illegally in the country.

Global prices of food items on the rise- Ministry

2008-01-30T12:50:00.001+05:00

Ministry of Trade and Economic Development has revealed that prices of food item are on the rise in world markets. Director General of Ministry of Trade Usman Shakir speaking to Miadhu said the main reason for the global increase in consumer goods is due to the high cost of fuel and the devalued dollar. He said this has led to a reduction in the production and has resulted in reduced opportunities to increase agricultural produce. He said due to diminished opportunities for the best use of the modern facilities, production of goods and amount of agricultural produce has drastically reduced.

He said food items are mainly imported to Maldives from countries like India, Thailand, Dubai, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. He noted that if the agricultural production is not increased to meet the demands of the increasing population, it will lead to high costs as well.

Usman revealed that not enough goods are being imported due to problems faced with warehousing. He noted that as some food items cannot be stored for longer periods it also complicates the issue.

Director General Usman revealed that high global prices of food items are of major concern to country like Maldives. He revealed that prices in the market are on the rise and that the prices may not come down in the near future

Renovation of Hinnavaru harbor to commence

2008-01-30T12:49:00.000+05:00

Hinnavaru Island Office has revealed that renovation work of the tsunami affected harbor is due to commence next week.

Hinnavaru office further revealed that as the harbor used by the islanders prior to tsunami of 2004 is highly inconvenient the harbor is now being constructed at a different location.

The construction of the harbor according to Hinnavaru office includes construction of a 100 meter seawall and a 100 meter retaining wall. Equipment and necessary vehicles to used during the construction period is already positioned and once the approval from Construction Ministry is obtained construction would commence says Hinnavaru office. The team from the Construction to provide the necessary approval is due to arrive in Hinnavaru on the 31 of this month.

According to Hinnavaru office one of the major issues faced with harbor construction is the problem of extending the sewerage lines of the island. Approximately Rf50, 000 is needed to carryout the extension work says the office.

Island Chief of Hinnavaru Ibrahim Ali revealed that will be located adjacent to the harbor that is to be constructed. He revealed that the official harbor would be constructed under the Kuwait Fund.

Palm Beach expresses interest to promote local handicraft

2008-01-30T12:48:00.000+05:00

Palm Beach Resort and Spa has expressed intentions of engaging expert handicraft craftspeople to showcase their skills to the resort guests reports UNDP. According to UNDP website the resort has further committed to promoting and selling locally made souvenirs including innovative products and crafts of the more traditional variety.

The resort collaborates with Lhaviyani Handicrafts training centers in Naifaru and Kurendhoo. The training centers have been set up with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with the main aim of promoting partnerships between small businesses and the more established ventures such as those within the tourism industry.

Independent organizations such as the Creative Arts and Crafts Training Centre (CACTC), Women’s Entrepreneurial Council (WEC), in collaboration with several island and atoll based groups, have already begun program in order to maximize the potential of the dwindling local cottage industries reports UNDP.

According to the ‘Handicrafts in Maldives’ report compiled by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in 2007, the sale of souvenir items in the Maldives is expected to bring in more than US 50 million within the next five years reports UNDP website.

Ongoing efforts to promote local handicrafts are underway with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the Maldives with assistance from the European Union through the Maldives Tsunami Recovery Program. Expertise of the Creative Arts and Crafts Training Centre (CACTC) and cooperation from the Women’s Entrepreneurial Council (WEC), the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, several island-based non-governmental organizations as well as the commitment from the Palm Beach Resort & Spa contributes to the success of this important initiative.

Report by Male’ Hotel cannot be accepted – Muiz Adhnan

2008-01-30T12:47:00.001+05:00

Adnan Muiz, attorney representing Athireehuraa has said that he would not accept the analytic report submitted by Male’ Hotels. He made the statement at the court hearing held yesterday. Further he asked the presiding Judge Aishath Shujoon for a court order to stop the construction work of the 15 storey building at Ameeneege until an accurate report on the damages received to Athireehuraa has been made and adequate compensation has been provided to his client for the damages.

Speaking at the court hearing yesterday attorney Adnan Muiz said due to pile driving for the construction of the 15 storey building, it is believed that his client’s home, Athireehuraa has tilted a side and received considerable damage.

Mohamed Ibrahim attorney representing Male’ Hotel who is carrying out construction of the 15 storey building said that his client has received complaints from various parties on such damages and that a detailed survey is being underway to access the full extent of such damages. He asked the Judge to delay the hearing till he receives the report which according to him would be completed on Sunday next week.

Speaking on the issue Judge Shujoon ordered both parties to submit names of qualified parties to carry out the survey. She said the court will decide who shall carry out the survey after due deliberations. She further revealed that a separate case has to be filed to obtain compensations.

Construction of the 15 storey building at Henveiru Ameeneege has been temporarily suspended due to complaints from neighbors regarding damages to their homes.

Commissioner rejects application to register New Maldives

2008-01-30T12:46:00.000+05:00

Office of the Commissioner of Elections has revealed that they have informed the applicant who submitted application for the registration of a political party under the name New Maldives, that application has been rejected as it does not conform to pertinent regulations.

Mohamed Abdulla of Henveiru Wood Pecker has submitted necessary application along with 52 signatures to the Commissioner of Elections office for registration of political party under the name of New Maldives. This was confirmed to Miadhu on 29 of January by the Commissioner’s office.

According to Assistant Director General of the Office of the Elections Commissioner, Mohamed Tholaal, the decision to reject the application was due to the fact that other party members were included in the original 25 signatures submitted as well as due to problems related national identity cards.

Dr. Shaheed has previously said they have no intention of registering the movement operated by them. He said the New Maldives Movement had the support of the people and was linked to their future aspirations. According to an article carried in the center page of daily newspaper Hamaroalhi New Maldives was the brainchild of President Gayoom and that Dr. Shaheed and his allies had stolen it.

Dr. Hassan Saeed will not join any party

2008-01-29T13:56:00.001+05:00

Many believe that Dr. Hassan Saeed, former Attorney General, who resigned from the government citing government obstruction to his reform work, may not join any political party. Dr. Hassan Saeed resigned from the government in August last year saying that Reform Agenda of President Gayoom has failed.

With his resignation from the President Gayoom’s cabinet many thought Dr. Hassan Saeed may join the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). However to this day he has not joined any of the political party in operation in Maldives, preferring to pursue his political ambitions under the umbrella of the New Maldives Movement of which he is a founder member.

Many are puzzled as to why New Maldives Movement operated by former Ministers, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Mohamed Jameel and Dr. Hassan Saeed is not being changed to a political party. Many wonder under which party Dr. Hassan would compete in the elections or whether he would compete as an independent candidate. Miadhu has obtained the answer to these questions from a very reliable source.

According to the source Dr. Hassan Saeed is not inclined to join any party. It is believed that he would compete as an independent candidate and win the elections. Many believe that he may succeed in achieving his target provided he puts enough effort in to it.

There are many reasons for him not joining any political party, which includes loosing support of his supporters in the Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) if he join with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and that the belief that he may get support from all the parties if he come out as an independent candidate.

It may be possible for Dr. Hassan to get support form parties especially DRP but political analysts believe that he can only reach the top of the ladder by operating under a political party.

“Perhaps he may be thinking, as an independent candidate he can get the support of the opposition parties, but I don’t believe that MDP votes will be divided as opposed to Adhaalath or DRP” said an independent middle aged man.

“It would be best if Dr. Hassan joins MDP, but according to my information he intends to run as an independent candidate” said a young man from Feydhoo.

Operating without registration is an offense –Ministry

2008-01-29T13:52:00.000+05:00

Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that use of the name of New Maldives without proper registration is against the regulations that govern civil societies and associations. Home Ministry revealed this in a press release issued yesterday. Home Ministry in the press release stated that the release was issued due to articles being carried in daily newspapers regarding the recent registration of a society under the name New Maldives. The press release stated that the articles were written in such a way that may confuse the general public and the Home Ministry’s intention in issuing the press release was to clarify the situation to the general public.

The press release noted that a civil society was registered under the name of New Maldives Movement under article 5 of the Regulations on Associations and Societies. According to the press release, article 5 of states “when an application to register a society or an association is made in accordance with clause 3 of this article, then such a society or an association in accordance with the Associations and Societies Act and in accordance with this Regulations shall be duly registered and the Certificates of Registration shall be released to the concerned parties”.

The news release also stated the Ministry believes that it is not advisable to reserve the name of New Maldives to a group of people who has been using the name without proper registration, especially when another party wants to register a society using the same name.

“And if any person or group has been using that name without registration, the Ministry believes that it is a violation of the Act on Associations and Societies. Article 2 of this Act states that any association or society shall only be operated after being registered in accordance with this Act” revealed the press release.

Miadhu contacted Dr. Shaheed one of the founder member of the unregistered New Maldives Movement to obtain his views on the Home Ministry’s press release. Dr. Shaheed told Miadhu that press release indicates that government is very concerned with New Maldives.

“It shows how much the government is worried” said Dr. Shaheed. Government is worried because they know we will change the government in the forthcoming elections said Dr. Shaheed.

According to Dr. Shaheed the Registrar is given authority to check whether the name submitted is suitable to be registered and whether to accept the name or not.

“If any there is person in Home Ministry who reads the daily newspapers, listens to TV and Radio and listens to government announcements, then he surely will know that there is group of people who are referred to New Maldives and New Maldives Movement” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed described the labeling of New Maldives to a specific group by the government as an act of theft.

“This government has taught the people to steal what ever they can, when they can, wherever they can and however they can” said Dr. Saheed.

“According to international standards you do not register movements, we called it New Maldives Movement in order to join the Alliance, movement is a motion, it is not an association or a society, our movement does not have an office, or members, we don’t have a budget or an account, this our brand, our political vision, if the government want to give it some other person, then they can do it without giving excuses” said Dr. Shaheed explaining how they use the name of New Maldives.

Shaheed said he is very satisfied that government has issued a press release. According to Dr. Shaheed it shows how much the government is worried. Dr. Shaheed said even though the name is now registered to different group, the people of Maldives would always know who the real New Maldives refers to.

“This is intended to obstruct our activities; this is the second attempt of Abdulla Kamaaluhdheen to create block Dr. Hassan Saeed’s presidential campaign, the first was to sign, on orders of President Gayoom, that person married to foreigner may not become the President of Maldives, we are assuring the people of Maldives, that we will ensure that “Theemuge” Presidential Palace is empty by 10 of November, we will ensure that it belongs to the people” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dhekunu Arumaz completes tour

2008-01-29T13:51:00.002+05:00

Expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz has returned to Male’ after completing its tour of South Maldives. The expedition returned to Male’ yesterday at around 1700 hours after visiting 11 islands. The expedition was made with the objective of gaining support for a transitional government in order to hold the presidential elections under the new constitution.

According to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) the expedition to South of Maldives was a huge success. MDP revealed that the expedition which commenced with 115 members from the different parties forming the National Unity Alliance had established strong links with the people of the southern islands.

MDP also reveals that meeting held in Gdh Thinadhoo was attended by a large crowd amounting to 1000 people. MDP reveal the meeting was addressed by all the top leaders of the Alliance. The leaders who addressed the Thinadhoo meeting were President of Adhaalath Party Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Hassan, founder member of New Maldives Movement Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, President of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) Umar Naseer, President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Munnawar, Vice President of MDP Ibrahim Hussain Zaki, Founder of MDP Mohamed Latheef and Parliamentary Group of MDP.

MDP also said that meeting in Fuvahmulak also received tremendous support. MDP revealed that Zikura School hall, where the meeting was held, was full and the people who went to hear the speeches had to wait in the courtyard of the school as well as on the adjoining street. They also revealed that approximately 2000 Fuvahmulak people attended the meeting.

Muli of Meemu Atoll gave a warm welcome to the Dhekunu Arumaz expedition says MDP. MDP also revealed that Muli beach was decorated with national flags and around 100 residents had come out to greet the expedition members. Further delegations from other nearby islands also were present to greet the expedition said MDP.

MDP revealed that depending on the population of the island visited, they had either held a meeting or a seminar and teams of the expedition visited houses in order to provide information on a transitional arrangement.

Application submitted to register party as New Maldives

2008-01-29T13:51:00.001+05:00

Mohamed Abdulla of Henveiru Wood Pecker has submitted necessary application along with 52 signatures to the Commissioner of Elections office for registration of political party under the name of New Maldives. This was confirmed to Miadhu last night by Office of the Commissioner.

Providing information to Miadhu, Mohamed Thalaal Assistant Director General at the Commissioner’s Office said as the regulations concerning such registration stipulates that political parties may be registered within 3 days of the application, and as such the registration process was underway. He said that Commissioner would provide a reply to the concerned parties within 3 days. He noted that response is due to given sometime tomorrow.

Application to register a political party under the name New Maldives was submitted last Sunday immediately after Home Ministry allowed registration of a society under the name New Maldives Movement.

Asked if Office of the Commissioner would allow a political party to be registered under New Maldives in view of the fact that former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel and former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed are referred to as New Maldives Movement both by government agencies as well as international organizations and also in view of the fact that a civil society was recently registered under New Maldives Movement, Tholal replied that necessary deliberations will take place before giving permit to form a political party under that name. He further it was a decision that would be made by the Commissioner.

Miadhu contacted the founder members of the newly registered New Maldives Movement to find out whether if they were linked to the political party to be registered under New Maldives. The founder members of the New Maldives Movement replied that they were in no way connected to the New Maldives political party to be registered.

Dr. Shaheed has previously said they have no intention of registering the movement operated by them. He said the New Maldives Movement had the support of the people and was linked to their future aspirations. According to an article carried in the center page of daily newspaper Hamaroalhi New Maldives was the brainchild of President Gayoom and that Dr. Shaheed and his allies had stolen it.

Indian Foreign Secretary meets Shahid

2008-01-29T13:48:00.000+05:00

Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon who is currently in Maldives has paid a courtesy call to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The call took place at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.

During the talks at the meeting between the 2 leaders, discussions were held on ways to improve the close brotherly ties between the 2 nations.

Minister Shahid at the meeting noted the many contributions India has made to the development of Maldives and thanked Indian government for the close cooperation it has afforded to Maldives at all times. In this regard Minister Shahid made special note of the assistance rendered in the field of security. Minister Shahid said that Maldives and India had similar foreign policies.

Speaking at the meeting Indian Foreign Secretary Menon noted the developments Maldives has achieved during the past years and said that it very apparent that the aid and assistance received towards the economic and social development of Maldives was being used very wisely by the government. He said the he was proud of the success Maldives has achieved in its effort to introduce a modern democracy to the country.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Dhunya Maumoon, Maldivian Ambassador designated to India Anbaree Abdul Sattar, Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, A. K. Pandey, Maldives Ambassador at Large, Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, Executive Director of Department of External Resources Dr Hussain Niyaz and Fathimath Inayaa Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2008-01-28T11:04:00.001+05:00

މުޒާހަރާކުރުމަށް ހުއްދަ ނަގަން ނުޖެހޭގޮތަށް ފާސްކޮށްފި

މުޒާހަރާކުރުމުގެ ކުރިން ސަރުކާރުން ހުއްދަ ނަގަން ނުޖެހޭގޮތަށް އިސްލާހް ކުރެވޭ ގާނޫން އަސާސީގައި ލިޔުމަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްސަ މަޖިލީހުން ފާސްކޮށްފި އެވެ

މިއަދު އޮތް ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހުގެ 249 ވަނަ ޖަލްސާއިން ފާސްކުރި ރައްޔިތުންގެ އަސާސީ ހައްގުތަކާއި މިނިވަންކަމުގެ ބާބުގެ 12 ވަނަ މާއްދާގެ (ޅ) ޑްރާފްޓްގައިވާގޮތަށް ފާސްވީ އެވަގުތު ވަޑައިގެން ތިއްބެވި 77 މެންބަރުންގެތެރެއިން 69 މެންބަރަކު އެކަމަށް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާ ވޯޓު ދެއްވައިގެންނެވެ. ފެނިވަޑައި ނުގަންނަވާކަމަށް ވޯޓް ދެއްވި އެއްވެސް މެންބަރަކު ނެތްނަމަވެސް ވަކިކޮޅަކަށް ވޯޓު ނުދެއްވާ 5 މެންބަރަކު ތިއްބެވި އެވެ. މިމައްދާގައި ބުނެފައިވަނީ ” ދައުލަތުގެ ހުއްދަ ކުރިން ހޯދުމަކާ ނުލައި ސުލްހަވެރިކަމާއެކު މީސްތަކުން އެއްވެ އުޅުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މިއަދުގެ ޖަލްސާގައި 12 ވަނަ މައްދާގެ (ކ) ވެސް ޑްރާފްޓްގައިވާގޮތަށް ވަނީ ފާސްވެފައެވެ. އެއީ ” އެމީހެއްގެ ނަމާއި އަބުރު ރައްކާތެރިކުރެވިފައި އޮތުމުގެ ހައްގު“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މި ދެ އަކުރަށްވެސް ވޯޓަކަށް އެހުމުގެ ކުރިން މެންބަރުން ފޮނުވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހްތަކަށް ވޯޓަށް އަހައިގެން ވަނީ ފާސްނުވެފަ އެވެ

މިމާއްދާގެ (ޅ) އަށް ތ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ރިޔާޟް ރަޝީދު ހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ރ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަލީވަހީދު ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ” ދައުލަތުގެ ހުއްދަ ކުރިން ހޯދުމަކާ ނުލައި ދެކޮޅުވެރިކަމެއް ނެތި މީސްތަކުން އެއްވެ އުޅުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މިއަކުރަށް ބ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ޢަލީފާއިޒް ހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ގއ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަދުނާން ހަލީމް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ” ދައުލަތުގެ ހުއްދަ ކުރިން ހޯދުމަކާ ނުލައި ސުލްހަވެރިކަމާއެކުމީސްތަކުން އެއްވެ, އެބައިމީހުންގެ ބޭނުންތައް ހާމަކުރުމުގެ މިނިވަންކަން“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

މިމާއްދާގެ (ކ)އަށްވެސް އިސްލާހެއް ހުށަހަޅުއްވާފައިވެއެވެ. ބ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ޢަލީފާއިޒް ހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ގއ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަދުނާން ހަލީމް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ”އެމީހެއްގެ ނަމާއި އަބުރު ރައްކާތެރިކުރެވިފައި އޮތުމުގެ ހައްގުގެ ޔަގީންކަން. ފަހެ ސަރުކާރުގެ ފަރާތަކުން ވިޔަސް, އަދި އަމިއްލަ ފަރާތަކުން ވިޔަސް އެމީހެއްގެ މައްޗަށް އަދްލު އިންސާފްގެ މަގުން ޝަރީއަތަށް ސާބިތުނުވާ ކަމަކާމެދު ދޮގުމައުލޫމާތެއް ހާމަކޮށްގެން ނުވާނެއެވެ“

މިމައްދާއަށް އަކުރެއް އިތުރުކުރުމަށް ހުށަހެޅި ހުށަހެޅުން ވަނީ ފާސްނުވެފަ އެވެ. ގއ.އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަދުނާން ހަލީމްހުށަހަޅުއްވައި ބ.އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަލީ ފާއިޒް ތާއީދުކުރައްވާފައިވާ މިހުށަހެޅުމުގައިވަނީ ”ސަރުކާރުން ނުވަތަ އެހެންފަރާތަކުން ވިޔަސް ދެމުންދާ ޚިދުމަތަކާމެދު ނުވަތަ ކުރަމުންދާ ކަމަކާމެދު ހިތްހަމަ ނުޖެހިގެން ދެކޮޅު ހެދުމުގެ ގޮތުން, އެއްބާރުލުން ދިނުމުގެ ގޮތުންނާއި, އުފާވެރިކަން ފާޅުކުރުމުގެ ގޮތުން ސުލްހަވެރިކަމާއެކު މުޒާހަރާކުރުމާއި ހިންގާލުން ބެއްވުމާއި މިފަދަ ހަރަކާތްތަކުގައި ބައިވެރިވުމާއި ނުވުމުގެ ހައްގު“ ލިބިދޭ ކަމަށެވެ. މިއަކުރު އިތުރުކުރާކަށް ފާހެއް ނުވިއެވެ

2008-01-28T11:01:00.002+05:00

އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވި ތިން ވަޒީރުން ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމަންޓްގެ ނަމުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރިވަނިކޮށް އެހެން ބަޔަކު އެނަމުގައި ޖަމްއިއްޔާއެއް ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކޮށްފި

ސަރުކާރުގެ އިސްލާހީ އެޖެންޑާ ފެއިލްވެފައިވާ ކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވެ މިދިޔަ އަހަރު އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވި ތިން ވަޒީރުން ހިންގަވަމުން ގެންދެވި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމަންޓްގެ ނަމުގައި އެހެން ބަޔަކު ޖަމްއިއްޔާއެއް ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކޮށްފި އެވެ

ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ނަމުގައި ހޯމް މިނިސްޓްރީގައި ރަޖިސްޓްރީކޮށްފައި ޖަމިއްޔާގެ މަސްއޫލުވެރިންނަކީ ގ.ކޮއްދިއްޕަރު ހަސަން ހަބީބާއި ހއ. ކެލާ ދިލްހުސީ އިބްރާހިމް ސާއިދެވެ. އެ ޖަމްއިއްޔާގެ އެއް މުއައްސިސު އިބުރާހިމް ސާއިދު ވިދާޅުވީ އެޖަމްއިއްޔާއަކީ އެހެން ޖަމްއިއްޔާތައް ފަދައިން އިޖްތިމާއި ޖަމްއިއްޔާއެއް ކަމަށެވެ

” އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ މަގުސަދަކީ އިޖްތިމާއީ ކުރިއެރުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރުން. އެގޮތުން ސިޔާސީ ގޮތުން ރައްޔިތުން ހޭލުންތެރިކުރުމަށްވެސް މަސައްކަތް ކުރެވޭނެ“ ސާއިދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ. އިސްތިއުފާދެއްވި ތިންވަޒީރުން ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ނަމުގައި ހިންގަވަމުންގެންދަވާ ޖަމްއިއްޔާއިން ބުނީ މިއީ ސަރުކާރުން ކުރި ތާކުންތާކު ނުޖެހޭ ހަނޑި އަމަލެއް ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި މިއީ ޑރ.ހަސަން ސައީދު ރައީސް ކަމަށް ކުރިމަތި ލައްވާނެތީ އެކަމަށް ހުރަސް އެޅުމަށް ކުރިކަމެއް ކަމަށްވެސް ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

” މިއީ މިސަރުކާރުގެ ތާކުންތާކު ނުޖެހޭ ކުޑަކުދިންގެ އަމަލެއް. މިއީ ޑީއާރުޕީގެ ރޭވުމަކުން ކުރިކަމެއް. އަދި އެފަރާތުން ބޭނުންވަނީ ޑރ.ހަސަން ސައީދު ރައީސް ކަމަށް ކުރިމަތިލިޔަ ނުދިނުމަށް. އެކަމަކު މިއަމަލުގެ ސަބަބުން އެކަމަށް ހުރަހެއް ނޭނޅޭނެ“ ކުރީގެ ހާރިޖީ ވަޒީރު ޑރ.އަހުމަދު ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

Interruptions not due to Drafting Committee - Ibra

2008-01-28T11:01:00.001+05:00

MP for Male’ as well as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) has said that the sessions of the Majlis were interrupted yesterday not because of the Drafting Committee. Ibra made the statement in response to Speaker Qasim’s remarks that Special Majlis sessions were being interrupted due to lack of work.

According to Ibra, after the Majlis recess facilitated illegally by Speaker Qasim followed by commencement of work on the 13 of this month, Drafting Committee was only able to meet last Wednesday.

“When Speaker Qasim make such statements people will not be aware of the situation, after the commencement of work on the 13 of January, 2 sessions were scheduled daily, as such work of the Drafting Committee could not be carried out, then after Wednesday morning’s session, Speaker freed time for the Drafting Committee to meet in the afternoon, after the meeting on Wednesday afternoon we had completed re drafts of articles of 3 chapters which were submitted to the Majlis on Thursday” said Ibra.

Ibra says that it is the responsibility of the Speaker to send the articles drafted or re drafted by the Drafting Committee to the Members. Ibra said if the re drafts completed by the Drafting Committee on Wednesday were sent to the Majlis Members on Thursday, then there would be sufficient work for members following the completion of scheduled agenda items.

“If those articles were sent to the Members that day(Thursday), the period to submit amendments would expire today(Sunday), following the completion of agenda today, those articles could have been tabled, however it was not sent to the members” said Ibra.
Ibra further revealed that even after yesterday’s meeting work of the Drafting Committee continued. In this regard he said work of redrafting those articles of the President’s Chapter continued. Ibra also said that Drafting Panel was also engaged in drafting of the Transitional Chapter.

“The Drafting Panel has commenced work on the Transitional Chapter, it will also take time, when the Drafting Panel finishes their work then the Drafting Committee will start looking at it, the reason why this is happening is because Members were given leave, even then I told the Speaker that such actions would delay the work” said Ibra.

At yesterday’s session Speaker Qasim said that work of the Special Majlis was interrupted due failure to submit the articles to the Majlis floor following completion of work by the Drafting Committee. Qasim also said 3 articles were forwarded to the Members so that they may submit amendment if any. Speaker Qasim also said even though the time period specified for submitting amendments to those articles will be over today, he will not schedule a Majlis session before 7 of February.

Asked to comment on when the constitution reform would be completed, Ibra replied in light of the present circumstances he is unable to provide to provide a definitive answer.

Society registered as New Maldives Movement

2008-01-28T10:59:00.000+05:00

A civil society has been registered under New Maldives Movement. Ministry of Home Affairs has given confirmation of registration of a society under New Maldives Movement yesterday. According to the ministry the 2 founder members of the newly registered New Maldives Movement are Hassan Habeeb of Kodhihparu / Galholu and Ibrahim Saidh of Dhilhusheege /Ha. Kelaa.

Speaking to Miadhu on the objectives of the society, founder member Ibrahim Saidh said the society would be engaged in activities that are beneficial to the community. He said the memorandum of the articles of the society state that developing young people as pillars of the community and establishing a peaceful and harmonious environment are the key objectives.

Asked whether the society would be engaged in any political activities, Ibrahim replied increasing awareness of young people was one of the key objectives and as such increasing political awareness would be given priority.

The society was registered at a time when former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Former Attorney General Dr. Hassan Saeed and Former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel was operating a civil movement under the name of New Maldives Movement both abroad and at home. The ex ministers started operating under the name New Maldives when they were serving the government. Consequently the ex ministers were referred to by the media as well as by government officials and institutions as the New Maldives.

As such Maidhu asked Dr. Abdulla Washeed, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs why a society was allowed to be registered in the same name when another group of people were very openly and widely using the same name. Dr. Waheed replied, as long as the people who want a society to be registered are not in violation of the regulation that governs the registration of such societies then it is the responsibility of the government to register it.

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed one of the founder members of the original New Maldives Movement speaking to Miadhu on the registration issue said that their New Maldives was a movement and as such need not be registered. He said New Maldives Movement was functioning with the support of the people and is linked to people’s vision of the future.

“We are within the constitutional boundary, New Maldives Movement is functioning with support of the people and is linked to their vision of the future, we are like waves beaching on to the shores, even in Thinadhoo I have said that how can we register it, it is like cool breeze that caress your face” said Dr. Shaheed.

When asked to comment on the civil society that was registered as New Maldives Movement, Dr Shaheed replied that it was an act of the leader of Dhivehi Rayithunge Party (DRP). When reminded of his comment at Thinadhoo that the Home Minister would never allow such a thing to happen, Dr. Shaheed replied that he was not surprised. Dr. Shaheed replied that he is not too concerned about the new society being registered but that it was an attempt to confuse the public.

Dr. Shaheed said the reform work would not be affected and that they would still continue reform work under New Maldives.

A famous lawyer on the issue told Miadhu that if a flag and a logo are used then it contradicts the regulations on associations and societies. He said movements are usually recognized and referred to by the name given by the people who support and accept their work. In this regard he noted that Mahatma Gandhi and National Mandela Movement were named by their supporters.

Dr. Shaheed when asked to comment on the lawyers remarks replied, the New Maldives was formed on the same basis.

“We were named New Maldives by the media, an AFP reporter called us the New Maldives in an article he wrote, and then Minivan News, we are a movement working for reform” said Dr. Shaheed.

Concerning the logo and flag Dr. Shaheed replied that such things are symbolic and are subject to changes. He further said each and every group of people needs their own identity.

Dr Shaheed further said New Maldives was not registered because they were being recognized by the government and the media as well as by other international organizations. He said the movement would in future operate as a free movement.

Maldives supports human rights protection in Palestine

2008-01-28T10:57:00.000+05:00

Abdul Gafoor Mohamed, Permanent Representative to UN Headquarters in Geneva, has said that Maldives would render all necessary assistance and support for the protection of human rights in Palestine. He made the statement speaking at a special meeting held by the UN Human Rights Council.

Gafoor said that it was in the interest of Maldives to see the peoples of Palestine get access to a peaceful, harmonious and free environment to live. He said the dreams of the Palestine people to establish an independent state in Palestine can only become a reality with the full support of the international community.

He called on for immediate end to the tortures and cruel and degrading acts that are being inflicted on the people of Palestine and urged all necessary parties to abide by the international conventions that protect human rights.

The resolution passed at the meting called on the international community to work to bring an end to the inhuman acts being committed against the people of Palestine.

Preparation nears completion - Municipality

2008-01-28T10:55:00.000+05:00

Male’ Municipality has revealed that preparations to introduce bus service to Male’ are nearing completion. In this regard Municipality revealed that necessary regulations have been formulated and bus stops have been established. Municipality also revealed that the issue of a land where the buses can be parked has been solved. Further Municipality informed that they should be able to opening the bidding process by the 10 of February 2008.

“Preparations to commence the service are almost complete, in this regard regulations have been finalized, and bus stops established, a suitable parking space has been obtained, we should be able to commence the bidding the by 10 of February “revealed Director General (ADG) of Male Municipality Abdul Hameed Ali.

Male’ Municipality last December revealed that a public transport system is a necessity in Male’ despite many obstacles to establishing such a system.

“Actually providing bus service in Male’ is a difficult task, however with increased taxi fares due to high fuel prices have prompted the government to introduce bus service to ease the difficulties faced with the public” ADG Hameed had said speaking to Maidhu last December.

ADG Hameed of Male’ Municipality speaking to in December of 2007 had said that any one can compete in the bid process.

“Any one can compete in the bidding process, it can be private party or a private company, it can even be MTCC” said Hameed.

ADG Hameed then told Miadhu that regulations concerning bus service have been formulated and bus routes have been finalized too.

“Regarding bus routes we have given priority to stopping at places like Villigili Ferry Terminal and Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal and near schools” informed Hameed.

Hameed said the busses used will have a capacity of 24 persons and that Municipality is working hard to open the bidding process this year.

Speaking on the difficulties that will be faced with the operation of the buses, ADG Hameed said that the main difficulties are issues related to one way or two way roads. He noted the narrowness of the roads and the road blocks erected due to construction activities as issues as well.

Hameed had highlighted the issues of the one way or two way lanes and had pointed out the present system was not formulated in the best manner.

Many in Male’ believe the introduction of bus service will ease the traffic on the roads and would provide an alternative to the high cost taxi trips.

2008-01-27T08:25:00.001+05:00

ހަތް އަހަރަށް ފަހު ރާއްޖޭގެ އަމިއްލަ ފްލައިޓެއް ޓްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ދަތުރުތައް ފަށައިފި

ހަތް އަހަރަށް ފަހު ރާއްޖޭގެ އަމިއްލަ ފްލައިޓެއްގައި އިއްޔެ އިންޑިޔާގެ ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ދަތުރުތައް ފަށައިފި އެވެ

އެއަރ މޯލްޑިވްސް ބަނގުރޫޓް ވުމާއެކު އުފެއްދި ދެ ވަނަ އެއަރލައިން އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއޭޝަން ސާވިސް (އައިއޭއެސް) އިން އިންޑިޔާއަށް ފެށި ދަތުރުތަކުގައި ބޭނުން ކުރަމުންދަނީ 150 މިލިޔަން ރުފިޔާއަށް ގަނެފައިވާ 50 ގޮނޑީގެ ޑޭޝް 8ގެ ފުލައިޓެކެވެ

ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓުން ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް އަންނަ މީހުންނަށް މާލޭ އެއަރޕޯޓްގެ ފިނިފެންމާ ލޯންޗްގައި މަރުހަބާ ކިއުމަށްފަހު ބޯޓް ފުރާފައި ވަނީ މެންދުރު ފަހު 3:30 ހާއިރުގަ އެވެ. އެއްގަޑި ފަންސަވީސް މިނިޓްގެ ދަތުރަކަށްފަހު ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމުގެ ބައިނަލްއަގްވާމީ ވައިގެ ބަނދަރުގައި ބޯޓް ޖައްސާފައި ވަނީ މިތަނުގެ ގަޑިން 5:30 ހާއިރު އެވެ

ދިވެހިންގެ އަވަށެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި ދިވެހިންގެ ބައެއް މީހުން ސިފަކުރާ ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމުގެ އެއަރޕޯޓުން ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓްގެ ބައިވެރިންނަށް ފިނިފެންމަލުގެ މަރުހަބާއެއް ކިޔާފައި ވަނީ އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއޭޝަނުގެ މުވައްޒަފުން ނެވެ. އަދި އެއަރޕޯޓުން ނުކުތުމުން މިތަނުގައި ދިރިއުޅެމުންދާ ބައެއް ދިވެހިން ވެސް ވަނީ ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓްގެ ބައިވެރިންނަށް މަރުހަބާ ކިއުމުގެ ގޮތުން ފިނިފެންމާ ހަދިޔާ ކޮށްފަ އެވެ

ފުރަތަމަ ފްލައިޓުން އިންޑިޔާއަށް ދަތުރުކުރި މީހުން ރާއްޖޭގެ ފްލައިޓެއް އަނެއްކާ ވެސް ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ދަތުރުތައް ފެށުމުން އެކަމާ ވަރަށް އުފާކޮށް އެއީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު ކާމިޔާބީއެއް ކަމުގައި ބުންޏެވެ. އެގޮތުން ފުރަތަމަ ދަތުރުގެ ބައިވެރިއެއް ކަމަށްވާ އަބުދުﷲ ސައީދު ވިދާޅުވީ މިއީ ރާއްޖެއަށް ލިބުނު ވަރަށް ބޮޑު ކުރިއެރުމެއް ކަމަށާއި އެއަރ މޯލްޑިވްސްއަށް ޖެހުނު ހާލު ނުޖެހި މިކުންފުނި ކުރިއަށް ދިއުމަށް އެނދޭ ކަމަށެވެ

” ފަންސާސް މީހުންގެ ޖާގައިގެ ފްލައިޓެއްގައި ފެއްޓިއަސް އެއްވެސް ޝަކުވާއެއް ނެތް. މިގޮތައް ކުރިއަށް ދިއުމަށް ވިސްނަންވީ. މިއީ ގިނަ ދިވެހިން އިންތިޒާރު ކޮންގެން ތިބި ދުވަހެއް“ ފުޅާ ދާއިރާއެއްގައި މާލޭގައި ވަޑާމުގެ ވިޔަފާރި ކުރައްވަމުންދާ ސައީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

އިއްޔެ ފެށި ދަތުރުތައް އިތުރަށް ފުޅާކޮށް އިތުބާރާއެކު ދަތުރުތައް ކުރުމަށް, އަންނަ އޮކްޓޯބަރ މަހުގެ ތެރޭގައި އިތުރު ފްލައިޓެއް ގެނައުމަށް އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއޭޝަނުން ވަނީ ނިންމާފަ އެވެ. އަދި އޭގެ ފަހުން ބޮޑު ފްލައިޓެއް ގެނައުމަށް ވިސްނާފައިވާ ކަމަށް ވެސް އެކުންފުނިން ބުނެ އެވެ

ފްލައިޓްގެ ދަތުރުތައް ފެށިއިރު ވެސް ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމުގައި ވަނީ ރިޒަވޭޝަން އޮފީހަކާއި ކާގޯ އޮފީހެއް ހުޅުވައި ހިދުމަތްދޭން ފަށާފަ އެވެ

އިއްޔެ ޑްރިވެންޑްރަމަށް ކުރި ދަތުރަށް ލިބިފައިވާ ފައިސާއާ އަދި ބައެއް މީހުން ހަދިޔާކޮށްފައިވާ ފައިސާތައް އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއެޝަނުން ވަނީ ވިލިގިލީގައި ހުންނަ ކުޑަކުދިންގެ ހިޔާއަށް ހަދިޔާ ކޮށްފަ އެވެ. އައިލެންޑް އޭވިއެޝަނުން ހަދިޔާކުރި ރަމްޒީ ޗެކްގެ ޖުމްލައަކީ 315،777 ރުފިޔާ އެވެ

2008-01-27T08:23:00.000+05:00

ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން ކުރީގެ ބަނޑާރަނައިބަށް ތިން ފަހަރެއްގެ މަތިން އަންގާފައި ވޭ : ޑރ.ޝަހީދު

ޕީޕަލްސް އެސޯސީއޭޝަން (ޕީއޭ) އުވާލަން ކުރީގެ ބަންޑާރަނައިބަށް ތިން ފަހަރެއްގެ މަތިން އަންގަވާފައިވާ ކަމަށް ކުރީގެ ފޮރިން މިނިސްޓަރު ޑރ އަހުމަދު ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ އެވެ

ގައުމީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަމުގެ ގުޅުމުން ގދ ތިނަދޫގައި ބުރާސްފަތި ދުވަހުގެ ރޭ ބޭއްވި ޖަލްސާގައި ޑރ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން ކުރީގެ ބަންޑާރަނައިބު ޑރ ހަސަން ސައީދަށް ތިން ފަހަރެއްގެ މަތިން ސަރުކާރުން އެންގިކަމަށް އެމަނިކުފާނަށް އެގިވަޑައިގެންފައިވާ ކަމަށެވެ

ޑރ ޝަހީދު މިހެން ވިދާޅުވީ, ލީގަލް ރިޕޯމް މިނިސްޓަރު މުހައްމަދު ނަޝީދު ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމަންޓަކީ އައިރު ގާނޫނީ ޖަމާއަތެއްކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވުމާ ގުޅިގެން ނެވެ

ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން ސަރުކާރުން އަންގަވަމުން ގެންދެވީ ޖަމިއްޔާތަކަށް ސިޔާސީ ކަންތަކުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރި ނުކުރެވޭނެ ކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވެ ކަމަށެވެ

” ޕީއޭ އުވާލަން އަންގަވާފައި ވަނީ ޖަމިއްޔާތަކަށް ސިޔާސީ ކަންކަމުގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރި ނުވެވޭނެ ކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވެ. އަދި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޯވްމަންޓްގެ ވާހަކަތައް ވެސް ނުދެއްކުމަށް އަޅުގަނޑުމެންނަށް އަންގަވާފައި އޮތީ“ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ހުސްވި އަހަރުގެ ތެރޭގައި ސަރުކާރުން ވަކިވެ ވަޑައިގެންނެވި ތިން ވަޒީރުން ހިންގަމުން ގެންދާ ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް އާއި ބެހޭ ގޮތުން ޑރ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫވްމަންޓަކީ އަކީ އިސްލާހަށް ލޯބިކުރާ އިސްލާހަށް މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ބައެއްގެ ވިސްނުމެއް ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި އެވިސްނުން ހުންނަ ކޮންމެ މީހަކީ ވެސް ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް މޫމެއްޓްގެ ބައިވެރިއެއް ކަމަށެވެ. ބައެއްގެ ވިސްނުން ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރެވިދާނެކަމަށް ގަބޫލު ނުކުރާކަމަށާއި އަދި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސް ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރަން އެއްވެސް އިރެއްގައި ވިސްނަވާފައިނުވާ ކަމަށް އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

” އެހެން ބަޔަކު މިނަމުގައި ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރިޔަސް އަޅުގަނޑުމެން މިނަމުގައި ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާނަން. ހޯމް މިނިސްޓަރަށްވެސް އެނގެން ޖެހޭނެ މުވްމަންޓް ތަކަކީ ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ކުރަންޖެހޭ އެއްޗެއް ނޫންކަން. އަދި ސަރުކާރުގެ އިސްބޭފުޅުންނާއި ވަޒީރުން އެބަހުރި ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްއިން ބުނާ ވާހަކަތަކަށް ރައްދުދީފައި. އަދި ޑީއާރުޕީން ނެރޭ ނޫހުގައިވެސް އޮވޭ ނިއުމޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ވާހަކަތައް. އެހެންވީމަ އަޅުގަނޑު ގަބޫލެއް ނުކުރަން ހޯމް މިނިސްޓަރ އެނަމުގައި އެހެން ފަރާތަކަށް ހުައްދަދެއްވަފާނެ ކަމަށް“ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މީގެ އިތުރުން މިފަދަ މޫމަންޓްތައް ހަދައިގެން ދުނިޔޭގެ އެކިތައްތަނުގައި ވެސް މިފަދަ ހާލެއް ތަކުގައި މަސައްކަތް ކުރަމުންދާ ކަމަށާއި އެއިން އެއްވެސް މޫމަންޓެއް ރަޖިސްޓުރީ ކޮންގެން ހިންގަމުން ނުދާ ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި ސަރުކާރު މިހާރު މަސައްކަތްކުރައްވަމުން އެގެންދަވަނީ ނިއު މޯލްޑިވްސްގެ ރައިޓް އެހެން ބަޔަކަށް ދިނުމަށް ކަމަށާއި އެކަމާ ކަންބޮޑު ނުވާކަމަށް ވެސް ޑރ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

2008-01-27T08:20:00.000+05:00

ރައީސް މައުމޫނަށް ވަޅިން ހަމަލާދޭން އުޅުނު މައްސަލާގައި ހައްޔަރުކުރި މީހުންނަށް ގާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުދިން މައްސަލަ ހިއުމަން ރައިޓްސްއަށް ހުށަހަޅައިފި

ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އަލްއުސްތާޛު މައުމޫން ޢަބްދުލް ޤައްޔޫމް ހއ. ހޯރަފުއްޓަށް ވަޑައިގަތުމުން އެމަނިކުފާނަށް ވަޅިން ހަމަލަދޭން އުޅުނު މައްސަލައިގައި ހައްޔަރު ކޮށްފައިވާ ތިން މީހަކަށް ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލުން ބޭނުން ކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ދީފައި ނުވާތީ އެ މައްސަލަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހުށަހަޅައިފި އެވެ

ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލުންގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުދީގެން ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހުށަހަޅާފައިވަނީ ރައީސް މައުމޫނަށް ވަޅިން ހަމަލަ ދިނުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރި ހޯރަފުށީ ކިނާރާ މުހައްމަދު މުރުޝިދު(20އ) ގެ ބައްޕަ ޢަބްދުލް މުހްސިން ޢަބްދުﷲ އެވެ

މުރުޝިދުގެ ބައްޕަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސްކޮމިޝަނަށް މިމަހުގެ 24 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ފޮނުވި ސިޓީގައި ބުނެފައި ވަނީ މުރުޝިދުހައްޔަރުކުރި ފަހުން އޭނާއާ ބައްދަލުކުރުމަށް ކުރިމަސައްކަތް ކާމިޔާބު ވެފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށާއި މައްސަލައިގެ ބާވަތުން ދަރިފުޅާ ބައްދަލު ނުކުރެވޭނެ ކަމަށް ކަމާބެހޭ ފަރާތްތަކުން އަންގާފައިވާ ކަމަށެވެ

މީގެ އިތުރުން މުރުޝިދަކީ ބޮލަށް ލިބިފައިވާ ގެއްލުމެއްގެ ސަބަބުން ޤާނޫނީ ކަންކަމުގައި ފުރިހަމައަށް ޖަވާބުދާރީ ވެވޭނެ ކުއްޖެއް ނޫންކަން ޔަޤީން ކުރެވޭތީ ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް ބޭނުން ކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތަށް އެދުމުން ތަހުގީގް ކުރާ ފަރާތްތަކުން އެފުރުސަތު ދީފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ

މުރުޝިދުގެ ބައްޕަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނުގައި އެދިފައި ވަނީ ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލަކާ ނުލައި މުރުޝިދުގެ ތަހުގީގް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާ ގެންދިއުން ބަލައި ދިނުމަށެވެ

މިމަައްސަލާގައި ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައިވާ ދެބޭންކަމަށްވާ ހޯރަފުށީ މާވިނަ އަހުމަދު ހަފީޒާއި އެރަށު އަންދަލީބުގޭ އިބްރާހީމް ހަފީޒްގެ އާއިލާގެ ފަރާތުން ވެސް ވަނީ އެ ދެބެއިންނަށް ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް ބޭނުންކުރުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުދިން މައްސަލަ ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހުށަހަލާފަ އެވެ

މިދެމީހުންގެ ބޭބެ އަހުމަދު ފާއިޒް ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ފޮނުވި ސިޓީގައި ބުނެފައި ވަނީ އޭނާގެ ދައްތަގެ ދެ ދަރިން ހައްޔަރުކުރި ފަހުން ބައްދަލުކުރުމަށް ކުރިމަސައްކަތް ކާމިޔާބު ވެފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި އެ ދެ މީހުންގެ ތަހުގީގު ޤާނޫނީ ވަކީލެއް މެދުވެރިކޮށް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިއުމަށް ވެސް ކަމާބެހޭ ފަރާތްތަކުން ފުރުސަތު ދެއްވާފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ

އަހުމަދު ފާއިޒްވެސް ހިއުމަންރައިޓްސް ކޮމިޝަނުގެ ރައީސް އަހުމަދު ސަލީމްގެ އަރިއަހުން އެދިފައި ވަނީ ވަކީލަކާ ނުލައި އެ ދެމީހުންގެ ތަހުގީގް ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާ ގެންދިއުން ބަލައި ދިނުމަށެވެ

ފުލުހުން ބުނީ އެމައްސަލައިގައި ހައްޔަރުކޮށްފައި ތިބި މީހުންނަށް ޤާނޫނީގޮތުން ކޮށްދޭން ޖެހޭ ހުރިހާ ކަމެއް ކޮށްދީފައި ވާނޭ ކަމަށެވެ

Biggest change is President being elected by the people

2008-01-27T08:14:00.001+05:00

President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Dr. Mohamed Munnawar has said that the biggest change the revised constitution introduces is that the country’s President will elected by a direct vote of the people. Dr. Munnawar made the statement speaking at the meeting of the Dhekunu Arumaz held in Fuvahmulak last Friday night.

Speaking at the ceremony Dr. Munnawar said that the Alliance is talking about this forthcoming election unlike the previous presidential elections held in the country.

“We are now talking about electing the person in charge of the country, in charge of our affairs, that person has to come to us to get elected, they have to face the people before they can get elected, presidential candidates will have to come to the people and tell them how they will manage the country, what they will do for the people, how they will shape the future, and after listening to all of them, the people will vote for their candidate, that is what we are talking about” said Dr. Munnawar speaking at the meeting in Fuvahmulak held to gain support for an interim arrangement.

According to Dr. Munnawar there has never been an election held in the country to elect its Leader. He said people vote to say yes or no to a candidate chosen by the People’s Majlis. He revealed that parliamentary elections were not held when the constitutional government was established in the country for the first time. He said that time Majlis was appointed was said in the constitution.

“Things were pretty much the same through 1950s to 1960s, after being changed to a republic, elections were held, but people could not vote for the person they wanted, there were no opportunity to get elected, drastic actions were taken against those who dared to contest” said Munnawar.

Dr. Munnawar said President Maumoon has been talking about reform since he came to power. He said President Maumoon in Presidential address given every year talks about reforms implemented.

“However the fact is that Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for the last 30 years has not brought any change to the system of government in the country, no change to the way the government is run, when Ibrahim Nasir was the President, he established certain procedures on the functioning of the government and till today the government is functioning according to those principles, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has not made any change to those principles during his 30 years in office” said Dr.Munnawar.

Dr. Munnawar further said although the country was transformed to a republic with promises of establishing a people’s government, it has not materialized. He said the Alliance was committed to establishing a people’s government.

“They do not understand what a government by the people means , they have no idea what a republic is, while we have established political parties to shape our government in a specific manner, we cannot achieve our goals if we allow them to be in charge of the presidential election this year” said Dr. Munnawar.

Providing the reasons for establishing a transitional government MDP President Dr. Munnawar said, the transitional government would manage the country until Presidential and Parliamentary elections are held and that officials of the transitional government should be affiliated to any party. He noted under such circumstances no party can exert influence over government employees, police or defense officers or even teachers.

Speaking at the meeting MP for Fuvahmulak said Alliance was talking about a government that has been in power for 30 years which has not done anything for the people.

Speaking at meeting member of Social Liberal Party as well as MP of the Special Majlis for Male’ Mohamed Nasheed (Colonel) said in some islands small groups of people were trying to obstruct the work of the Alliance and that these groups were being assisted by police officers. Colonel called on the people not to be intimidated and fully use their right of expression within the legal boundaries.

Members of Islamic Democratic Party (IDP), Adhaalath Party and New Maldives Movement also spoke at the meeting.

Huge success in spite of intimidation

2008-01-27T08:13:00.002+05:00

Expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz traveling to the islands of South Maldives in order to gain support for an interim arrangement has revealed that although people were in fear, the expedition received a huge support.

A participant of Dhekunu Arumaz speaking to Miadhu via telephone while the meeting at Villingili was going on said the people were in fear. According to him when they visited the houses in order to provide information on transitional government the people had informed them that they were very afraid of the government. According to the informant only 300 people attended the meeting.

The expedition of Dhekunu Arumaz of the National Unity Alliance which commenced on the 21 of this month is joined by senior members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Adhaalth Party, Islamic Democratic Party (IDP), Social Liberal Party (SLP) and New Maldives Movement.

At the meeting held at Gahdhoo, Dr. Shaheed, Dr. Munnawar, Umar Naseer and many members of the MDP Parliamentary Group spoke. According to information received Dr. Shaheed went to Gahdhoo on a special request from the people of Gahdhoo.

Miadhu’s attempts to contact Chairperson of MDP Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) were unsuccessful. Anni is reportedly on Dhekunu Arumaz.

According to the person from the expedition who provided information to Miadhu, they faced some difficulties in Fuvahmulak, Gahdhoo and Villingili. Some committees had allegedly paid Rf50, 000 to people not to welcome the expedition. But some people, had accepted the money and still came out to greet the expedition, while others claim that they did not accept any money but said they too were offered said a member of the expedition speaking from Fuvahmulak.

The person who provided information to Miadhu said that the Island Chief Fuvahmulk was not very supportive. According to him, the Island Chief had the people under intimidation. Miadhu was unable to obtain a comment from the Island Chief.

According to Siddeeq who provided information via telephone the Island Chief had threatened to take away their farm lands. However Siddeeq claimed that many people informed him that they “needed a change”.

Dhekunu Arumaz will travel to Mulak of Vaavu Atoll and from there it will return to Male’. According to information a total of 130 people are onboard.

Kuoni chooses Maldives as favorite destination

2008-01-27T08:13:00.001+05:00

Kuoni, one of the biggest tour operators in the world has chosen Maldives for a third time, as their favorite destination. According to a report published by Kuoni, they chose Maldives out of 10 contenders. The report also notes that Maldives was likely to be their favorite destination in year 2008 as well.

Maldives Tourism Promotion Board revealed that Maldives obtained the position not only because of its natural beauty but because of the quality of the services available at the resorts through out the country.

Executive Director of the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) Abdulla Mausoom said this was the result of the efforts of the industry sources as well as the efforts of the government to develop and promote the industry. He noted that last year Maldives received many such awards.

Minister of Tourism Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy said that he believed that this was because of the polices employed by the government to promote the industry as well as due to efforts made by Industry stakeholders to promote Maldives tourism.

Maldives in receiving this award competed against countries like Dhubai, Thailand, America, and Egypt.

Last year Maldives was chosen as Most Romantic Destination, Best Spa Resort, World Leading Diving Destination and the Most Famous Indian Ocean Destination.

Consideration underway on fuel subsidy- Hilmy

2008-01-27T08:12:00.001+05:00

Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture Hussain Hilmy has said that considerations are underway on how best to utilize the Rf.100 Million allocated in the government budget to provide a fuel subsidy for those who operate fishing vessels.

The Rf 100 Million proposed by Addu Atoll Member Mohamed Aslam, passed with overwhelming majority of the Majlis is an added incentive for those engaged in the fishing industry and as such they are looking forward to the relief that the package would provide.

When asked by Miadhu how long would the fishermen would have to wait in anticipation of receiving the aid package, Fisheries Minister Hussain Hilmy replied that his ministry is already in the process of making studies and evaluations on how to provide the aid to all fishermen in an equal manner. He said that the much awaited aid packages would be given soon.

“We are studying how to distribute the funds in an equal manner, we have a lot to consider as this is given as a fuel subsidy to fishermen, we have formulate some guidelines, we have to establish these procedures and guidelines in such a manner that we will not get complaints” said Hilmy.

As the fishing is poor these days and as the cost of fuel is especially high, many believe that aid packages will be a source of satisfaction for the fisher folks.

EU accepts invitation to monitor election

2008-01-27T08:09:00.000+05:00

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that European Commissioner for External Relations, Benito Ferrero Waldner, has accepted an invitation from Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shaid to provide electoral support for the planned elections later this year. The decision to send an election monitoring expert team followed a meeting between the Commissioner and the Foreign Minister and a subsequent formal invitation in November 2007 said a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry.

Commenting on the European Commission’s acceptance of the invitation to send election monitoring experts, Foreign Minister Shahid referred the decision as a “clear demonstration of the positive work government and the people of Maldives are doing with regards to the democratization of the political system”. The Minister also noted that the decision related to “a clear commitment from the government side to host free and fair elections”.

The Commissioner referred in the acceptance letter to the meeting she had with Minister Shahid in September 2007 when the issue of election monitoring support had been raised noted the press release. In addition Commissioner Ferrero Waldner was keen to point out that the elections constituted an “important landmark” in the reform process and chose to further reiterate European Union’s support which she felt would contribute to the “transparency and credibility of the process” said the press release.

The process of deciding which countries receive EU monitoring support is led by the European Commission, in consultation with EU Member States. The exact make up of the team of observers has yet to be defined but details are expected shortly said the press release.

Certificates of origin to be submitted

2008-01-27T08:08:00.000+05:00

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) have urged all importers of meat to specify the country and district in the relevant documents when importing meat in to the country.

MFDA has revealed that effective from the 23 of this month, the authority requires product origin certificate stating state and district, in addition to Veterinary certificate.

MFDA informs that the step was taken as precautionary measure against bird flue which is now being reported in some South Asian countries. MFDA also stated that the authority also require certificate of origin stating district and state for eggs and similar food items.

MFDA informed that will waive all the shipments on the way from the requirement.

Donation will be used wisely – Gender Minister

2008-01-27T08:07:00.002+05:00

Minister of Gender and Family Aishath Mohamed Didi has said that moneys donated to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa by Island Aviation shall be used wisely. She made the statement speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Island Aviation’s regional operations held at Male’ International Airport last Friday afternoon. Island Aviation on Friday commenced their regional operations to Trivandrum of India.

“I am very happy to inform you all that moneys donated will be used very wisely and each and every cent of it shall be spent in a manner that will make you proud. Further I would also like inform you that detailed information on how the money is used shall be shared with you” said Gender Minister.

Continuing with her speech she said currently Kudakudhinge Hiyaa is looking after approximately 40 children. She said that although there are children under 12 years, most of the current children in their care are less than 4 years of age.

“Currently we have about 40 children, most of the children are under 4 years although we have children under 12 as well, these are very young children, sometimes children are brought under our care when they are just 7 days old, government is spending a lot of money on looking after these children” said Aishath Mohamed Didi, Gender Minister.

She noted that although the government spends a lot of money on these children, the Fund is also very useful and convenient when it comes to spending large amounts of money. She cited an example of one child who required considerable amount of money in order to receive treatment to her kidney problem.

“One example I would like mention here is that of a child who has a kidney problem, we will make use of the fund to get medical relief for such children although government will also provide necessary assistance” said the Minister.

The symbolic cheque of the proceeds from the sale of the inaugural flight as well as donations from Island Aviation staff was handed over to the Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi by the Managing Director of Island Aviation Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem.

Kudakudhinge Hiyaa is the only alternative care institution established for children below 9 years in Maldives. The home was established by Ministry of Gender and Family with the intention of providing a safe, secure and enabling environment for vulnerable children who has no other means of primary care. The home was opened on 10 May 2006 by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim.

President congratulates IAS

2008-01-27T08:07:00.001+05:00

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has sent greetings to Island Aviation Services on the commencement of their international flights yesterday. President Gayoom telephoned the Managing Director of Island Aviation, Bandh Ibrahim Saleem and congratulated him a few minutes after the Island Aviation flight took off with 50 passengers to Thiruvananthapuram yesterday afternoon.

President Gayoom also congratulated the members of the Board of Directors, the management and the staff of Island Aviation on this happy occasion. President also noted that the decision to start international flights was an important step in the future development of the company.

Observers need adequate notice – Dr. Shaheed

2008-01-27T08:06:00.002+05:00

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed Former Foreign Minister has said that it would be difficult for observers from organizations like EU to come to Maldives to observe the forthcoming presidential elections without adequate notice. Dr. Shaheed who is also a founder member of the New Maldives Movement noted that a date has not been set for the elections.

Dr. Shaheed said although the government claims to have invited international observers they would require adequate advance notice. He said such notices are required for necessary planning and preparations.

“Its already late, government should have finalized a date and invited the observers last October, if invitations were sent out last October, it would have provided with them with adequate notice” said Dr. Shaheed.

According to Dr. Shaheed elections can be held smoothly in a fair manner. If government went ahead as set out in the Reform Agenda, then elections could have been smooth said Dr. Shaheed. Dr. Shaheed noted as stipulated under the new constitution, parliamentary elections must be held along with presidential elections. He also noted that the parliamentary elections should be under the new constitution in order to ratify the special privileges and powers granted under the new constitution to the parliament members.

Minister of Information and Legal Reform Mohamed Nasheed speaking on the issue said official invitations has been extended to international organizations to observe the elections. He also said approximate dates when such an election may be held were also given. Minister Nasheed said that he believed adequate notice has been given.

According to John Culley, Director of Political Affairs at British Embassy in Colombo last Thursday said official sources have informed him that the first multiparty elections in Maldives would be held in October this year.

Salaries to be raised after study – Solih

2008-01-27T08:06:00.001+05:00

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Airport Company Moosa Solih has revealed that the salaries of airport staff can only be increased after making a cost minimizing study. He said that no discussions have taken place on the subject and that salaries can only be increased after due considerations. CEO Solih revealed that the executive board of the company has not met since the recent change in the company’s CEO as such no discussions been held on increasing salaries. However he did not rule out increments to the salaries.

With the recent increment in the salaries of government employees, there have been speculations among employees of government companies on a possible increment. Airport Company last revised the salaries of their staff nearly 2 years ago.

The only company which increased the salaries of their staff since increment of government employees in January this year is State Electric Company (STELCO). Bank of Maldives has recently provided a living allowance to their staff recently. State Trading Organization (STO) has said that they are not considering any increment as yet. STO last increased the salaries of their staff in the middle of last year.

All Maldives would be covered by end 2008 - Dhiraagu

2008-01-27T08:05:00.001+05:00

Dhiraagu, the national telecom service provider has revealed that the company would be able to provide mobile telephone services to the entire Maldives. This was revealed last Wednesday at the ceremony held to inaugurate internet Wi-Fi connection to Male’ International Airport.

Speaking at the ceremony, the company’s Marketing Manger Ahmed Maumoon said that a large part of the country is already covered and expressed his confidence that the company would be able to cover entire Maldives soon.

Dhiraagu, in order to provide affordable services to its customers has been introducing a lot of promotional offers. According to a survey done by Miadhu the most popular promotional offer was the offer of “unlimited free calls’. Dhiraagu has revealed that with the introduction of the unlimited free calls offer, customers using Dhiraagu post paid services has doubled. Dhiraagu last December introduced promotional packages of its broadband service. According to the company the packages would enable the user to get broadband services at high speeds at affordable prices.

At the ceremony held last Wednesday to inaugurate internet Wi Fi connection to Male’ International Airport, Dhiraagu has revealed that introduction of the WI Fi service to the airport was a huge success. Maumoon said it just an example of the successes being achieved by the company.

IAS commences regional operations

2008-01-27T08:04:00.000+05:00

Island Aviation Services (IAS) has commenced their international operations yesterday. Island Aviation, yesterday inaugurated its services between Male’ and Trivandrum.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony the company’s Managing Director Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem said that the services to Trivandrum was commenced after due considerations to the challenges ahead and that in order to continue operation the company would require the support and cooperation of its customers. He further thanked all those who purchased tickets on the inaugural flight as the money obtained from the sales of the tickets were to be donated to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa.

Bandhu Saleem rejected the claims made by some companies regarding the sponsorship of the tickets of the inaugural flight and said no body can make any claims over the sponsorship as tickets were not only bought some private companies but also by some private individuals.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior government officials as well as staff of IAS.
The handing over of the moneys received from the sales of tickets of the inaugural flight to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa was also held at the ceremony. The symbolic cheque was handed over to the Minister of Gender and Family Aishath Mohamed Didi by MD Bandu Saleem. A total of Rf. 315,000 was donated which included moneys donated by the staff of the company as well.

Many Maldivian students and business men living in Trivandrum were at Trivandrum airport to welcome the inaugural flight from Male’.

The inaugural flight operated on a Dash 8 Q700 took off from Male’ International Airport at 1530 yesterday. The flight which has a capacity of 50 seats took one hour and 10 minutes to reach Trivandrum. The flight took off from Trivandrum at 1833 and reached Male’ International at 19.25 hours. A return ticket (MLE / TRV / MLE) was sold by IAS for US$ 199.

As revealed by the company earlier connecting flights to Trivandrum from regional airports has been scheduled. In this regard GAN / TRV / GAN ticket is sold for US $ 328 and KADEHDHOO / TRV / KADEHDHOO are sold at US $ 300. A ticket on sectors KAHDHOO /TRV / KAHDHOO and HAN / TRV / HAN are sold at US $ 270.

2008-01-25T15:09:00.000+05:00

އިންތިޚާބުތަކުގައި މައުމޫނުގެސަރުކާރުން ވޯޓު އޮޅުވާލުމަށް ފޯރުވާފައިވާ ނުފޫޒުތަކުގެ ހާދިސާތަކެއް އަދާލަތުން އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނަށް ދީފި

ރާއްޖޭގެ ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އަލްއުސްތާޛު މައުމޫނު އަބްދުލް ޤައްޔޫމުގެ ވެރިކަމުގައި ބާއްވަފައިވާ އިންތިޚާބު ތަކުގައި ވޯޓު އޮޅުވާލުމަށް ނުފޫޒު ފޯރުވާފައިވާކަމަށް ބުނެ, ވޯޓާ ގުޅިގެން ހިންގާފައިވާ ކަންތައްތައް އަދާލަތު ޕާޓީން އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނަށް ކިޔައިދީފި އެވެ

އަދާލަތު ޕާޓީގެ ރައީސް އައްޝައިޚު ޙުސެއިން ރަޝީދު އަޙްމަދާއި ޕާޓީގެ ނާއިބްރައީސް ޑރ. މަޢުރޫފް ހުސެއިން, ކޮލަމްބޯގައި ހުންނަވާ އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނަރު މރ. ޖޯން ކުލޭ އާ އިއްޔެ މެންދުރުފަހު ބޭއްވި މިބައްދަލުވުމުގައި މައިގަނޑު ގޮތެއްގައި ވާހަކަ ދެއްކީ ކުރިއަށް އޮތް ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބާ ބެހޭ ގޮތުންނާއި, ރާއްޖޭގެ މިހާރުގެ ސިޔާސީ މަޞްރަހާ ބެހޭގޮތުންނެވެ

އަދާލަތުން ބުނީ އަންނަ ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގައި ރައީސް މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުގައި ހުންނަވައިގެން މިނިވަން އަދި އިންސާފުވެރި އިލެކްޝަނެއް ބޭއްވޭނެ ކަމަށް ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީއަށް ޤަބޫލުކުރެވޭތޯ މރ. ކުލޭ ސުވާލުކުރެއްވި ކަމަށެވެ. އެއީ މާޒީގައި ކަންތައްތައް ހިނގާފައިވާ ގޮތަށް ބަލާއިރު މައުމޫނު ވެރިކަމުގައި ހުންނަވައިގެން އެކަން ކުރުމަކީ ނާދިރު ކަމެއް ކަމަށް އެ ޕާޓީން ދެންނެވި ކަމަށް ވެސް ޖަޒީރާއަށް އަދާލަތުން މައުލޫމާތު ދީފައި ވެ އެވެ. އެހެން ކަމުން އިދިކޮޅު ޕާޓީތައް ގުޅިގެން އުފައްދާފައިވާ އިއްތިޙާދުން ބުނަމުން ގެންދާ ވަގުތީ ސަރުކާރަކީ މިވަގުތަށް ކޮންމެހެން ބޭނުންކަމެއް ކަމަށް ވެސް އައްޝައިޚު ޙުސައިން ވަނީ ހައިކޮމިޝަނުގައި ދަންނަވާފަ އެވެ

މައުމޫނުގެ ސަރުކާރުން މީގެ ކުރިން ވޯޓް އޮޅުވާލުމަށް އިންތިޚާބުތަކުގައި ހިންގާފައިވާ ކަންތައްތަކާބެހޭ މައުލޫމާތު ވެސް މރ. ކުލޭއަށް ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީގެ ފަރާތުން އޮޅުންފިލުވައި ދީފައިވެ އެވެ. އެގޮތުން ރަށް ރަށުގައި ކަތީބުން ވޯޓް ކަރުދާސް ކޮޅުތަކުގައި ފާހަގަ ޖެހުމުގައި ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ބިރުދެއްކުމާއި ގަދަބާރުން އެކަން ކޮށްފައިވާގޮތާއި ވޯޓް ގުނުމުގައި މީގެ ކުރިން ސަރުކާރުން ކަންތައްތައް ކޮށްފާވާ ގޮތް ކިޔައިދީފައިވާނެ ކަމަށް އަދާލަތުން ބުނެ އެވެ

މިބައްދަލުވުމުގައި އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނާއި އެކު ޢަދާލަތު ޕާޓީން އިތުރު ބައްދަލުވުންތައް ބޭއްވުމަށް ދެ ފަރާތުން ވަނީ އެއްބަސްވެ ފަ އެވެ. އަދި ޢަދަލާތު ޕާޓީއަށް ސިޔާސީ ގޮތުން އެހީތެރިކަމާއި އެއްބާރުލެއްވުން އިނގިރޭސި ހައިކޮމިޝަނުން ދެއްވާނޭ ކަމަށްވެސް މރ. ކުލޭ ވިދާޅުވެފައިވާ ކަމަށް އެ ޕާޓީން ބުނެ އެވެ

No monitoring of future elections - Saleem

2008-01-25T15:08:00.000+05:00

President of Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) Ahmed Saleem has revealed that the commission would cease its monitoring of future elections.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the British government funded Election Reporting Course organized by the BBC in collaboration with Maldives Media Association (MMA) President of HRCM said that even though the Commission would not monitor future elections, he would still check to see whether the right to vote is afforded to all eligible voters.

Saleem noted that Human Right Commissions in other parts of the world do not engage themselves in monitoring elections. He said that the last election which the commission monitored was the referendum on the system of government. He said that a complete report was compiled on the findings of the elections.

Noting that media played an important role in any election, Saleem said he would maintain close relations with media. He revealed that discussions were underway with Information Ministry to hold a series of seminars for the members of the press.

Saleem further said that it was important for the members of the press to be united and indicated that he work to eliminate all obstacles towards a free and independent press. In this regard Saleem noted that the commission does not support banning of websites. However he noted that the commission also does not support posting of pictures and articles which defame others.

The ceremony were also participated by John Culley, Director Political Affairs of British High Commission. Speaking at the ceremony after handing over the certificates, John Culley said this year was an important year in Maldivian politics. He highlighted the importance of covering the first ever multiparty elections with out any prejudice or bias.

The Logo and the Fund of MMA were also inaugurated at the ceremony. The logo was inaugurated by the Guest of Honor Saleem.

Speaking about the fund, President of the MMA Thoyib Mohamed said the objective of the fund was accumulating funds which would be used for short courses and training programs required to upgrade the reporters. He noted that that Fund already has Rf.200, 000 donated by the Information Ministry. Thoyib thanked Minister Nasheed for the generous aid.

Election Reporting Course was held in two phases. The first phase was held from 13 to 17 of this month and was aimed at senior members of the press. The second phase of the course was held from 20 to 24 and was aimed at junior reporters. A total of 30 participants completed the training. Information at the course was mainly given by a BBC trainer Naomi Gold Smith.

A further training session funded by British government for the reporters will be held in March this year and will held for a duration of 3 days.

2008-01-25T15:06:00.000+05:00

ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ބުނާ މައްސަލަ: މަޖިލީހަށް ހުށަހަޅައިގެން ކުރިއަށްގެންދަން ޖެހިދާނެ ކަމަށް ބައެއް މެމްބަރުން ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ

ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާ ބެހޭ ކަންތައްތައް ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ކޮމިޝަނާ ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ބުނާ މައްސަލަ ހައްލުނުވެދާ ނަމަ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހަށް ހުށަހަޅައިގެން ކުރިއަށް ގެންދަން ޖެހިދާނެ ކަމަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ބައެއް މެމްބަރުން މިއަދު ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ އެވެ

ފުވައްމުލަކު މެމްބަރު މުހައްމަދު އިބްރާހީމް ދިދީ (މޮޑީ) ވިދާޅުވީ ސިވިލް ސާވިސްއިން ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތަކާ ހަވާލުވުމަށް ކުރާ މަސައްކަތަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ މައްސަލަ ވަރަށް ބޮޑަށް ކުށްވެރިކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ

” ސަބަބަކީ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ކޮމިޝަނަކީ ކުރިން ރާއްޖޭގައި އޮންނަ ތަކެއް ނޫން. އެހެން ވީމާ ގާނޫނެއް އެކަމަށް ހަދާ ފާސްކުރުމުގެ މަގުސަދާއި ރޫހަކީ އެކަން އަވަހަށް ތަންފީޒުކުރަން ފެށުން. އެކަން ތަންފީޒު ކުރަން ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ވަންޏާ އެއިން ދޭހަ ވަނީ ސަރުކާރުން ބޭނުންވާ ކަމެއް ނޫނޭ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް މިނިވަން މުއައްސަސާއެއްގޮތަށް ހިންގުމަކީ,“ މޮޑީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މޮޑީ ވިދާޅުވީ އަންނަ މޭ މަހުގެ އެއް ވަނަ ދުވަހު ތަންފީޒުކުރަން ޖެހޭ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ގާނޫނަށް އަމަލުކުރުމަށްޓަކައި ވާން ޖެހޭ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވުމުގެ ގޮތުން ކޮމިޝަނުން އެދޭ އެދުންތަކަށް އިޖާބަ ދޭން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ

” ވަގުތު ބޭނުންވާ ކަމަށް ވާ ނަމަ ދަންނަވަން އޮތީ ސަރުކާރަށް ވަގުތު ލިބިއްޖެއޭ އެކަންކަން ހަވާލުކުރަން ތައްޔާރުވާން. ގާނޫނު ފާސްވެ މެމްބަރުން އައްޔަންކުރިތާ ހަތަރު މަސް ވީ އިރު ތައްޔާރުނުވެވި އޮތް ނަމަ އެއީ އެ ބައެއްގެ މައްސަލައެއް. އަމަލުކުރަން ފެށުމަށްޓަކައި ދުރާލާ ކަންތައްތައް ކުރަން ފެށުމަކީ ރަނގަޅު ގޮތެއް. އެކަމަށް ޖެހޭނެ ސަރުކާރުން ވެސް އިހުތިރާމު ކުރަން,“ މޮޑީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވީ އެކަންކަމަށް ތަރުހީބުނުދޭ ނަމަ އެ މައްސަލަ ހައްލުކުރަން މަޖިލިސް ތެރެއިން ކުރަން ޖެހޭ މަސައްކަތެއް ކުރުމަށް މިނިވަން ހިޔާލުގެ މެމްބަރުން ތިއްބަ ވާނީ ތައްޔާރަށް ކަމަށެވެ

ތ. އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު މުހައްމަދު ޝަރީފު (ސެންކޯ ޝަރީފު) ވިދާޅުވީ މިހާރުގެ އެންމެ ބޮޑު އެއް ޝަކުވާއަކީ ރިޔާސީ ބޭނުމަށް ވަޒީފާތަކުގައި ތިބޭ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް ތަފާތު ނުފޫޒުތައް ފޯރުވަމުން ދިއުމެވެ

” އެ ފަދަ ސަބަބު ތަކަށްޓަކައި ވީހާ ވެސް އަވަހަށް ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައް ކޮމިޝަނާ ހަވާލުކުރަން ޖެހޭނީ. އަދި އެކަމަށް ސަރުކާރުން ތަރުހީބުވެސް ދޭން ޖެހޭނެ. ނުދޭ ނަމަ އެއީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު މައްސަލައެއް,“ ޝަރީފު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ނ. އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު އަލީ މުހައްމަދު ވިދާޅުވީ ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތައްތަކާ ހަވާލުވުމަށް ކުރަމުންދާ މަސައްކަތަށް ސަރުކާރުން ތަރުހީބުދޭން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށާއި އެކަމަށް ހުރަސް އެޅުމަކީ ރަނގަޅު ގޮތެއް ކަމަށް ފެނިވަޑައިނުގަންނަވާ ކަމަށެވެ

” އެ ގާނޫނަށް އަމަލުކުރަން ފެށުމަށްޓަކައި ތައްޔާރުވުމަށް ކުރަންޖެހޭ މަސައްކަތަށް އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭންވާނެ,“ ސިވިލް ސާވިސް މަގާމެއްގައި މިހާރު ހުންނެވި އަލީ މުހައްމަދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މާލޭ މެމްބަރު މުހައްމަދު ޝަހީބު ވިދާޅުވީ ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައް ސިވިލް ސާވިސް ކޮމިޝަނަށް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ރައީސް އޮފީހުން އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ނަމަ އެއީ ވަރަށް ބޮޑު މައްސަލައެއް ކަމަށެވެ

” ގާނޫނަށް އަމަލުކުރަން ޖެހޭ ތާރީހަކީ މޭ މަހުގެ އެއް ވަނަ ދުވަސްކަމަށް ވިޔަސް އަމަލުކުރަން ފެށުމަށްޓަކައި ވާން ޖެހޭ ތައްޔާރީތައް ވުމަށް އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭން ވާނެ. އެގޮތުން ކަމަށް ފެންނަނީ ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތަކާ ހަވާލުވާން އުޅުއްވަނީ. އެ ނޫނަސް އެއް ދުވަހުން ހުރިހާކަމެއް ނުނިމޭނެ. އެ ސަބަބަށްޓަކައި ވެސް ޖެހޭ ދުރާލާ ކަންތައްތައް ހިންގަން ފަށަން,“ ޝިހާބު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޕާޓީ (ޑީއާރުޕީ) އަށް ނިސްބަތްވާ އައްޑު އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު އިބްރާހީމް ޝަރީފު ވިދާޅުވީ ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ

”ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭނެ. ސަރުކާރުން އެކަމަށް ހުރަސް އަޅާކަން ނޫޅޭނެ. ސަރުކާރުން ވެސް ބޭނުން ވަނީ އެކަންކުރަން,“ ކުރިން ދިވެހި ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޑިމޮކްރެޓިކް ޕާޓީ (އެމްޑީޕީ)ގައި އުޅުއްވާފައިވާ ޝަރީފު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވީ އަންނަ މޭ މަހު އަމަލުކުރަން ޖެހޭ ގާނޫނު ހިންގުމަށްޓަކައި ދުރާލާ މަސައްކަތް ކުރަން ޖެހޭނެ ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ. އެ ފަދަ މަސައްކަތް ކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުން ދޭން ޖެހެނެ ކަމަށާއި އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭ ނަމަ އެއީ މައްސަލައެއް ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ

” އެއްބާރުލުން ނުދޭކަމަށް ދައްކާ ވަހަކައަކީ ތެދެއް ކަމަށްވާ ނަމަ އެ މައްސަލަ މަޖިލީހުން ވެސް ބެލޭނެ. އަދި ބަލަން ވެސް ޖެހޭނެ,“ އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ ވަޒީފާއާބެހޭ ކަންތައްތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް ސަރުކާރުން އެއްބާރުލުންނުދޭ ވަހަކަ އާއި އެކަމާ ގުޅިގެން ރައީސް އޮފީހަށް ފޮނުވާފައިވާ ގިނަ އަދަދެއްގެ ސިޓީތަކަށް ޖަވާބު ނުދޭ ކަމަށް ސިވިލް ސާވިސް އިން ވަނީ ބުނެފަ އެވެ

މި މަހުގެ ދެ ވަނަ ދުވަހުން ފެށިގެން ވަޒީފާގެ ކަންތައް ހަވާލުކުރުމަށް އެކުލަވާލާފައިވާ ތާވަލަށް އަމަލުކުރަން ބޭނުންވާކަން އަންގާފައިވާ ތާވަލަށް ވެސް ރައީސް އޮފީހުން ވަނީ އެއްވެސް ޖަވާބެއް ނުދީފަ އެވެ

Translation of 11 chapters completed – Adhaalath

2008-01-25T15:05:00.000+05:00

Adhaalath Party has revealed that the party has completed translation of 11 chapters of the Holy Quran to Dhivehi language.

Speaking to Miadhu, President of Adaalath Party Sheikh Hussain Rasheed said that, in the work of translating the Holy Quran to Dhivehi language 11 chapters has been completed till now.

Shiekh Hussain Rasheed further revealed that it was decided by the party’s Council of Scholars to compile a completely new translation. The decision was reached after evaluating the existing translations made by different Maldivian scholars. He further revealed that the party’s new translation would be completed within the year.

The translation work is being carried out by a 16 member team said Sheik Hussain Rasheed. He also said the guidelines for the translation were drawn by Scholars Council of the party and the President of the Committee tasked with the translation, Dr. Abdul Majeedh Baari.

According to Adaalath Party the translation is not a word to word translation and is based on the principles and standards used by Imams for such purposes.

The Party revealed that they are in the process of negotiating with private radio stations to air their translations.

2008-01-25T15:03:00.000+05:00

ގާސިމާ ދެކޮޅަށް އިތުބާރުނެތްކަމުގެ ވޯޓެއް ނަގަން އުޅޭ ކަމަށާއި އެކަމާ ދެކޮޅަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރާނެކަމަށް އިއްތިހާދު ބުނެފި

އަބްދުﷲ ފާއިގް ު

ރައްޔިތުންގެ ހާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސް ގާސިމް އިބްރާހިމަށް އިތުބާރު ނެތްކަމަށް ޑީއާރުޕީން ވޯޓެއް ނެގުމަށް މަސައްކަތް ކުރަމުންދާ ކަމަށާއި އެކަމާ ދެކޮޅަށް ކުރެވެން ހުރި ކަމެއް ކުރާނެ ކަމަށް ގައުމީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަމުގެ އިއްތިހާދުން ބުނެފި އެވެ

ގައުމީ އެއްބައިވަންތަ ކަމުގެ ގުޅުމުން ދެކުނު އަރުމާޒުގެ ނަމުގައި ދެކުނުގެ ރަށްތަކަށް މިހާރު ކުރަމުންދާ ދަތުރުގައި ލ ގަމު, މުކުރިމަގު އަވަށުގައި ހުންނަ ހުމަދު ބިން ހަލިފާ އަލް ސާނީ ސްކޫލުގައި ރޭ ބޭއްވި ޖަލްސާގައި ވާހަކަދައްކަމުން ދިވެހިރައްޔިތުންގެ ޑިމޮކުރެޓިކް ޕާޓީ(އެމްޑީޕީ) ނާއިބު ރައީސް އިބްރާހިމް ހުސެއިން ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ ހާއްސަ މަޖިލީހުގައި ތިއްބެވި ދިވެހިރައްޔިތުންގެ ޕާޓީ(ޑީއާރުޕީ) ނިސްބަތްވާ މެންބަރުން ގާސިމް އިބްރާހިމްގެ މައްޗަށް އިތުބާރު ނެތް ކަމުގެ ވޯޓެއް ނެގުމަށް ތައްޔާރު ވަމުންދާ ކަމަށާއި އެކަން އެގޮތަށް ވިޔަ ނުދިނުމަށް ކުރެވެން އޮތް ހުރިހާ މަސައްކަތެއް ގައުމީ ފެންވަރުގައި ކުރާނެ ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސްއާ ނުކުޅެވޭނެ ކަމަށާއި މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސަކީ މަޖިލީހުގެ މެންބަރުގެ ތާއީދު ލިބިގެންވާ އެމީހުން ހޮވާފައިވާ ބޭފުޅެއް ކަމަށް ވެސް ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވީ ހާއްސަ މަޖުލީހުން ގާނޫނު އަސާސީ އިސްލާހު ކުރުމުގެ މަސައްކަތަށާއި އަދި ގާސިމް އިބުރާހިމް އަޒުމް ފުޅާ ކުޅުމަށް ޑީއާރުޕީން އުޅޭ ކަމަށާއި އެމަޖުލީހުގައި އެފަދަކަމެއް ކާމިޔާބު ވިޔަ ނުދޭނެ ކަމަށެވެ

މައުމޫނަށް އިސްލާހީ ބަދަލުތަކެއް ގެނެވިދާނެ ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުނުކުރެވޭ ކަމަށާއި ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ފައިދާ ހުރި އިސްލާހީ ބަދަލުތަކެއް ގެނެވޭނީ އިންތިގާލީ ސަރުކާރެއް ގާއިމު ކުރެވިގެން ކަމަށް ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ. އަދި ރައީސް މައުމޫނަށް ވެރިކަމުގައި ހުރެގެން އެކަންކުރެވިދާނެ ކަމަށް ގަބޫލުނުކުރައްވާ ކަމަށް ވެސް ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ޑީއާރުޕީ އަކީ ޑިމޮކްރަސީގެ އުސޫލުތައް ގެންގުޅެމުންދާ ޕާޓިއެއް ނޫންކަމަށާއި އެޕާޓީގައި ހިގަމުންދާނީ މައުމޫނާ އެނާގެ ދުވަސްވީ އެކުވެރިންގެ ބާރުކަމަށް ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ. އެހެންކަމުން ޑީއާރުޕީން ރަނިން މޭޓެއް ނުނެރެވިގެން އުޅެނީ އެ ސަބަބަށްޓަކާ ކަމަށާއި އެފަރާތުގައި އޮތީ އެންދެރިމާގެ އާއިލާ ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި އަނެއް ފަރާތުގައި އޮތީ ކާމިނީގެ އާއިލާކަމަށް ވެސް ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ. ޒަކީގެ ވާހަކައިގައި މައުމޫނު މިގައުމުގެ ވެރިކަމަށް ވަޑައިގެންފައި ވަނީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ ތާއިދު އޮވެގެން ނޫން ކަމަށާއި ބަޔަކު އެނާ އެތަނަށް ލީ ކަމަށެވެ

ރޭގެ ޖަލްސާގައި އިންތިގާލީ ސަރުކާރަކާއި ބެހޭ ގޮތުން ޕްރެޒެންޓޭޝަނެއް ހުށަހަޅާއި ދިނެވެ. އޭގެ އިތުރުން ރައްޔިތުންގެ ހާއްސަ މަޖިލީހުގެ ގއ އަތޮޅުގެ މެންބަރު އަދުނާނު ހަލީމާއި އިސްލާމިކު ޑިމޮކުރެޓިކް ޕާޓި(އައިޑީޕީ) ގެ ދެކުނު ސަރަހައްދުގެ ރައީސް އިސްމާއިލް ހަސަން މަނިކާއި އަދި އެމްޑީޕީގެ ޗެއާރޕާޝަން މުހައްމަދު ނަޝީދު( އަންނި ) ވަނީ ވާހަކަދައްކާ ފަ އެވެ. ރޭ ގެ މިޖަލްސާގައި ގަމުގެ ގިނަ އަދަދެއްގެ ރައްޔިތުން ބައިވެރިވި އެވެ

Govt. reserves right to cancel agreement – Dr. Shaugy

2008-01-25T15:01:00.000+05:00

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy has revealed that if no work is carried out during the period specified in the contract for the construction of the City Hotel in Fuvahmulak, the government has the option to cancel the contract agreement with contractors of the Fuvahmulak City Hotel.

Speaking to Miadhu Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy said that the City Hotel should be completed within 18 months and that the 18 month period will expire in April this year.

“The construction should be completed within 18 months, contract period will be over in coming April, if no work is carried out during the construction period granted then the government has the option to cancel the agreement” said Dr. Shaugy.

As per the contract agreement when the construction period is over, rental charges will be levied and as such Dr. Shaugy says rental charges will be levied as stated in the contract.

“Normally if work is carried out during the construction period then we extend the construction period, but we do not grant extension periods of 12 to 15 months, at a time we only give an extension of 3 month or 6 month, we will monitor to see if work is going on during the first 3 months and if work is going on then we will extend another 3 months, although we do extend the construction period, we will commence levying the rental charges as stated in the contract” said Dr. Shaugy.

The work so far carried out regarding the construction of the City Hotel is the erection of the fence which marks the boundary of land provided for the construction of the Hotel. The construction of the Hotel is carried out by One and Half Degree Maldives Company and due to long delay in the commencement of the work the company has been fined by the Tourism Ministry.

President will address DSD Summit- Mundhu

2008-01-25T15:00:00.000+05:00

Presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has revealed that President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom would attend the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) at the special invitation of Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), the main organizer of the event. Mundhu revealed that President Gayoom would deliver a special address at this event which is scheduled to commence on the 7 of Feburary 2008.

According to DSDS website the event jointly organized by TERI and Internal Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) named ICC Exhibition will be attended by top world leaders, key environmental activists, NGO’s and private organizations working for the protection of the environment.

Mundhu said that President Gayoom’s decision to attend the summit in spite of his busy schedule is due to the fact that TERI is an organization which is led by the Chairman of IPCC Rajendhura Pachori.

“The other factor is that President will never miss an opportunity to visit India as the country always maintains a special relationship with us” said Mundhu.

The summit is organized by IPCC every year but this is the first time President Gayoom is attending the summit.

The summit expected to be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is also attended by former Prime Minister of Norway, President of Iceland, former Prime Minister of Netherlands, Prime Minister of Norway, Prime Minister of Finland and Former President of Mexico.

The summit to be commenced in New Delhi on the 7 of next month will be held at Habitat Center of India.

President presents Gallantry Gold Award to Jaisham

2008-01-25T14:59:00.000+05:00

Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim, the brave Boy Scout who helped thwart an attempt to assassinate the President during his visit to North Thiladhunmathi Atoll Hoarafushi earlier this month, has been presented with the Gallantry Gold Award. Jaisham received the prestigious from President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom , who is also the Chief Scout of the Maldives.

Speaking at the ceremony held yesterday night at Ghiyaasuddin School to present the Gallantry Gold Award to Jaisham, President Gayoom said that the Scouting Movement and the people of the Maldives were proud of Jaisham. He noted that Jaisham’s bravery proved the effectiveness of the skills training that he had received through Scouting. He also said that Jaisham had earned himself the reputation as a model Boy Scout in the Maldives and the world over. He also said that Jaisham’s action had earned global high praise for the Maldives.

President Gayoom strongly condemned the cowardly attempt to assassinate the Head of State and Government of the Maldives, and thereby throw the whole country into chaos. He went on to highlight that the international community would not tolerate such acts of terrorism, including attempts to kill and maim individuals and inflict damage to homes and property.

Urging all the people to attach a higher importance to maintaining peace and harmony in the country, President Gayoom expressed his deep concern over the recent incidents of unlawful acts that endangered people’s lives and compromised national security. “This is a growing concern for the whole nation”, President elaborated. He also noted that the irresponsibility of some political groups had also contributed to the rise in criminal activity in the country, and added that such actions would not be tolerated. Calling for a more mature approach to political opposition in the country, President Gayoom emphasized that incitement to violence and unlawful activity could not be branded as “political reform initiatives” and “exercising the fundamental right to political expression”.

In his speech, President highlighted that the objectives of the democratic reform agenda was to further empower the people, increase their prosperity and improve their welfare. He stressed that maintaining national peace and harmony was the yardstick for measuring success in implementing the democratic reform agenda. “The Maldives must remain a peaceful and harmonious place to live in, where everyone can carry on with their normal lives without any fear or apprehension”, he concluded.

President of the Scout Council, Dr. Mahmood Shauqee gave the welcoming remarks.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mohamed Jaisham Ibrahim thanked President Gayoom who is also the Chief Scout of Maldives for the high priority that the Government attaches to promoting Scouting in the country.

At the ceremony, Member of the Scout Council, Ibrahim Zameer gave a brief presentation on the Gallantry Gold Award of the Scouting Movement. The vote-of-thanks was delivered by the Chief Commissioner of the Maldives Scout Association, Ahmed Ali Maniku.

I don’t care about position – Hilmy

2008-01-25T14:58:00.000+05:00

Fisheries Hussain Hilmy has stated that although he is serving the country in a politician he does not care much for his position as Fisheries Minister. He said he gives more priority to serve the people of the country.

Speaking to Miadhu, Minister Hilmy said that he does not care much for his position but he gives priority to serve the people in what ever way he can. He also said one of the important projects undertaken by Ministry was the development of a Fishermen’s Center in Addu Atoll.

“I am not a person who care much about the position, the only thing I care about is serving the people, currently I am working on finding ways to develop the Fishermen’s Center to be established in Addu Atoll, if the project materializes, it will open the way for a lot of jobs” said Hilmy.

With the resignation of Former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed and Former Attorney General Dr Hassan Saeed along with Former Justice Minister Mohamed Jameel in August 2007, newspapers carried speculations on the resignation of Fisheries Minister Hilmy. However, he is still remains in the cabinet.

Stories regarding his resignation also floated around Male’ yesterday, although this was later denied by Hilmy himself.

Mazeena resigns from President’s bench

2008-01-25T14:55:00.000+05:00

Miadhu has received confirmation that Mazeena Jameel President’s Member to the People’s Majlis has resigned.

Although not confirmed by Mazeena Jameel herself, this was confirmed to Miadhu by the Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef(Mundhu).

According to Mundhu, Mazeena has submitted her resignation letter to the President. Mundhu said although he is not privy to what is said in the letter, he is sure that the letter is her resignation letter based on certain information she has given to some daily newspapers.

“The letter goes directly to the President and the reply will be sent directly by the President, however I am not aware if the President has provided a reply as yet” said Mundhu speaking to Miadhu last night.

Mazeena has not revealed her reasons for the resignation to any party as yet. However Mundhu indicated that, at a time like this, President would not keep an empty seat on his bench in the Majlis for long.

“These are important days for us as well, if she has resigned, another member will be appointed to take her seat” said Mundhu.

According to some Special Majlis Members Mazeena resigned due to pressure from the government or from her party DRP, as she was not supporting their amendments. Last Tuesday, Mazeena did not support DRP proposal on majority of Majlis. DRP proposal states that any issue shall be only be endorsed by the Majlis with majority members in favor. The other amendment that was put to vote that day was that Majlis endorsements shall only be given when majority of the Majlis members present at that particular session are in favor. However none of the amendments were passed that day.

The other 2 Members who do not support DRP proposals are Fisheries Minister Hussain Hilmy and Dhiyana Saeed.

3 days prior to Mazeen’s resignation, President has dismissed Imadh Solih from his bench at the Majlis.

Can Change of Names and Terminologies Bring Real Change……..?

2008-01-25T14:54:00.000+05:00

By Smith

Whether we call it reform, restructure or change, it is not a new process rather a change of terminology and individuals within it. Isn’t it? In a time of change, especially, in our political system, won’t it be worthwhile to consider in a holistic manner through our conscience. Yes, neither as a victim of the situation, although, majority of us are victims nor as an opportunist to take advantage of the situation. The consequences of political, economical and social implications and/or situations either good or bad that are prevailing in the Maldives are the end result of our constitution and political system. We all are responsible depending on the extent of each and everyone’s transgression to constitution, professional commitments and personal obligations. Although, no human is infallible we have the conscience to determine who and who has transgressed beyond reasonable doubt in their duties and obligations. If a human cannot distinguish right from wrong using conscience, then we better not talk or discuss about it. Yes, it is two extremes - conscience and unconscious. Isn’t it?

While, most of the people were sincere in their hearts and minds to what they believe was contributing for the constitutions and political systems all these years, isn’t it of utmost importance to address the chronic issues that have led to such a disaster, disarray or at least discomfort. Of course, it is not a phenomenon prevailed in the political system of our beloved nation only but in many other nations too. If anybody or institution tries to use human influence strategies and tactics of how to get other people to do what an individual or institution wants, to work better, to be more motivated, to like that individual or institution including the members involved – while that individual or institution is fundamentally flawed, marked by duplicity and insincerity – then, in the long-run, that individual or institution cannot be successful. This kind of Personality Ethics will breed nothing but distrust and disloyalty – moreover it could be easily manipulated.

Whereas, Character Ethics, which are fundamental to success, taught all the mankind that there are some basic principles for higher effectiveness and we can only experience true success and enduring happiness as we learn and integrate these principles (not values) into an individual’s character or institution’s basic creed or philosophy.

Perhaps, it may be purposeful and meaningful to give a deep thought about the history, philosophy and practicality of the most advanced democracy. Although, Americans have achieved an outstanding status in the world influencing economically and politically throughout the entire world, a contemporary professor, Robert A. Dahl (Sterling Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Yale University and past president of the American Political Science Association and one of the most distinguished political sociologists writing today) has refused to accept the status of the American Constitution as a sacred text, and challenges the whole world to think critically about the origins of its political system and to consider the opportunities for creating a more democratic society.

Are we prepared to take all those negative implications that have been experienced by a strong country like America or would it be better if we learn the experience of America and lay a more solid and better foundation for a more sacred Constitution. Isn’t there only one way a Constitution can be truly sacred?

Has the world ever seen and experienced a better system in terms of any yardstick you choose than Civilization of Submission to Oneness of God, Almighty? Or is there a better way of standing and striving for freedom than submission to Oneness of God, Almighty, alone?

Yes, it is not the Name or Terminologies that can bring the real change but creating a system that could govern the most righteous characters in relation to Absolute Truth of God, Almighty. May God, Almighty, Bless us to do the Right Thing, the Right Way at the Right Time!

Huge support for Dhekunu Arumaz – MDP

2008-01-25T14:52:00.000+05:00

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has revealed that the expedition of Dhekunu Arumaaz traveling to islands of Southern Maldives in order to gain support for a transitional arrangement in order to reach the new the constitution as well as to hold elections under the new constitution, stopped yesterday at Kibidhoo of Thaa Atoll.

According to MDP members of the expedition was warmly received by the people of Kibidhoo. MDP said Kibidhoo people received the members of the Dhekunu Arumaz with national songs and cultural dances such as “langiri dance”.

MDP also revealed that expedition last Tuesday also stopped at Magoodhoo of Faafu Atoll and Kudahuvadhoo of Dhaalu atoll. MDP revealed that the expedition’s door to door team; seminar team work to establish friendly relations with the people was very successful. MDP also revealed that the top officials of the expedition met and held talks with members of Island Development Committees of both islands.

The seminar held at Magoodhoo of Faafu Atoll was attended by 120 men and 40 women from the island said MDP.

MDP also informed that the meeting at Kudahuvadhoo of Dhaalu Atoll was held at foot ball ground of that island and was attended by approximately 400 people.

The meeting at Kibidhoo was held at Thaa Kibidhoo School and was attended by 400 people. MDP also said top officials of the expedition met with members of Island Development Committee.

2008-01-23T09:56:00.000+05:00

މަހެއްހާ ދުވަހުގެ ތެރޭގައި ސިޔާސީ ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅޭނެ ކަމަށް ޝަހީދު ޒަކީ ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ

ކުރިއަށް އޮތް މަހެއްހާ ދުވަހުގެ ތެރޭގައި ސިޔާސީ ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅޭނެ ކަމަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ރ. އަތޮޅު މެމްބަރު އިބްރާހީން ޝަހީދު ޒަކީ މިއަދު ވިދާޅުވެއްޖެ އެވެ

ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގައި މިނިވަން މެމްބަރެއްގެ ގޮތުގައި މަސައްކަތް ކުރައްވަމުން އަންނަ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ގާނޫނެއްގެ ދަށުން ޕާޓީތައް ހިންގަން ފެށުމުން ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅިވަޑައިގަތުމަށް ވިސްނި ވިސްނުން ދޫކޮށްލެއްވުމަށް ފަހު ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅިވަޑައިގެންނެވުމަށް ނިންމެވީ ގާނޫނަކުން ޕާޓީ ހިންގުމުގެ ފުރުސަތު ނުލިބި, ދިގުލައިގެން ހިނގައިދާނެކަމަށް ފެންނާތީ ކަމަށެވެ. އޭނާ ގުޅިވަޑައިގަންނަވާނީ ކޮން ޕާޓީއަކާ ކަމެއް ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅެއްނުވެ އެވެ

ސޮއިކުރައްވާނެ ޕާޓީއެއްގެ ނަން ވިދާޅުނުވި ނަމަވެސް ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ތިން މަސް ދުވަހުގެ ކުރިމަގަށް ވިސްނާފައި އެއްވެސް ޕާޓިއަކަށް ސޮއިނުކުރައްވާނެ ކަމަށާއި އެ އަށް ވުރެ ދުރަށް ވިސްނާނެ ކަމަށެވެ

”ސިޔާސީ ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅެނީ ސިޔާސީގޮތުން ކުރިއަށް ދިއުމަށް. އެ ބޭނުމުގައި ގުޅޭ އިރު ކުރިމަގު އޮތް ކަމަށް ފެންނަ ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅޭނީ,“ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލިހާއި ޚާއްސަ މަޖިލިސްގައި ވަރަށް މިނިވަންކޮށް ބަހުސް ކުރައްވަމުންގެންދަވާ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅުމުގެ ސަބަބުން މިހާރު ކުރައްވަމުންގެންދަވާ މަސައްކަތަށް ފުރިހަމަކަމެއް ލިބޭނެ ކަމަށް އުއްމީދުކުރައްވާ ކަމަށެވެ

ސަފީރުކުގެ މަގާމުގައި ހުންނަވަނިކޮށް އެޑިޝަނަލް ސެކެރެޓަރީ އަކަށް ބަދަލުކުރެއްވުމުން އަމިއްލަފުޅަށް އިސްތިއުފާ ދެއްވާފައިވާ ޝަހީދު ވިދާޅުވީ ސިޔާސީ ޕާޓީއަކާ ގުޅިވަޑައިގަތުމަށް ވަރަށް ބޮޑަށް ވިސްނާ ފިކުރު ކުރެއްވި ކަމަށާއި އެ ހުރިހާ ކަމަކަށް ވިސްނުމަށް ފަހު އެންމެ ރަނގަޅު ކަމަށް ފެންނަގޮތަކަށް ނިންމަވަނީ ކަމަށެވެ

2008-01-23T09:53:00.000+05:00

ސްޓެލްކޯގެ މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރަ 30-40 އިންސައްތައާ ދެމެދުގެ މިންވަރަކަށް ބޮޑުކޮށްފި

ސްޓޭޓް އިލެކްޓްރިކަލް ކޮމްޕެނީ (ސްޓެލްކޯ) ގެ މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރަ މިމަހުން ފެށިގެން 30-40 އިންސައްތަ ދެމެދުގެ މިންވަރަކަށް ބޮޑުކޮށްފި ކަމަށް އެ ކުންފުނިން މިއަދު ބުނެފި އެވެ

ޑިޕިއުޓީ ޑިރެކްޓަރ ހަސަން ހުސައިން ވިދާޅުވީ ސަރުކާރުން ހިންގާ ކުންފުނީގެ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް މުސާރަ ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް މުސާރަ ބޮޑުކުރުމާ ގުޅިގެން ކަމަށެވެ. އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވީ އެސިސްޓެންޓް ޑިރެކްޓަރުން ފެށިގެން މަތީގެ މަގާމުތަކުގެ ވެރިންނަށް ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވަނީ 30 އިންސައްތަ ކަމަށެވެ. އޭގެ ދަށުގެ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވަނީ 40 އިންސައްތަ ކަމަށެވެ

ގެއްލުމުގައި ހިންގާ ސަރުކާރުގެ ކަރަންޓް ކުންފުނީގެ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް މި މަހުގެ މުސާރައާއެކު ލިބޭނީ ބޮޑު މުސާރަ ކަމަށާއި އެންމެ ކުޑަ މުސާރައެއް ލިބޭ މީހަކަށް މުސާރައިގެ 40 އިންސައްތައިގެ ކުރިއެރުމެއް ލިބޭނެ ކަމަށާއި ބޮޑު މުސާރަ ލިބޭ މުވައްޒަފަކަށް 30 އިންސައްތަ ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވާ ކަމަށް ވެސް އޭނާ ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ހަތް ސަތޭކަ އަށް ވުރެ ގިނަ މުވައްޒަފުން މަސައްކަތް ކުރާ ސްޓެލްކޯގެ ސީނިޔަ އޮފިސަރަކަށް މުސާރައިގެ ގޮތުގައި މަހަކު މިހާރު ލިބެނީ 2،800ރ. އެވެ. ޖޫނިޔަރަ އޮފިސަރަކަށް މުސާރައިގެ ގޮތުގައި މަހަކު ލިބެނީ 2،170ރ. އެވެ

މުސާރަ ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވަނީ އެވެރެޖްކޮށް 32.5 އިންސައްތަ ކަމަށް ވެސް ހަސަން ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

ސްޓެލްކޯގެ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް މުސާރަ ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވާއިރު ކުރިން ލިބެމުން ދިޔަ ލިވިން އެލަވަންސް ބޮޑު މުސާރައާއެކު އުނިކޮށްފައިވާ ކަމަށްވެ އެވެ

މިމަހުން ފެށިގެން ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރަ ވެސް ވަނީ 20-60 އިންސައްތައާ ދެމެދު ބޮޑުކޮށްފަ އެވެ

ސްޓެލްކޯއަކީ މިއަހަރުގެ ބަޖެޓުންވެސް 200 މިލިއަން ރުފިޔާގެ ސަބްސިޑީޒް އެއް ދީފައިވާ ކުންފުންނެކެވެ

2008-01-23T09:47:00.000+05:00

ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިޅީހުގެ ގޮނޑިއަށް ކުރިމަތި ލެވޭނީ އެދާއިރާއެއްގެ މީހުންނަށް ކަމަށް ހުށަހަޅައިފި

ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ އެކިއެކި ދާއިރާތަކުގެ ގޮނޑިއަށް ކުރިމަތިލެވޭނީ އެދާއިރާއެއްގެ މީހަކަށް ކަމަށް ހެދުމަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހުގެ ނ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ މުހައްމަދު ތޯރިޤް ހުށަހަޅުއްވައިފި އެވެ

އިސްލާހް ކުރެވޭ ޤާނޫން އަސާސީގައި ހިމެނޭ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ބާބުން ފާސްނުވެ ދިޔަ މާއްދާތައް ޑްރާފްޓްކޮށްގެން ގެނައުމުން އެއަށް ތޯރިގް ހުށަހަޅުއްވާ ރ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ މުހައްމަދު އާތިފް ތާއީދު ކުރެއްވި އިސްލާހުގައި ވަނީ ”ކޮންމެ އިންތިޚާބީ ދާއިރާއަކުންވެސް ކުރިމަތިލެވޭނީ އެދާއިރާއެއްގެ ރައްޔިތަކު ފިޔަވާ އެހެން ދާއިރާއެއްގެ ރައްޔިތަކު ނަމަ އެދާއިރާއެއްގައި ރަޖިސްޓްރީ ވިތާ އެއްއަހަރު ވުމާއެކު މެދުނުކެނޑި ހަމަސް ދުވަހު އެދާއިރާއެއްގައި ދިރިއުޅެފައިވާ މީހުން“ ކަމަށެވެ. މިއީ ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ބާބުގެ 4 ވަނަ މާއްދާއަށް އަކުރެއް އިތުރުކުރުމަށް ހުށަހެޅުއްވި އިސްލާހެކެވެ

ބޭރު މީހަކަށް ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ މެންބަރުކަމަށް ކުރިމަތިލެވޭނެ ގޮތާމެދު ތަފާތު ހުށަހެޅުންތައް ހުށަހަޅުއްވާފައިވެ އެވެ. އޭގެތެރޭގައި ތ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ރިޔާޟް ރަޝީދު ހުށަހަޅުއްވާ ރ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ އަލީވަހީދު ތާއީދު ކުރައްވާފައިވާ ހުށަހެޅުމުގައި ވަނީ ބޭރުމީހަކަށް ކުރިމަތިލެވޭނީ އޭނާ ދިވެހިރައްޔިތަކަށް ވީތާ 10 އަހަރު ފުރުމުން ކަމަށާއި އަދި ދިރިއުޅެމުން ގެންދާތާ 15 އަހަރު ފުރުމުންނެވެ

ގދ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ މުހައްމަދުވަހީދު އަލީ ހުށަހަޅުއްވާ އެއަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ޢަބްދުﷲ ލަތީފް ތާއީދު ކުރައްވާފައިވާ ހުށަހެޅުމުގައި ވަނީ ބޭރުމީހަކަށް ކުރިމަތިލެވޭނީ އޭނާ ދިވެހިރައްޔިތަކަށް ވީތާ 7 އަހަރު ފުރުމުން ކަމަށާއި އަދި އެމީހަކީ ރާއްޖޭގައި ދިރިއުޅެމުންދާ މީހަކަށް ވުމުން ކަމަށެވެ

ވ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ މޫސާ ނިޒާރު ހުށަހަޅުއްވާ ހދ އަތޮޅު މެންބަރ ޢަބްދުﷲ ނަސީރު ތާއީދު ކުރައްވާފައިވާ ހުށަހެޅުމުގައި ވަނީ ބޭރު މީހަކަށް ކުރިމަތިލެވޭނީ އޭނާ ދިވެހިރައްޔިތަކަށް ވީތާ 5 އަހަރު ފުރުމުން ކަމަށާއި އަދި އަދި އެމީހަކީ ރާއްޖޭގައި ދިރިއުޅެމުންދާ ދިވެހި ބަހުން ވާހަކަ ދައްކަން ދަންނަ މީހަކަށް ވުމެވެ

ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ބާބުން ފާސްނުވެ ދިޔަ މާއްދާތައް އަލުން ޑްރާފްޓްކޮށްގެން ގެނައުމުން އެޑްރާފްޓަށް 46 އިސްލާހެއް ވަނީ ހުށަހަޅާފައެވެ. ނުރަސްމީ ބައްދަލުވުމެއް ނުބާއްވާ ކުރިއަށް ގެންދިޔަ އިސްލާހު ހުށަހެޅުމާއި ބަހުސްކުރުން މިއަދުގެ މެންދުރު ކުރީގެ ޖަލްސާގައި ވަނީ ބާއްވާފަ އެވެ. މިމާއްދާތަކަށް ވޯޓަށް އެހުން މިއަދު މެންދުރުފަހު ޖަލްސާގައި ކުރިއަށް ގެންދާގޮތަށް އޮތީ ހަމަޖައްސާފަ އެވެ

Majlis passes article specifying its composition

2008-01-23T09:46:00.000+05:00

The Special Majlis yesterday passed amendment to the Chapter on the People’s Majlis which says that the Majlis is composed of 2 members from the 21 administrative sectors (20 atolls plus Male’) plus an additional member for every additional 5000 people in the administrative sector. This was passed yesterday during the vote taken on those articles of the Chapter on the People’s Majlis that were not previously put to vote.

Yesterday’s voting was on the re drafts proposed by the Drafting Committee and the amendments put forward by the Members to those re drafts. In this regard the amendment was passed as proposed by Addu Atoll member Mohamed Aslam. This amendment was supported by Husnu Al Suood MP for Addu as well.

The amendment is given below;

“The composition of the Majlis shall be determined as follows, 2 members for the first 5000 people of each administrative sector or two members for each administrative sector which has a population of 5000. If the registered population of the administrative sector exceeds 5000, then an additional member shall be elected for each additional 5000.”

This is a very important change that is being introduced to the political system of the Maldives. When the amendment is in force, then the Majlis, which currently have 2 members from each atoll, 2 members from Male’ and the 8 Members appointed by the President, will have approximately 72 elected Members. The new Majlis shall not have any appointed Members of the President. Further the Majlis established under the new constitution shall be responsible for bringing the necessary amendments to the constitution, formulating legislations, to check and monitor the affairs of the government and the President as well as to make the government and the president accountable in accordance with the constitution in place. Further once the new constitution comes in to force, there shall be no Special Majlis to amend the constitution.

Speaking during the debate time MP for Fuvahmulak Mohamed Ibrahim Didi said that as there will be a lot of disputes and difficulties in the forming of electoral areas and as such not the best and most appropriate way. Some members are of the opinion that difficulties will be faced during the election process due to the way the Majlis is composed. They claim that instead of 5000, an additional member should be elected for each additional 10000 people. Also instead of further distributing the administrative sectors to electoral areas, members should be elected for the entire administrative sector and the number of candidates can be determined based on the population and they can be elected based on the number of votes received.

85 Members attended the Majlis session before break time and 98 members attended after the break time. Yesterday’s session was chaired by Speaker Qasim Ibrahim.

One from each electoral sector to be elected

2008-01-23T09:45:00.000+05:00

At the session of the Special Majlis held yesterday, Majlis passed to elect one member from each electoral sector. The endorsement to elect one member from each electoral sector was one the major amendments that were previously not put to vote. This was passed during the vote taken yesterday afternoon on the Chapter on the People’s Majlis. The vote was taken after consideration of those redrafted amendments of the Chapter on the People’s Majlis, and the amendments put forward by the members to those re drafts submitted by the Drafting Committee.

In the new constitution the article on the election of the members of the Chapter on the people’s Majlis states that in accordance with procedures and principles stipulated in the articles of the this constitution, each administrative sector shall determine specific electoral areas and that one candidate shall be elected from each electoral area.

One member is to be elected from each electoral area by secret ballot among the candidates standing for election. Appropriate legislation shall state how each administrative sector and the electoral areas shall be determined. Further the population that forms a specific administrative sector shall be distributed equally among the electoral areas.

2 members from each atoll and 2 from Male’ are elected under the present constitution. Further another additional 8 members are appointed by the President. However under the constitution only elected members will form the Majlis.

Nasheed says it is all rumors

2008-01-23T09:44:00.000+05:00

Minister of Legal Reform Information and Arts Mohamed Nasheed has rejected the rumors floating around town that he has submitted his resignation.

Nasheed speaking to Maidhu via telephone said that they are all rumors and as such completely false. Stories about Minister Nasheed’s resignation from the cabinet started last Monday and by noon that day it was the most talked about topic in Male’ tea shops.

Some claim that alleged resignation of Minister Nasheed was due to his unsuccessful attempts to table a no confidence motion against Speaker of the Special Majlis Qasim Ibrahim. They claim that Minister Nasheed wanted no confidence motion taken because MP for Addu Atoll as well as DRP Parliamentary group Member Ibrahim Shareef was ordered out of the Majlis by the Speaker.

When asked if such incident happened Minister Nasheed replied that it was all rumors and that he himself was surprised.

“No such thing happened, many people are also calling me, I have no intention of tabling a no confidence motion against Qasim, it does not work like that, in any case we have to accept Qasim’s decisions” said Nasheed.

No decision on providing bus service - Ministry

2008-01-23T09:43:00.000+05:00

Education Ministry has revealed that no decision has been reached as yet on the issue of providing bus service to the students of Qazee School of Hulhumale’.

Director General of Ministry of Education Mohamed Saeed told Miadhu that due to unavailability of the bus service to the students many parents have expressed their frustrations.

“No decision has been reached on the issue as yet, discussions are being held on the issue” said Mohamed Saeed.

A parent of a student of Qazee school, who wishes to remain anonymous told Miadhu that as the Qazee School is located away from the area where people live,they are facing difficulties and that the parents are not too happy to allow to participate in extra curricular activities. Further the anonymous parent told that the ministry has not informed anything on providing the bus service.

“School is located very far away, parents has expressed their frustration on the non availability of the bus service, while many of the extra curricular activities are held during evening hours, we parents are not too keen to send our children” said a parent.

Students of Fareedhiyya School were transferred to Qazee School by the Education Ministry in order to upgrade Fareedhiyya to an international school. Even though the students were changed to a new school no change was brought to the management said a parent.

DPH urges travelers to be wary of bird flue

2008-01-23T09:42:00.001+05:00

Department of Public Health (DPH) has revealed that World Health Organization (WHO) has issued precautionary notices warning to be wary of bird flu as the disease has been reported in some of the south Asian countries. In this regard DPH has revealed that cases of bird flu have once again been reported in Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.

DPH informs that cases of bird flu were reported in Bangladesh in March last year and that up to now the disease has spread to 23 out of 64 regions of the country. According to DPH some 300,000 chicken had been eliminated but so far no case of any humans being affected has been reported in Bangladesh.

35,000 chickens have been eliminated in some districts of India near the Bangladeshi border informs DPH. DPH further revealed that in order to prevent further spread of the disease in that country, transferring of chicken from one district to another has been banned. DPH revealed that so far no human has been affected by the disease in that country.

Bird flue has been spreading in Indonesia since 2005 and that so far 119 people have been affected and 97 have died informs DPH.

DPH has warned all travelers to take precautionary measures as this disease is spreading in these countries. DPH says visiting of poultry sites in these countries are not advisable to urges to ensure to consume well cooked eggs.

MIFCO introduces 180 gm Garudhiya cans

2008-01-23T09:41:00.000+05:00

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has introduced 180 gram size of “Garudhiya” cans to the market.

According to MIFCO the company last year introduced 1.7 kilograms of Garudhiya cans to the market. The product was well received by the general public.

MIFCO revealed the main purpose of introducing the small size cans is to provide easy access to the product for Maldivians living abroad.

MIFCO revealed that the small size can is sold at Rf.8.00.

MIFCO previously introduced 2 types of canned Garudhiya. One type consists of fish soup, Garudhiya, plus 400 gram fish while the other consists of fish soup, Garudhiya and 400 gram fish plus a fish head. These cans were made at Felivaru Fisheries Complex of MIFCO and are prepared in the same style and taste as one prepared in a Maldivian Kitchen. Each tin can serve 4 to 6 people.

MIFCO says that this new product was made with today’s new generation in mind, hopes this product would suit their busy life styles.

2008-01-22T07:05:00.000+05:00

ސަރުކާރު ސްކޫލުތަކުގެ މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރައަށް ބަދަލުގެނެސްފި

ސަރުކާރުން މުއައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރައަށް ގެނައި ބަދަލުތަކާއި ގުޅިގެން ސުކޫލުތަކުގެ މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރައަށް ގެނައި ބަދަލުތައް މިއަދު އެސުކޫލުތަކަށް އަންގައިފި އެވެ

އެޑިއުކޭޝަން މިނިސްޓްރީން ބުނީ ސުކޫލު ދާއިރާގެ މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރައަށް އައި ބަދަލުތައް އެމިނިސްޓްރީއަށް ލިބިފައިވަނީ މިމަހުގެ 15 ވަނަ ދުވަހު ކަމަށާއި އަދި އެގެނެވުނު ބަދަލުތައް މިއަދުން ފެށިގެން ސުކޫލުތަކަށް އަންގަވަމުންދާ ކަމަށެވެ

”މި ބަދަލަކީ ސަރުކާރު މުވައްޒަފުންނަށް ގެނެވުނު ބަދަލާއެކު ތައުލީމީ ދާއިރާގައި ހަރަކާތްތެރިވާ ފަރާތްތަކަށް ގެނުވުނު ބަދަލު. އެހެން ނަމަވެސް އެޑިއުކޭޝަން މިނިސްޓްރީން ތައްޔާރުކޮށްފައިވާ އޮނިގަނޑުގެ ދަށުން އަދި އިތުރު ބަދަލުތަކެއް އަންނާނެ“ އެޑިއުކޭޝަން މިނިސްޓަރުގެ ނައިބު އިބުރާހިމް އިސްމާއިލް ވިދާޅުވި އެވެ

މިއަދު އެޑިއުކޭޝަން މިނިސްޓްރީން ސުކޫލުތަކަށް ފޮނުވާފައިވާ އޮނިގަނޑުގައި ބުނާގޮތުން އެދާއިރާގެ މުވައްޒަފުންނަށްވެސް މުސާރަ ބޮޑުވެފައިވަނީ 20 އިންސައްތައާ 60 އިންސައްތައާ ދެމެދުގެ އަދަދަކަށެވެ. އެގޮތުން އެންމެ މަތީ އިންސައްތައެއް ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވަނީ ސުކޫލުތަކުގެ މަސައްކަތު މީހުން ނަށެވެ

ސުކޫލުތަކުގެ މަސައްކަތު މީހުންނަށް ވަނީ 62.5 އިންސައްތައިގެ ކުރިއެރުމެއް ދީފަ އެވެ. އެގޮތުން ކުރީގައި 1600 ރުފިޔާ ލިބެމުން އައި މަސައްކަތު މީހަކަށް މިމަހުން ފެށިގެން 2600 ރުފިޔާ ލިބޭނެ އެވެ. އެސިސްޓެންޓް ޓީޗަރެއްގެ މުސާރައަށް 52.5 އިންސައްތަ ބޮޑު ކޮށްފައިވާއިރު ޓީޗަރެއްގެ މުސާރައަށް ބޮޑުކޮށްފައިވަނީ 35 އިންސައްތަ އެވެ. އެސިސްޓެންޓް ޓީޗަރ ނުވަތަ ޓީޗަރ ގްރޭޑް އެކެއްގައި އުޅެމުންދާ މީހުންނަށް ކުރިން ލިބެމުންދިޔަ 2170ރގެ ބަދަލުގައި މިހާރު ލިބެމުންދާނީ 3310 ރުފިޔާ އެވެ. އަދި ޓީޗަރެއް ނުވަތަ ޓީޗަރ ގްރޭޑް 5ގައި އުޅެމުންދާ މުސާރައަށް ކުރިން ލިބެމުން އައި 3660ރގެ ބަދަލުގައި މިމަހުން ފެށިގެން ލިބޭނީ 4940ރ އެވެ

އިންސައްތައިގެ ގޮތުން އާދައިގެ މީހުންނަށް ބޮޑުވެފައިވީ ނަމަވެސް ލިބޭ އެއްޗެއްގެ ގޮތުން އެންމެ ބޮޑަށް ލިބިފައިވަނީ މަތީ މަގާމުތަކަށެވެ. އެގޮތުން އާދައިގެ މަސައްކަތު މީހަކަށް 1000 ރުފިޔާ ބޮޑުވިއިރު ޕްރިންސިޕަލެއްގެ މުސާރައިން ވަނީ 1700 ރުފިޔާ ބޮޑުވެފަ އެވެ

ސުކޫލުތަކުގެ މެނޭޖްމަންޓް ދާއިރާގެ މުވައްޒަފުންގެ މުސާރައަށް ގެނެވުނު ބަދަލުތަކަށް ބަލާއިރު ކުރިން 3660 ރުފިޔާ ލިބޭ ހެޑްމާސްޓަރުންގެ މުސާރައިގެ 35 ޕަސެންޓަށްވާ 1280ރ. ބޮޑުކުރުމުން 4940ރ. ލިބޭނެ އެވެ. އަދި ކުރިން 8555ރ ލިބެމުންދިޔަ ޕްރިންސިޕަލުންނަށް މި މަހުންފެށިގެން އެމީހުންގެ މުސާރައަށް ގެނެވުނު 20 ޕަސެންޓަށްވާ 1707ރ އެއްކުރުމުން 10،265 ރުފިޔާ ލިބޭނެ އެވެ

2008-01-22T07:03:00.000+05:00

ދީނީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަމުގެ ގާނޫނާ ޚިލާފަށް ފަތުވާދެއްވަމުން ދަނިކޮށް ޑރ.އަފްރާޝިމަށް ޑިރެކްޓަރ ޖެނެރަލްކަން ދެއްވައިފި

ރާއްޖޭގައި ދީނީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަން ހިމާޔަތް ކުރުމަށް ހެދިފައިވާ ގާނޫނާ ޚިލާފަށް މަތީ މަޖުލީހުގެ ހުއްދައެއް ނެތި އާއްމުންނަށް ފަތުވާދެމުންދަނިކޮށް ހޯމް މިނިސްޓްރީގެ ޑިރެކްޓަރ ޖެނެރަލް ކަމުގެ މަގާމު ޑރ.އަފްރާޝީމް އަލީ (ފޮޓޯ) އަށް ދެއްވައިފި އެވެ

ރާއްޖޭގެ ގާނޫނުގެ ދީނީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަން ހިމާޔަތް ކުރުމުގެ ގާނޫނުގެ 2 ވަނަ މާއްދާގެ (ހ)ގައި ބުނެފައި ވަނީ ދިވެހި ރާއްޖޭގައި ދީނީ ތަގްރީރު ކުރުމާއި, އާންމުކޮށް ދީނީ ހުކުމްތައް ބަޔާންކޮށްދިނުމާއި, މިއިން ކަމެއް ކުރަން ވާނީ, ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާއަށް ލިޔެ, އެކަމުގެ ހުއްދަ ލިއުމަކުން ލިބިގެނެވެ. ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ އެހުއްދަ ދިނުމަށް ވަކި ފަރާތެއް ކަނޑައަޅާފައިވާނަމަ, އެކަމަށް އެދި ލިޔާނީ އެފަރާތަކަށެވެ. އަދި ހަމަ އެގާނޫނުގެ ތިންވަނަ މާއްދާގައި ބުނެފައިވަނީ މި ހުއްދަ ދޭންވާނީ ދިވެހި ސަރުކަރުން ގަބޫލުކުރާ ޔުނިވާރސިޓީއަކުން ސެޓްފިކެޓް ލިބިފައިވާ މީހަކަށް ނުވަތަ ސަރުކާރުން ގަބޫލުކުރާ ފެންވަރަކަށް ދީނީ ތައުލީމު ހާސިލްކޮށްފައިވާ މީހަކަށެވެ. އަދި މިހުއްދަ ދެވޭނީ ސަރުކާރުން ކަނޑައަޅާ އުސޫލުތަކެއްގެ މަތިން މުސްލިމަކަށް ކަންވެސް އެގާނޫނުގައި ބުނެފައިވެ އެވެ

މި ގާނޫނުގެ ދެވަނަ މާއްދާގެ ދަށުން ދީނީ ތަގްރީރުތައް ކުރުމަށް ހުއްދަދެއްވާނީ އިސްލާމީ ކަންތައްތަކާ ބެހޭ އެންމެ މަތީ މަޖުލީހުން ނެވެ. އެމަޖުލީހުން ބުނެފައި ވަނީ ދީނީ ތަގްރީރު ދިނުމުގެ ހުއްދަ ދެވޭނީ ދީނީ ތައުލީމު ހާސިލްކޮށްގެން ގައުމަށް އަންނަތާ އެއްއަހަރަށް ފަހުން ކަމަށެވެ. އަދި ޑރ.އަފްރާޝީމަށް އެހުއްދަ ދެވިފައި ނުވާ ކަމަށްވެސް އެތަނުން ވަނީ ބުނެފަ އެވެ

ރ. އުނގޫފާރަށް އުފަން ޑރ. އަފްރާޝީމަކީ މެލޭޝިއާގެ އިންޓަނޭޝަނަލް އިސްލާމިކް ޔުނިވާސިޓީގައި އިސްލާމިކް ރިވީލްޑް ނޮލެޖު އެންޑް ހެރިޓޭޖް (ފިގުހު އަދި އުސޫލުލް ފިގުހު) ގެ ރޮނގުން ޕީއެޗްޑީ ހާސިލްކުރެއްވުމަށްފަހު މިދިޔަ އަހަރު ރާއްޖެ ވަޑައިގެންނެވި ބޭފުޅެކެވެ

އޭނާ މިހާރު ގެންދަވަނީ ރާއްޖޭގައި ދީނީ ހޭލުންތެރިކަން އުފެއްދުމުގެ ނަމުގައި ޓީވީ މެދުވެރިކޮށް އާމުންނަށް ދީނީ ފަތްވާ ދެއްވަމުންނެވެ. އެގޮތުން ޓީވީއެމުން ވަނީ ޑރ.އަފްރާޝީމް ހިމަނުއްވައިގެން ދީނީ ފަތްވާދޭ ޕްރޮގްރާމެއްވެސް ފަށާފަ އެވެ. ނަމަވެސް ޓީވީގައި އަފްރާޝީމް ދައްކަވާ ވާހަކަފުޅުތަކާ ބެހޭ ގޮތުން ބައެއް މީހުންގެ ތެރޭގައި ހިޔާލުތަފާތުވެ, ބައެއް ފަރާތްތަކުން ގެންދަވަނީ ޝަކުވާ ވެސް ކުރަމުންނެވެ. އަދި އެކަން ހުއްޓާލުމަށް މަތީމަޖުލީހުންވަނީ އަފްރާޝީމަށް އަންގަވާފަ އެވެ

ނަމަވެސް ޓީވީއެމްއާއި އިންފޯމޭޝަން މިނިސްޓްރީން ބުނަމުންދަނީ ޑރ.އަފްރާޝީމަކީ ފަތްވާދިމުގެ ހުއްދަ އޮތް މީހެއް ކަމަށާއި އޭނައަށް ލިބިފައިވާ ސެކެޓްފިކެޓަކީ ދީނުގެ ފަތްވާތައް ދެވުމުގެ ހުއްދައެއް ކަމަށެވެ

މިކަމާ ގުޅިގެން މިނިސްޓަރު ނަޝީދު ވިދާޅުވެފައިވަނީ އެއްބައިވަންތަ ކަމުގެ ގަވައިދު ހެދިފައިވަނީ ގާނޫނުގެ ދަށުން ނޫންކަމަށާއި އެހެންވެ އެއަށް ތަބާވާން ނުޖެހޭ ކަމަށެވެ

2008-01-22T07:02:00.000+05:00

ހިމަންދޫ މައްސަލައިގެ ޝަރީއަތް: ވަކިން ޖަމާއަތް ހަދައިގެން ހިމަންދޫގައި ނަމާދު ކުރި ދާރުލްޚައިރު ކުއްޔަށް ދީފައިވާކަމަށް ގޭގެ ވެރިފަރާތުން ބުނެފި

އއ. ހިމަންދޫ ގެއެއްގައި ވަކިން ޖަމާއަތް ހަދައިގެން ނަމާދާއި ހުކުރު ކުރުމުން ދިޔަ ދާރުލް ޚައިރު ކުއްޔަށްދީފައި ވާކަމަށް ގޭގެ ވެރިފަރާތުން މިއަދު ޖިނާއީ ކޯޓުގައި ބުނެފި އެވެ

މިއަދު ހެދުނު ޖިނާއީ ކޯޓުގައި އޮތް ޝަރީއަތުގެ މަޖިލީހުގައި ގާޒީ އަލީ ރަޝީދު ދެންނެވި ސުވާލަކަށް ޖަވާބު ދެމުން ދާރުލް ހައިރު ވެރިފަރާތް ހިމަންދޫ, ވެނީލާގޭ މޫސާ އަބޫބަކުރު ބުނީ އެގެ ވާނީ މަހަކު 1000ރ އަގަކަށް އަހުމަދު ޝަކީބު ކިޔާ މީހަކަށް ކުއްޔަށް ދީފައި ކަމަށެވެ

މޫސާ އަބޫބަކުރު ބުނީ އޭނާ ދިރިއުޅެމުން ދަނީ ވެސް މާލޭގައި ކަމަށާއި ވަރަށް މަދުން ދޭތެރެއަކުން ރަށަށް ގޮސްލައި އުޅޭ ކަމަށެވެ

” އަޅުގަނޑު ކައިރީގައި އޭނާ އެހީ ގޭގައި ނަމާދު ކުރިއަސް އެންމެ ރަނގަޅު ހޭ. އަޅުގަނޑު ބުނިން ނަމާދު ކުރިއަސް އެންމެ ރަގަޅު ކަމަށް.“ މޫސާ އަބޫބަކުރު ބުންޏެވެ

މޫސާ އަބޫބަކުރުގެ ވާހަކައާ ގުޅިގެން ގާޒީ ވިދާޅުވީ ކުރިން ދުވަހުގެ ޝަރީއަތުގެ މަޖިލީހުގައި ހުއްދަ ދީފައިވާނެ ކަމަށް ބުނެފައި ވަނީ ކީއްވެ ތޯ އެވެ. ގާޒީގެ މިސުވާލަށް ޖަވާބު ދެއްވަމުން މޫސާ އަބޫބަކުރު ބުނީ އެދުވަހު ވަކި މީހެއްގެ ވާހަކަ ބުނެފައި ނުވާތީ ކަމަށެވެ

މި ޝަރީއަތުގެ މަޖިލީހުގައި މޫސާ އަބޫބަކުރުގެ ވަކީލު އަހުމަދު ޒަނީނު ވިދާޅުވީ ދައުލަތުން އޭނާގެ މުވައްކިލުގެ މައްޗަށް ކުރާ ދައުވާ އަށް އިންކާރުކުރާ ކަމަށާއި މައްސަލަ ސާފު ނުވާ ކަމަށެވެ

ޒަނީނު ވިދާޅުވީ ދިވެހިރައްޔިތުންގެ ދީނީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަށް ހިމާޔަތް ކުރާ ގާނޫނާއި ހިލާފު އެއްވެސް ކަމެއް އޭނާގެ މުވައްކިލު ކޮށްފައިވާ ކަމަށް ގަބޫލު ނުކުރެވޭ ކަމަށެވެ

ދައުލަތުގެ ވަކީލު އަލީ ޝާހު ވިދާޅުވީ މުސާ އަބޫބަކުރު އޭނާގެ ގެއެއްގައި ބަޔަކު މީހުން ވަކިން ޖަމާއަތް ހަދައިގެން ނަމާދާއި ހުކުރު ކުރުމަށް ދިން ހުއްދައިގެ ސަބަބުން ހިމަންދޫގެ ދީނީ އެއްބައިވަންތަކަމާއި އެކުވެރިކަމާއި ވަހުދަތު ގެއްލި ބިރުވެރިކަން އުފެދި ރަށްރަށުން މީހުން އެރަށަށް ބަދަލުވެ މުޅި ރާއްޖޭގެ ސަމާލުކަމަށް އައިސްފައިވާކަން ސާފުކޮށް ފެންނާން އެބައޮތް ކަމަށެވެ

2008-01-22T06:59:00.000+05:00

އިމާދު ސޯލިހް ވަކިކުރިކަން ޚާއްސަ މަޖިލީހަށް ނާންގާ އޮތުމުން އިއްޔެގެ ޖަލްސާއަށް ހުރަސް އެޅިއްޖެ

ރައްޔިތުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހުރިއްޔާގެ މެންބަރ އިމާދު ސޯލިހް މެންބަރުކަމުން ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ ވަކިކުރެއްވިކަން ޚާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހަށް ނާންގަވާ އޮތުމުން އިއްޔެގެ މެންދުރު ކުރީގެ ޖަލްސާއަށް ހުރަސްއެޅިއްޖެ އެވެ

އިއްޔެ މެންދުރު ކުރިން އޮތް ރައްޔިތުންގެ ޚާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހުގެ ޖަލްސާ ކުރިއަށް ނުގެންދެވިގެން ހުއްޓާލާފައިވަނީ އެއް މެންބަރަކު މަދުވެގެން 57 މެންބަރުން ހަމަ ނުވެގެންނެވެ

އިއްޔެ މެންދުރުކުރިން އޮތް ޖަލްސާގައި އައްޑޫ މެންބަރ އިބްރާހީމް ޝަރީފް އަމުރަށް ކިޔަމަންވެ ވަޑައިނުގަތުމުން 10 މިނިޓަށް ޖަލްސާ ހުއްޓަވާލެއްވުމުން ޝަރީފް ހޯލުން ނެރުއްވީ ޑީއާރުޕީގެ ބައެއް މެންބަރުން ވަޑައިގެން އަތުގައި ހިއްޕަވައިގެން ކަހަލަ ގޮތަކަށެވެ. އަދި ޝަރީފާއެކު އަދި އޭގެފަހުންވެސް ޑީއާރުޕީގެ ގިނަ މެންބަރުންތަކެއް ޖަލްސާ ދޫކުރައްވާ ނިކުމެވަޑައގަތުމުން މަޖިލީހުގައި ތިއްބެވީ ކިރިޔާ ކޯރަމް އަދަދު ކަމުގައިވާ 57 މެންބަރުންނެވެ

އެގޮތުގައި އޮވެ 10 މިނިޓް ވުމުން ޖަލްސާ އަލުން ފަށަން ތައްޔާރުވުމާއެކު ވަޒީރުންގެ މަޖިލީހުގެ މެންބަރ ކޮންސްޓްރަކްޝަން މިނިސްޓރ ޑރ މައުރޫފް ޖަމީލް ނިކުމެވަޑައިގަތުމުން ކޯރަމް ގެއްލުނު ކަމަށް މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސް ޤާސިމް އިބްރާހީމް ނިންމެވިއެވެ. ޖަލްސާ ނިންމަވާލެއްވީ އެގޮތުގައި ކޯރަމް ގެއްލިގެން އެތައް އިރަކު އޮތުމަށްފަހު ކޯރަމް ހަމަނުވެގެން ޖަލްސާ ކުރިއަށް ނުގެންދެވިގެންނެވެ. ކޯރަމަށް އޭރު މަދުވަނީ އެންމެ މެންބަރެކެވެ

އިއްޔެގެ މެންދުރުފަހުގެ ކުރީގެ ޖަލްސާގައި ބައެއް މެންބަރުން ނިޒާމީ ނުކުތާ ނަންގަވައިގެން, ރައީސުލް ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ މެންބަރ އިމާދު ސޯލިހް ވަކިކުރެއްވިކަމަށް ވިދާޅުވުމުން ރައީސް ޤާސިމް އިބްރާހީމް ވިދާޅުވީ އެމަނިކުފާނަށް އެކަން އަންގަވާފައި ނުވާކަމަށާއި އަންގަވަން ޖެހިވަޑައިގަންނަވާނެ ކަމަށެވެ. އިމާދު ސޯލިހް ވަކިކުރެއްވުމުން މަޖިލީހުގެ ކޯރަމަކަށް ވާނީ 56 މެންބަރުންނެވެ. އިމާދު ސޯލިހް ވަކިކުރެއްވިކަން އެއްގެވިނަމަ އިއްޔެގެ މެންދުރު ކުރީގެ ޖަލްސާ 56 މެންބަރުންނައިގެން (ކޯރަމައިގެން) ކުރިއަށް ގެންދެވުނީހެވެ. އިމާދުގެ ބަދަލުގައި އިއްޔެ ޚާއްޞަ މަޖިލީހުގެ ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ

އަހުމަދު މަހްލޫފް ހަމަޖައްސަވާފައިވައިވާކަން ޕަބްލިކަށް އެނގިފައިވަނީ ޖަލްސާ ހުއްޓަވާލެއްވިފަހުން އިއްޔެގެ މެންދުރު ފަހު 2 ގެ ޚަބަރުގައެވެ. މަހްލޫފް ޖަލްސާއަށް ވަޑައިގެންފައިވަނީވެސް އިއްޔެގެ މެންދުރުފަހުގެ ޖަލްސާއަށެވެ

Prices have doubled – Dr. Munnawar

2008-01-22T06:58:00.003+05:00

MDP President Dr. Mohamed Munnawar has said that general expenses when compared to 6 months ago have risen twofold. He made the statement speaking at a news conference held by the party last week.

Dr. Munnawar noted that the increment to government employees was not a relief afforded to them. He noted the prices of many items such as cooking gas increased and that although the salaries has increased the actual benefit from such an increment is lost due to high inflation.

Speaking on the inflation Dr. Munnawar said he does not believe that the figures given by the government truly represent the actual inflation rate. He noted that the inflation rate depends on the standards employed by those who check it and without a proper analysis such figures would not be accurate. However he noted that doubling of the prices of goods used in day to day life can be taken as sign of inflation going up.
“Point to consider is, can we now buy the same amount of goods we bought six months ago for Rf100, we gave a “masbanas”(a fish bun) to our children when they went to school last year, can we them “masbanas now”? What can we afford to give our children considering the current prices? Those items which we bought for Rf100 half a year ago, we can only get for Rf200 or more” said Dr. Munawar speaking on the inflation.

The government has increased their salaries by 20 to 60 % from 1 Janauary. The government’s decision to increase the pay of the government employees were a much anticipated as well as very popular decision. Many have voiced their opinion to Miadhu saying that the President’s decision to raise the government salaries was a sound decision made with the welfare of the people in mind as the prices of many goods have reached unreachable heights.

A dissatisfied young person told Miadhu that while the rental charges of the apartments and prices of consumer goods are increasing government is still providing low salaries to young people who has obtained higher education. The young person who wishes to remain anonymous holds a degree in economics and told Miadhu that the actual inflation rate is 40%. He said that government has not given true figures. Some people note that a liter of Kerosene was Rf4.16 in 2003, a liter of kerosene is now available at Rf.10.30 and that this represents a rise of 149%. They also note that cost of fuel has risen to 180% since 2003.

However some analysts claim that the increase in prices was due to high value of the dollar in India and Bangkok. They also say high rental cost of warehouses is contributing factor and as such the high prices are due to a various reasons.

According to Planning Ministry statistics inflation rate when compared to 26 November last year to the same period of the previous year stood at 9.5%. Inflation rate of food stuffs during last November stood at 15%

Shahid meets Dr. Gregory French

2008-01-22T06:58:00.001+05:00

Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr. Gregory Alan French has made a farewell call on the Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

At the meeting Dr French commented on the progress Maldives has achieved and praised the government for such remarkable achievements. He also noted that as a partner in the social and economic development efforts Australian government was proud of the government’s work and assured that Australia was ready to provide all necessary assistance for the development of Maldives.

Minister Shahid in turn thanked Dr. French for the support and assistance he gave to Maldives during his term as Ambassador. He also expressed his gratitude for the close cooperation rendered by Dr French during his term.

The meeting held at the Foreign Ministry was attended by senior officials from the Department of External resources.

Imadh Salih dismissed from Majlis

2008-01-22T06:56:00.000+05:00

Imadh Salih serving as the President’s Member at the Special Majlis has been dismissed form the Majlis by the president.

Speaking to Miadhu, Imadh Salih said that President’s Members to the Majlis are appointed and dismissed by the President. Imadh said he was appointed by the President and that he was dismissed yesterday according to Minister Aneesa Ahmed “as the President saw it best to do so”.

“Aneesa called from the President’s Office and said due to current circumstances, President is going to reshuffle his bench” said Imadh to Miadhu.

Asked how he viewed his work at the Majlis, Imadh replied,” he was very satisfied and he worked very independently and freely, as you may know President’s members works within limitations, we are not as free as elected members”.

Imadh further said that he worked in accordance with his oath in the best interests of the people and that it can be seen from the minutes of the Majlis sessions.

Imadh also revealed that he would still continue to serve the government and that he had never hoped to remain as President’s Member for ever.

Fish Kill due to bacteria – ERC

2008-01-22T06:55:00.000+05:00

In August to November 2007, several islands belonging to the central atolls of the Maldives experienced a massive fish kill incidents causing a major concern in the country. Thousands of dead fishes were reported washed ashore on the beaches of some islands almost on a daily basis. A research team from Environment Research Centre (ERC) visited the islands and collected water samples and fish samples for analysis.

ERC reports that a total of 11 fish samples were collected from three different lagoons in the Atoll. They reveal that visual observations of the samples did not indicate signs of damage or disease. However biopsy/cytology, microscopy, and biochemical analysis of samples belonging to various fish species revealed that the most likely cause of the massive fish kill was due to Aeromonas bacterial infection acquired through the water via the gills. Nutrient concentrations, both inorganic and organic, were highly variable from site to site.

ERC revealed that water quality analysis revealed very high levels of phosphates and nitrates, and ammonia. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) was very low (1.65mg/L) while Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) level of the samples were very high (2727.4 mg/L)

ERC also pointed that Aeromonas bacterial infection may be actual reason for the mass fish kill that occurred in Maldives last year, as the results of the experiments were based on samples taken from Dhaalu Atoll.

Previously Marine Research Centre (MRC) has revealed that mass fish kill was not due to Algal Bloom or due to low oxygen levels in the waters. MRC has taken samples from Baa, Kaafu and Vaavu atoll, for further analysis.

We are amending the constitution – Speaker Qasim

2008-01-22T06:54:00.000+05:00

The Speaker of the Peoples Special Majlis Qasim Ibrahim has stated that the ongoing work of the Majlis is to revise the existing constitution and that in no way is the Majlis engaged in formulating a brand new constitution.

Speaker Qasim made the statement to clarify the matter due to the opposition raising points of order in response to DRP member’s arguments that the Majlis is currently engaged in formulating a new constitution.

The opposition claims that the work undertaken by the Special Majlis was amending the existing constitution in accordance with the President’s decree. They have also urged the Speaker to bring a stop to the government’s attempt to confuse the general public by claiming the current ongoing work of the Special Majlis is formulating a new constitution on national TV.

Responding to the members arguments Speaker Qasim said the President Gayoom assembled the Special Majlis with the sole intention of amending the current constitution as can be seen in the letter sent by the President to the Majlis. Speaker Qasin further pointed out that the second article of the Majlis regulations clearly states that and as such the ongoing work is indeed amendment of the current constitution. However DRP Members say that the constitution formed by revision state that when the when the constitution that is being formed come in to force, the constitution that is currently in force will no longer be active and hence dissolved.

“The intention of the opposition is to prevent President Maumoon from standing election, one way or another, some of the articles endorsed by the Majlis makes “references to this constitution”, further when this constitution comes in to force and as some articles makes references to “this constitution” we can only say that this is a new constitution, as long as you don’t believe that this is a new constitution, the concept will slowly be erased” said Mohamed Anil President’s Special Member.

The arguments were thrashed in the process of passing the second article of the Chapter on the President.

The article 2 of the Chapter on the President was passed with the amendment proposed by President’s Member Mohamed Saleem. The amendment was passed with 66 votes in favor. The amendment states that the President’s term is 5 years and that no person shall serve for more than 2 consecutive terms as President.

Opposition Members claim that with the endorsement of Saleem’s amendment the President Gayoom can no loner compete for the Presidency as the Majlis is not formulating a new constitution and the reference made to “this constitution” in the article referred to the existing constitution. Members say as the President Gayoom has already served for more than 2 consecutive terms under the existing constitution he can no loner stand for election.

Anni says seeking re election unconstitutional

2008-01-22T06:53:00.000+05:00

Chairperson of Maldivian Democratic Party Mohamed Nasheed (Anni ) has said that the amendments that are being endorsed by the Peoples Special Majlis to the constitution under revision , does not permit President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to stand election for a seventh consecutive term in office. He further said there is no circumstances which would allow such an opportunity to the President under the constitution under going reform and if he went ahead to stand re election that would be unconstitutional.

Speaking to Miadhu, Anni indicated that the only way President Gayoom would be now able to stand re election would be by corrupting the constitution.

“There is absolutely no way the President can stand for re election with the amendments has taken place, there is no excuse he give, if he is going stand election then it would be unconstitutional, the only way he can stand election is by corrupting the constitution” said Anni , Chairperson of MDP.

Saleem and Mahloof sworn in

2008-01-22T06:52:00.002+05:00

Mohamed Saleem and Ahmed Mahloof took their oaths of office before President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, as President’s Members of the People’s Majlis and the People’s Special Majlis, respectively. Mohamed Saleem also took his oath of office before the President, as President’s Member of the People’s Special Majlis.

Mohamed Saleem was appointed to the People’s Majlis following the dismissal of Mr. Imad Solih as President’s Member of the People’s Majlis earlier yesterday. Prior to the appointment, Saleem was serving as President’s Member of the People’s Special Majlis.

The swearing-in ceremonies were held yesterday morning at the President’s Office. The oaths were administered by the Chief Justice Mohamed Rasheed Ibrahim.

The ceremony to swear-in Mohamed Saleem as Member of the People’s Majlis and People’s Special Majlis was attended by the Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Ahmed Zahir, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mohamed Hussain and the Secretary-General of the People’s Majlis, Ahmed Mohamed.

The ceremony to swear-in Ahmed Mahloof as Member of the People’s Special Majlis was attended by the President of the People’s Special Majlis, Mr. Qasim Ibrahim, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mohamed Hussain and the Secretary-General of the People’s Majlis, Ahmed Mohamed.

Dr. Gregory French pays a farewell call on President

2008-01-22T06:52:00.001+05:00

The Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr. Gregory Alan French, made his farewell call to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday afternoon.

In the meeting, President Gayoom thanked Dr. French for his efforts to further enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and Australia. The President Gayoom also highlighted the valuable contribution of the Australian Government for the development of Maldives, especially the educational opportunities offered to Maldivian students.

The Australian High Commissioner noted the close friendly relations existing between the two countries and said that it was a great pleasure to serve the Maldives as his Country’s High Commissioner to the Maldives. In light of the development achieved by the Maldives in the past few years, Dr. French commented that Maldives has excellent investment opportunities. Further he discussed about the Presidents reform program.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mohamed Hussain, Deputy Minister of President’s Office, Dr. Hala Hameed and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dunya Maumoon.

On Comments: Re Debate on Transition

2008-01-20T09:24:00.000+05:00

Most of the comments on the post “As Debate Approaches on Transition Arrangements” are formed around one phrase that I used in that post. The phrase is “Stranger to the Majlis”.

Stranger Word

The word “stranger” was used not to show the insignificance of political parties forming the Alliance. The word does not have the same meaning in law as understood in normal conversation. The word stranger when used in a legal context to refer to a person in relation to a given subject means that he is not privy or party to that subject. Simply put, he is not part of the process.

I used the phrase in this context. MDP is represented in the Special Majlis. It is MDP that can influence the process or substance of the debate in the Special Majlis. The rest of the component parties of the Alliance are not part of the Special Majlis and therefore cannot decide upon the direction of the debate or the substance or the process. They will have to operate through MDP. As an alliance, strictly speaking, there is nothing the component parties could do to influence the process of debate, unless it is taken up by the MDP on their behalf. That is a fact. It is not an opinion.

Referendum Comparison

Why were the parties given airtime on TVM to decide system of governance, if parties were strangers to the Special Majlis, points out one commenter. The answer is very simple. The system of government was to be decided by the people of the country and not by the Special Majlis. The Special Majlis were to follow the verdict of the people in that referendum. The parties were the key players and the campaigners who took the systems to the people apart from the Special Majlis itself. They used the air time offered by TVM and VOM to communicate their views with their members. Their role was crucial in that exercise.

In contrast, the chapter on transition is a chapter that ought to be in the revised constitution. That will be the link between this current constitution and the revised constitution. If the revised constitution comes into force without a transition chapter it would operate to automatically replace the current constitution.

Half the requirements of the revised constitution would not be in place if the revised constitution came into effect wholesale, replacing the current constitution, in one go. The system of administration would plunge into chaos. The constitution would prescribe something. The country will be something else. It is to avoid this absurd situation from arising, that a bridge is built between this current constitution and the revised constitution. That is the business of the chapter on transition: it gives time for the country to convert fully as per standards prescribed by the revised constitution.

This chapter on transition is done by the members of the Special Majlis like they did the rest of the chapters of the revised constitution. It is not going to be done either by the people of this country at large, or by the political parties.

That is the difference between the exercise on system of governance and the chapter on transition. That is the difference in the varied roles of political parties when compared to the exercise on selecting a system of governance and drafting a chapter on transition.

Party Talks

Another commenter asks about the all party dialogue held by the Government recently if parties have no part in the constitutional revision process. Very good comment, indeed.

Like the commenter has acknowledged, it was not initiated by one political party to campaign for a point of view held by that party by seeking an alliance of like thinking parties. Quite contrarily, the dialogue was initiated by the Government and the invitation was for all parties to come together to see how the democratic process, including the revision of the constitution can be expedited in a manner that is acceptable to all political parties. MDP refused to attend the talks, and after sometime, IDP and Adalat pulled out citing different reasons. During the period that the dialogue subsisted, DRP members advocated in the Special Majlis positions reflective of agreements reached amongst the participating parties.

The situation is slightly different when it comes to the chapter on transition arrangements. MDP is the key advocate for the interim government. It has formed an alliance around the same rallying point. But MDP is also already represented in the Special Majlis and is definitely an effective participant in the process of the Special Majlis.

Therefore, the alliance becomes redundant for the MDP, when the later already has the avenues of participation open in the Special Majlis and is in a position already to influence the process of the debate. And the alliance becomes redundant for the Special Majlis, because it is not the people themselves, but their representatives in the special Majlis that shall ultimately decide on the size and shape of the transition chapter.

Most of the comments on the post “As Debate Approaches on Transition Arrangements” are formed around one phrase that I used in that post. The phrase is “Stranger to the Majlis”.

Engaging with the Alliance

Another commenter has marked this sentence from my post: "DRP thinks that in deciding a chapter of a constitution, it is baseless to make it a condition precedent to engage with an alliance that is a total stranger to the Special Majlis". The commenter goes on to ask me if I do not consider the parties important, or if they do not represent the people.

That is not the intention of my statement. I only intended to highlight the view that if this chapter on transition becomes a chapter so crucial to be developed on the weight of all political parties or to allow their direct or indirect contribution to the outcome of the debate, then that should rightfully be done in respect of all other chapters as well. It is of no point really to allow only one chapter on transition to be decided by the engagement of all political parties when there are so many other more fundamental and more substantive chapters in that constitution that will have more lasting and more far reaching implications than the chapter on transition.

We must understand that the chapter on transition is more on method and process and little on substance. Besides, the life of the chapter on transition is only limited to the period taken to complete the transition arrangements and to fully align the country to the requirements of the revised constitution. The chapter becomes dead when the process of transition is complete. I estimate it to be between a year and two years.

But there are so many important chapters and provisions of substance, that deal with rights, entitlements, fundamental liberties, judicial independence, legislative competence, checks and balances, independent institutions and so on where we never thought it to be meaningful to engage with all political parties and develop those chapters on a united weight of all political parties so as to ensure greater acceptability and wider appeal.

So why the double standards on this chapter on transition? It is in this context that one should read my statement that “DRP thinks that in deciding a chapter of a constitution, it is baseless to make it a condition precedent to engage with an alliance that is a total stranger to the Special Majlis".

Some people are misusing media – DRP Leader

2008-01-20T09:23:00.000+05:00

President of Dhivahi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that some people are using press and radio to spread anti- government thoughts as we now enjoy freedom of expression. He said this speaking at the DRP assembly held the previous night at Kalaafaanu School.

Maumoon said that some people are trying to create unrest and divisions within our society by using press and radio. He said that those engaged in such acts must be made responsible. The president talked about this while talking the attack on him during his recent visit to Huvarafushi.

“One reason for committing dangerous and violent acts is that some people are trying to create unrest. Some people are trying to create conflicts and divisions among the society. People are trying to make people angry with the government for political reasons” Maumoon said.

In the speech by the Leader of DRP, said that his party supports peace and harmony, and never encourages illegal or irreligious acts and has always tried to create friendship and brotherhood among the society. He said that the reform agenda is an example of this.

New Maldives enjoys more support – Dr. Shaheed

2008-01-20T09:22:00.001+05:00

One of the founder members of the New Maldives Movement as well as former Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed has said that New Maldives has more support of the people than President Gayoom’s government.

Dr. Shaheed made the statement in response to Minister Nasheed’s statement in his own private blog which said that the operation of the unregistered New Maldives Movement in the political arena was an injustice to other political parties.

Speaking to Miadhu Dr. Shaheed said that although New Maldives is not registered the movement has got an identity.

“We will not gain anything by going to court, because the courts are controlled by the government, but the people of the Maldives accept that a group called New Maldives exist, we have more support than the government” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed further said as Minister Nasheed behaves like a child trying to get the attention of others and that he does not care much what Minister Nasheed says.

“Even President Gayoom sometimes reprimand him, if my information is not wrong Kalhala Website is originated from Theemuge, even that website contains information against him, Minister Nasheed is somebody who does not know what is happening or even does not know what to do” said Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed pointed out even state Television TVM last week talked about a letter sent to the New Maldives Movement by the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. He pointed out under such circumstances when TVM reorganized their identity and capacity, what Minister Nasheed wrote in his blog does not make any sense.

“Some body told me the that news item was prepared by Nasheed himself, then he writes in his blog, New Maldives is nothing, my point is if we are nothing, a non existent entity, then why did he mention New Maldives on TVM” said Dr. Shaheed.

“The other thing is when New Maldives say something, Presidential Spokesperson and Information Minister jumps to provide responses, New Maldives said the government sold part of our territorial waters, Attorney General Azima denied it, so then what is Minister Nasheed talking about” said Dr. Shaheed.

“We do not need government recognition to be a movement, we know this not a registered organization and we have no intention of registering, they cannot obstruct our work, democracy is not certificate given by the government like marriage certificate” Dr. Shaheed further said.

According to Nasheed couple of days back he was approached by 2 foreign journalists to obtain his comments on a press release issued by the New Maldives Movement.

Nasheed wrote that there is no political party, movement or association registered under the name New Maldives Movement. Nasheed revealed that there was no ownership, trade mark, logo, and trade name of New Maldives Movement. He further revealed that there was no company, corporate body, or a registered trust either. Nasheed in his blog asks how such an educated group can claim to have gotten such an identity.

Nasheed wrote that he cannot understand how such a non existent party can join an alliance and issue press releases.

Attack on President, an act of MDP – Mahloof

2008-01-20T09:21:00.001+05:00

The stab attempt on President on the 8th of this month was an act of Maldivian Democratic Party, Dhivehi Rayyithnge Party (DRP) youth branch President Mahloof has said. He said this while speaking at the 27th general meeting of DRP the previous night.

“The stab attempt on the President in Hoarafushi was a cowardly act. I will say that this was an attempt by MDP. The reason is that MDP within the last two years had tried to create unrest and divisions within the society” Mahloof said.

Mahloof also condemned the attack on Mavota Shareef and said that “Our patience is also limited and within or veins runs hot blood”.

Mahloof mainly talked about the opportunities youths enjoy during the Presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said “With God’s will, I have got the opportunity to see the condition of youth in many countries. When I compare them with us, I would say that we are lucky and our youth has got a lot of opportunities” Mahloof said.

DRP President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also talked about the Horafushi attack on himself and he called it an act of terrorism. He said that some people are trying to encourage undesirable habits among the youth and within the whole country. Further the President strongly condemned such acts.

Islam forbids women to be Head of State – Islamic Scholar

2008-01-20T09:17:00.000+05:00

Some of the leading Islamic scholars of the country have stated that appointment of women as Head of the state of an Islamic country is “haraam” (forbidden). The scholars made the remark as the constituent assembly of the Maldives has passed amendments to the Chapter on the President enabling women to assume the office of the President.

Speaking to Miadhu Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed Ibrahim said Islamic Ummah is unanimous over the issue and that after due consideration to the versus of the Holy Book and the Prophet Muhammed’s sunnah all the religious scholars of the Ummah has agreed that women should not lead an Islamic nation. Further Allah the Almighty has established men’s superiority over women as men are required to spend on women.

“Actually leaders are deputies of the prophets who were sent down to spread His word, Allah did not send any women prophets” said Sheikh.

Further Sheikh pointed out that Allah in his book Koran has said that Allah has never sent down any women as prophets and that if you are not aware of it, you may verify it from those who knew of such things.

Sheikh further pointed out a saying of the Prophet Muhammad which said that those people who appoint women as their heads will never be successful.

“If a women are going to be the head of an Islamic state, then they are required to lead the congregation in prayers and according to Islam, women are forbidden to lead a congregation with men, it is the same with jihad, establishing Friday prayers, Eid prayers and in so many other situations women are required to follow men, in what ever way you may consider there is no such practice in Islamic history”.

Speaking on the issue, Sheikh Gubadh Aboobakar Vice President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs as well as Member of the Special Majlis, told Miadhu that he does not want to comment on a decision taken by the Special Majlis.

Sheikh Gubadh said that orthodox Islamic thinking makes us believe that it is forbidden, but more contemporary scholars tend to think otherwise. They believe that prophet’s sayings were aimed at specific events. He said that he would prefer to give his opinion after careful analysis of the matter.

Speaking on the matter Chief Spokesperson of DRP Ibrahim Shafiu said that DRP’s stand on the issue was that the gender bar should be removed.

“But it is the people who will make the decision, our country is a 100% Muslim country because the people wants it to be” said Shafiu.

Speaking to Miadhu MP for Faafu Atoll, Sheikh Ibrahim Ahmed said he tried his best to prevent the amendment from getting passed.

Lhaviani Atoll MP Hussain Ibrahim said it is strictly against Islam to have women as heads of the state.

Dr. Afrashim a graduate from the Malaysian Islamic University, holding a phd in Islamic Sharia said that the religion does not differentiate between women going to work in ordinary job or women assuming the presidency.

Tremendous support – Dhiraagu

2008-01-20T09:16:00.000+05:00

Number of customers of Dhiraagu is increasing due to the services the company is introducing, the Marketing Manager of Dhiraagu, Mohamed Mirushaan has said. He said this in response to a question posed by Miadhu regarding the support for the recently introduced post paid packages which includes unlimited free calls for chosen numbers.

He said that post paid customers had doubled within the past month. “There was a huge support. Post paid customers have doubled. This is a good opportunity for the small businesses as well as they can get a number to call free. A lot of people are using this opportunity” Mirshan said. He said that the customers are expected to lower their expenses with the newly introduced packages.

Mirshan said that they are facing difficulties in activating the service for those who have requested due to the huge support, but the entire pending request will be processed shortly.

Those who have post paid gold package gets 3 free numbers, silver package gets 2 free numbers while the bronze package gets 1 free number but gets 15% discount for other 4 numbers. Mirshan said that the monthly fee for this package is Rf 150 and a lot of people who use pre paid and those who have to communicate with their employees frequently are switching to this package.

A survey done by Miadhu Daily has shown that a lot of youth prefer these packages. Platinum package gets most free numbers which is 5 numbers. Diamond package gets 4 free numbers and the monthly fee is Rf 650.

Dhiraagu, the national telecom service provider has introduced a many services to their customers last year.

Director of Scottish Police College visits Maldives

2008-01-20T09:15:00.002+05:00

Director of Scottish Police College John Gates has arrived Maldives on an official visit.

John Gates was welcomed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullah Riyaz, Chief Inspector Hassan Atheesh, Retired Superintendent of Scottish Police who is helping in the Police front line John Bissete and senior Police officers.

According to Maldives Police John Gates will visit Home Minister and Commissioner of Police Adam Zahir and would hold discussions on how regarding Scottish Police could assist Maldives Police. He is also expected to visit Alif Dhaalu atoll Mahibadhoo to see work of Police going on in atolls.

Head Chief Superintendent of Training and Educational standards of Scottish Police, Bruce Millness accompanied John Gates in his 5 day visit.

Dr. Shaugy says no delay expected

2008-01-20T09:15:00.001+05:00

Minister of Tourism Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy has stated that although some delays may be expected in the construction of the City Hotel in Fuvahmulak, no such delays are expected in the construction of the airport in that island.

Speaking to a Fuvahmulak website named Kahtelhi Dr. Shaugy said that he was confident that the airport would be completed on time and that the party in charge of the construction was capable of it.

“We are aiming to complete the airport within 18 months after the assigning of the task, I am fully aware that there are some delays in the construction of the City Hotel, perhaps the Fuvahmulak people may think that it will be same for the airport as well, but I can assure you all no such delays are expected” said Shaugy.

According to Dr. Shaugy a down payment of US$7 Million has already been paid. He said no body after making such a huge investment would leave the work unattended.

He further said the development of the Ga. Dhigurah as a tourist resort would only be allowed to commence after the completion of the airport. Dr. Shaugy noted that the decision to allow the development of the resort after the completion of the airport was an added incentive to complete the airport within the allocated time.

The bid for Fuvahmulak Airport was won by Ahmed Shiyam Managing Director of VB Brothers. The runway constructed at Fuvahmulak can take such aircrafts as Dash 8 – 200.

Official Celebrations to mark poet’s day held

2008-01-20T09:14:00.000+05:00

The official celebrations to mark the poet’s day were held in Fuvahmulak. The Guest of Honor at the ceremony organized by the National Center for Linguistic and Historical Research was Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy.

Minister of Tourism speaking at the ceremony said that in every language importance is given to the grammar and called on for the development of the Fuvahmulak dialect.

At the ceremony Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy inaugurated an issue of the magazine “Aakuri” published by National Center for Linguistic and Historical Research. Further a memorial plaque was awarded to Gnaviani Atoll by the Center. The plaque was handed over to Senior Island Chief of the Fuvahmulk Mohamed Waheed by the President of the Center Abbas Ibrahim.

At the ceremony President of the National Center for Linguistics and Historical Research Center Abbas Ibrahim and Gnaviani Atoll Chief Ahmed Moosa addressed the gathering.

The ceremony was attended by Director General of the National Center for Linguistic and Historical Research Yumna Maumoon , Special Advisor at the Center Abdulla Sadiq, senior officials of the center, well known poets, dignitaries from Addu Atoll, officials from various schools and students.

Land reclamation must benefit the people - SDA

2008-01-20T09:13:00.000+05:00

Society for the Development of Addu (SDA) has said that if land is to be reclaimed in Addu then it should be carried in the most beneficial manner to the people of Addu Atoll.

SDA made the statement in a press release issued by the society with regard to an article carried in Haama Daily under the heading Government has invited bids for reclamation of land of the 4 connected islands of Addu atoll. The press release rejected the article which has made references to the Chairperson of SDA Ali Sawad.

The press release stated that if such reclamation is to be made then it should be carried out under a suitable land use plan after necessary environmental impact consultation. Further SDA also stated that prior to such reclamation people of the atoll should be consulted in accordance with prevalent laws and regulations.

SDA claimed that Haama Daily never contacted the association to obtain information regarding any land reclamation work in Addu and that SDA has never provided any information regarding the matter. Further SDA denied that the Association’s Chairperson or any other person of SDA gave any information regarding the matter to Haama Daily.

The press release went on to say that the Chairperson Ali Sawad never gave any comment to Haama Daily on the matter and as such the references were fabrications. The press release called on Haama Daily to provide the people of Addu Atoll with true information as the article may cause divisions and conflict among the people.

The press release also stated that reclamation of the designated area in Addu Atoll Hithadhoo may have adverse effects to the environment and as such under the article 4 of the Environment Protection Act necessary EIA’s should be carried out. Further it called on all concerned agencies to fully respect such legislations.

The press release also noted that after careful consideration to the reports issued by Department of Meteorology following the recent swells and the reports issued by various other foreign agencies who analyze damaging effects of climatic change, the Association has urged the necessary government agencies to conduct the reclamation according to National Adaptation Program of Action.

The National Adaptation Program of Action requires reclamation to carry out to 1.5 meters above sea level and a sea retaining wall to be constructed using tetra pods in order to make the island safe. The press release also noted that SDA had called for a topographic survey to be carried out.

As Debate on Transition Approaches

2008-01-19T09:39:00.000+05:00

As the Special Majlis debate on transitional arrangements approaches, it is seminal that a detailed framework to base that debate is put together and made available. A broad framework like that which suggests options, strategies, tasks and timelines (collectively referred to as the transitional arrangements) is important to act as a basis for the debate and to steer it forward, and to make the debate a focused and substantive exercise. Otherwise the debate can be pulled in all forms of meaningless directions.

Members of the Special Majlis are broadly grouped into four segments: DRP members linked to the Government headed by Aneesa Ahmed; MDP members linked to the Opposition headed by Hassan Afeef; members linked to Peoples Association headed by Abdulla Yameen; and Independents who may ally with any one of the foregoing groupings based upon inner political beliefs and affiliation or merits of the issues involved.

MDP formula

MDP is largely identifying itself with the recently formed alliance in which MDP shares or leads a platform with three other political parties and a political movement. Except MDP and SLP, no political party or movement in that Alliance is represented in the Special Majlis.

The transitional arrangements proposal floated by the Alliance is rejected by the DRP members as a nonstarter where it relates to the replacement of the President, Cabinet and the Legislature. The rest of the features of the proposal may be open for dialogue and discussion. PA has not commented on any aspect of it as yet. It is seen to keep its distance from the Alliance and their formula. Some Independents may support it. Some may not.

The Alliance that MDP leads has more drama outside the Special Majlis than the significance it enjoys inside the Special Majlis. MDP members inside the Chamber would support the Alliance formula for transition not because it comes from the Alliance but because it comes with the approval of or perhaps the leadership of their own party.

With MDP and SLP members backing it, the Alliance formula has no weight in the Special Majlis. If PA and the Independents back the formula, then naturally the weight of the alliance formula will become worthy of recognition. However, it will not be weighty enough to succeed. Even with them all united, it would be difficult to sail a proposal through without the support of DRP. They all united fall short of the numbers required to adopt a decision. They do not command a majority.

DRP formula

DRP members are working on a framework which they feel (I am included here) shall encompass the transition arrangements. The framework is based upon a few basic premises: although the revised constitution should be adopted in one go by the Special Majlis, it cannot be implemented in one go due to the acute requirement of several laws, institutions, procedures, rules and process that shall be required to give effect to the several provisions of the constitution; elected bodies shall not be replaced by unelected performers; term and role of elected officials and bodies need to be approached with sensitivity.

The immediate focus of the DRP package will be on creating all laws, institutions and processes required to ensure that the presidential elections this year are held under the revised constitution and that they are free, fair, open and inclusive.

The rest of the areas although important must be spread out into stages of transition. They may happen in concurrence with or subsequent to the matter in prime focus. Each of those stages shall outline the tasks that need to be carried out during each of those stages; and timelines for completion of each of those tasks.

DRP Members are working on the stages, strategies, and options. That will be collectively identified as the DRP formula for the transition arrangements.

Sellability Options

If DRP members can design a framework that is acceptable to MDP as well, that is so well and good. But given the fundamental differences between the premises upon which each of the parties stands on the issue, it is next to impossible to arrive at a happy picture like that, unless each is willing to make serious concessions on their positions, which again, is highly unlikely, given the circumstances.

There is another issue as well. DRP will not speak with an alliance of parties on interim arrangements. MDP will not engage with DRP on any such discussion unless as or with the alliance. DRP thinks that in deciding a chapter of a constitution, it is baseless to make it a condition precedent to engage with an alliance that is a total stranger to the Special Majlis – especially when its lead player MDP is effectively represented in the Special Majlis and have worked with DRP members on several key issues touching the very fundamentals of the revised constitution.

If DRP members can design a framework in which issues of the PA members are addressed as well, DRP members will find it easier to sail their formula through the Special Majlis as the opponents will then be MDP members and some independents.

If the proposal prepared by DRP members is not acceptable to even PA members in addition to the MDP members, then DRP members will have to face a lot of commotion and resistance inside the Chamber from a spectrum of opponents including MDP and PA members. But with a lot of effort and strict discipline, the proposals can still be passed without the assistance of MDP, PA or independents.

However, it is so very unlikely that such a unilateral approach will be taken by DRP members in a crucial matter like the interim arrangements. They (me included) would want to exhaust all possible avenues to listen to and come to an understanding with the rest of the key groupings inside the Chamber: namely MDP and PA members.

Compromise Solutions

Ultimately, any such inter-faction co-operation or understanding or compromise will depend on the level of common ground and flexibility that can be found in terms of options, strategies, tasks, and timelines prepared by or acceptable to DRP members.

In any discussions held with the groupings formally or informally, PA will be able to engage with DRP on a more flexible platform. They have no obligation towards any alliance and represent a grouping of their own members. Their decisions would be their own decisions.

Where MDP member consider engaging with DRP members on deciding the transition arrangements, they still would have difficulty making decisions with flexibility. Despite being an effective voice by their own right inside the Chamber, they would always need to return to the alliance for confirmation or reaction. This will weaken the position of MDP as the lead opposition party inside the Chamber and in the country. Rest of the opposition united cannot be as effective as the MDP. Further MDP has nothing to gain from the rest of the component units of the alliance as MDP has its own formidable standing. However, the converse cannot be held true of the rest of the players in the alliance spectrum.

Anyway, Special Majlis resumes 13 January 2007 with debate and voting on the President’s Chapter. The debate on transitional arrangements is to follow next. Let’s see how it goes.

4 arrested in Velidhoo for causing violence

2008-01-19T09:16:00.002+05:00

Four people have been arrested in Velidhoo of Noonu under charges of causing disturbances and violence.

An anonymous Velidhoo resident told Velidhoo News that these people threw stones and rocks on to the roof of houses to disturb the people when the people were sleeping. The anonymous resident said when the people informed the police of these incidents, there was response from them. He further told Velidhoo Community that the lack of response from the police caused the people to come out and face these rowdy people and consequently some fighting went on.

However the police did arrive, and arrested them said the informant. According to him, one of the person’s head was injured during the arrest; while another received some severe injuries said the informant. He also said these rowdy people has records of criminal activities and has been taken to Station on several occasions.

According to Maldives Police Services, 4 people were arrested in Velidhoo yesterday night on charges of causing disturbances and causing violence. Police informs that these were arrested on information received from the people some time yesterday night. Police also said that the matter is now under investigations.

Bill on President: I can compete – DRP Leader

2008-01-19T09:16:00.001+05:00

Leader of the Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that amendment to the Bill on the President passed by the Special Majlis does not bar him from running for the presidency in the coming presidential elections. Leader of the Party Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said so last night speaking at the 27 General Assembly of the Party held at Kalaafanu School. He said that there was no confusion in the amendment. He said although some people are trying to create confusion over the matter there is no constitutional barrier that would prevent him from running for presidency and the he would compete for the presidency. He also noted that a leaflet would be given away to all the participants that would explain why there were no problems with his candidacy.

Leader of the DRP Maumoon said the amendment which fixed term of the office for the president was passed by DRP members only as the amendment was proposed by DRP and voted by DRP members.

“No other party voted on this issue, it indicates that the article was passed according to the policies of DRP that policy is as you all want that I compete in the presidential elections” said Maumoon.

The amendment proposed by the President’s Member to Special Majlis Mohamed Saleem to the article 2 of the Bill on the President was passed by 66 votes. The amendment says the term of the President is 5 years and that no person under this constitution shall serve more than 2 consecutive terms as the President.

Maumoon further said that as stipulated by party regulations the Presidential candidate of the party would be the Party Leader.

“So in principle, I will be the one representing the Party in the elections and with the support of the party members and the support of the people of the country, I will win the election” said Maumoon.

Maumoon speaking at the last night’s assembly passed this message to all his supporters. At the beginning of his speech last night, he strongly condemned the attack on himself at Huvarafushi and called it an act of terrorism. He also expressed his sincere gratitude for the people who had condemned the attack.

Maumoon further said that he escaped unhurt due to Almighty Allah providing the opportunity and circumstances for him to escape. He said such circumstances included the capabilities of Close Protection Team of the Maldives Defense Force and the courageous young Boy Scout Jaisham.

“Although I was able to get hold of the assailant’s hand, how I did it I still don’t know, it happened not because I was that alert, it was so willed by Allah” said Maumoon.

Maumoon further said the conspirators wanted to kill him. He also said that his resolve and determination is still the same and that he would still continue to meet the people and greet them. He also apologized for the inconvenience caused to the participants for having to make them go through a security gate.

All the participants of the last night’s assembly had to through a security gate and are believed to be due to Huvarafushi attack. Many noted that in previous meetings of the DRP such security measures were not in place.

In addition to the Party Leader, Ahmed Mahlouf, the President of the Youth Branch of the Party, Moosa Rameez, MP at the Special Majlis and Mohamed Saleem President’s Member at the Special Majlis also spoke.

Government salaries raised

2008-01-19T09:14:00.000+05:00

Following President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s decision to raise Government salaries from 1 January 2008, the President’s Office has been communicating further details of the salary increase to all Government offices.

All Government salaries were raised by between 20 percent and 60 percent, with lower-end salaries receiving the biggest proportional rise and vice versa. Under the latest rise in pay, the lowest pay for a fulltime Government employee is Rf. 2,600.

The pay for ranks between Clerk and Administrative Officer is between 44 percent and 57 percent. Employees ranked between Senior Administrative Officer and Deputy Director received a pay increase of between 35 percent and 42 percent. All ranks between Director and Executive Director received a pay rise of between 20 percent and 35 percent. Professional staff receiving higher salaries than those ranked as Executive Directors also received a 20 percent pay rise.

Constitution may not be dissolved - Ibra

2008-01-19T09:13:00.001+05:00

A constitution is not something that can be dissolved says MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra).

Ibra made the statement to Miadhu when asked for his opinion the current political debate over whether the constitution is being revised or whether the Special Majlis is formulating a new constitution. According to Ibra, a constitution can never be dissolved unless the government is overthrown by a revolution and the constitution is discarded by the revolutionary forces. Ibra said in all other circumstances the constitution will only face revisions.

In this regard in 1932, under the rule of King Samshuhdheen, the first ever constitution introduced to the country was dissolved and since then the constitution has been dissolved Ibra said. Ibra also said he does not believe that there is any reason for the constitution to be dissolved.

“Regarding the debate whether the Special Majlis is formulating a new constitution or whether it is a constitution that is revised, I can only say a constitution is not something that can be dissolved, once you form a constitution and start acting on it, it cannot be dissolved except in circumstances where revolutionary governments discards the constitution, in all other circumstances constitution will only be revised” said Ibra.

Ibra further said the wording “ under this constitution” in the article that is now a point of heated debate does not indicate , following the completion of the revision work but that it only refers to the constitution itself.

“In the article in question, the wordings “under this constitution” do not mean “after the revision work of the constitution” but it only refers to the constitution itself” said Ibra. He further said that with the amendments brought to the constitution, President Gayoom who has been in power for the last 29 years cannot compete in the presidential elections and that with this change no person shall serve for more than two consecutive terms.

“President Gayoom cannot stand election now, it is clearly seen in the amendments to the constitution, amendment clearly say no person shall serve for more than 2 terms as president, it is not important to distinguish whether the constitution is new or is revised, what is important here is what we are trying to achieve, what we are trying to achieve is prevent any body from being in power for too long as it is acceptable to the people, that is the very reason why this article was formulated in the first place and that is what it means” said Ibrahim Ismail Chairmen of the Drafting Committee.

Functioning without registration is an injustice - Nasheed

2008-01-19T09:06:00.000+05:00

Minister of Information and Legal Reform Mohamed Nasheed has said that by functioning of the unregistered New Maldives Movement in the political arena and issuing press releases in their name, is an act of injustice on the other parties who underwent enormous difficulties to get themselves registered. He made the statement in private internet blog.

According to Nasheed couple of days back he was approached by 2 foreign journalists to obtain his comments on a press release issued by the New Maldives Movement.

According to Nasheed there is no political party, movement or association registered under the name New Maldives Movement. Nasheed revealed that there was ownership, trade mark, logo, and trade name of New Maldives Movement. He further revealed that there was no company, corporate body, or a registered trust either. Nasheed in his blog asks how such an educated group can claim to have gotten such an identity.

Nasheed writes he cannot understand how such a non existent party can join an alliance and issue press releases.

Speaking on the press release of the New Maldives Movement, Nasheed said it was about an amendment proposed to the draft clause on qualifications of a President. The amendment required the president not to have a foreign spouse and that it was proposed and seconded by two members of DRP wrote Nasheed.

According to Minister Nasheed, Male’ Member Mohamed Nasheed (colonel) as well as he had proposed the same identical amendment. Nasheed writes that Colonel later withdrew his proposal for unknown reasons and that he withdrew his proposal to prevent the government being blamed for trying to stop Dr. Hassan Saeed from running for Presidency.

However Nasheed writes that he believes that improper for a president of Maldives to be married to a foreigner.

When the Majlis sessions were resumed on the 13 of January after a long recess, the amendment under discussion was put to Majlis floor for due deliberations. The press release issued by New Maldives Movement was sent to Miadhu as well. The press release warned that necessary steps will be taken against the government if they went ahead and barred Dr. Hassan Saeed’s candidacy.

"My Blog: a few clarifications" said nasheed

2008-01-18T10:39:00.000+05:00

Some recent comments prompt me to offer a long due clarification on a few issues.

My Online Diary

This blog is my online diary. It is my online journal. It is where I “download” myself. It is where I write my thoughts on issues I live through as a person. Thoughts I write about may reflect issues related to the public office I hold, or the person that I am, or the legal background from which I come or legislative work with which I am associated or just simple things that leave a mark in my life. This blog is about all those thoughts that make up the person in me, the thread that weaves me. It is my home on the internet.

No Obligation

Some advise me to stop this blog. Some feel that I write to promote myself. Some opine that I do not write anything useful. Some believe that the blog shows my immature character. Some perceive this blog to be a source of credible information. Some see this blog as a PR exercise. Some describe it as a campaign tool. Some accuse me of revealing official secrets. Some conceive the idea that this blog is run under instructions from a superlative authority. Some think I am trying to become President.

But they all keep visiting. They all keep coming back. That is the beautiful part.

I thank all from the depths of my heart for visiting and visiting repeatedly. My unique visitors are increasing and hits are growing in good numbers. That is fascinating.

Here is what I want to say to all those who take issue with this blog or its posts. There is no real obligation on your part to visit this blog. If you visit, there is no comprehensible purpose to read my posts. If you read my posts, there is no discernible reason to agree with me. If you disagree with my posts, there is no pressing requirement to send in a comment.

If this blog is a problem of any description, shape or size, you have every right to avoid it completely. You have every right to forget that it ever existed. You visit this blog at your own free will. There is no obligation.

Personal Liability

I am fully responsible for the accuracy of posts published by me on this blog. If any of my posts gives rise to a claim of defamation or civil liability or criminal liability, or any other blameworthy set of circumstances, I am ready and willing to suffer the consequences: whether legal, judicial or otherwise.

I cannot possibly be responsible for the accuracy of comments published on this blog. I have no means to verify the genuineness of any commenter; authenticity of the comment; or substance of any comment.

All I know is that a comment has been received from a person operating under a certain name and using a certain email address. I cannot verify if the name is genuine or the email address is authentic.

I cannot leave out the comments if they fit into my house rules simply because I cannot verify their origin or claim. After all this is a blog and without comments this blog would have no life. When I know that most commenters prefer to remain anonymous, I cannot put a condition of establishing one’s identity to comment on my blog. That will be too much to ask for and will probably kill the spirit of blogging altogether.

Courage to Publish

Having published over 2400 comments on this blog, of which most are negative and personal, I am learning to appreciate criticism and raise my tolerance bar. In the process, I am also becoming a more rational person. I am beginning to enjoy the feeling of being challenged without reservation. There does not pass a day on which I am not challenged, attacked or criticized, sometimes even very harshly. If none of it happens on a given day now, I do not feel that the day is normal at all.

On a serious note, those comments make me a better individual with a wider perspective. I get to “appreciate the remaining 359 degrees” of the 360 degree worldview. I am borrowing the expression from a friend here.

Therefore there is no use challenging me in your comments if I would have the courage to publish a certain comment with a personal attack. Like I said before, after having published over 2400 comments of which most are negative or personal, I think it is time my visitors concede that I do possess the courage to publish and the heart to accept comments of varying dispositions.

Ethical Considerations

I run this blog with full knowledge that I currently hold a public office and that I ought to bear responsibility for my words, deeds and every affair under my charge. I know that people expect high standards of good behavior and ethical outlook from officials who serve them.

That is why I use and expect others to use temperate language. I had earlier written my house rules in the form of a post. It is here on this link.
http://www.mnasheed.com/2007/05/hello_my_dear_guests.php

If a comment satisfies those basic criteria, I would have no problem publishing a comment. If one of your comments is not published, then most likely, it must be because that comment is bitten by one of the house rules.

The Gazette Grumble

2008-01-18T10:35:00.000+05:00

Courtesy: Nasheed's blog

Eversince the local media came to know of Government plans to launch a publication called the “Government Gazette”, concerns have begun to be expressed within the media community. The Government has been working on the Gazette for a while. It is a component of a larger project called the “Central Messaging System” designed by the Information Ministry in its efforts to introduce a media relations system for the Government. The Gazette was designed to be lauched with the beginning of the coming year. One other component of the same project was intiated with the opening of Fansavees as a press briefing hall. Few other components of the larger project are to follow in due course.

Media Fears

The news of the Gazette launch did not go down very well with some media organizations. I was asked a few questions over the Gazette in a recent press conference as well. I also saw some messages being circulated amongst media professionals on the subject. Ibrahim Khaleel, Hiriga Ahmed Zahir and Thayyib Shaheem from the Maldives Media Association also met me on 25th December to understand the project and its scope and discuss the fears the Media organizations have over the issue.

I was told that the Government Gazette would take away newspaper revenues; cause papers to shut down; force jobs to be lost; block access to government information; help corruption within government to prosper; conceal blameworthy acts of the government; and suppress press freedom.

I attribute those fears to inept speculation and serious misunderstanding over the concept of a Gazette. Here, I will deal with the considerations that shaped the decision to launch the Government Gazette.

Reasons for Gazette

Firstly, the Maldives Constitution says that laws will become effective when they are published in the Government Gazette. We are all familiar with that phrase. The phrase has been with us for decades. We just did not pause to ask what it meant and where that Gazette was.

The words “published in the Gazette” are borrowed from the British. The practice is associated with the London Gazette “published with authority” till this very day as the “official newspaper of record”. Information on the London Gazette may be found here on this link http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/home.aspx?geotype=London
-OR- http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/

Despite the fact that laws in the Maldives come into effect when published in the Gazette as understood in the UK, there is no such Gazette in the country. The term has come to be associated with a white booklet. The booklet carrying the title “The Government Gazette” is published and distributed when a bill is ratified. There is no formal register for government records. There is no formal newspaper of official record. There is no local equivalent that performs the functions of the London Gazette or the official gazette of any country, for that matter.

The current attempt is to create that official newspaper of record and give due context to the legal term that we have always used.

Secondly, various departments of the Government publish their announcements in different papers. This makes it hard for any one person tracking government announcements to follow those developments by subscribing to or purchasing one paper. At the end the person either loses the announcement for not having come across one in his paper of choice or has to purchase an additional paper.

It also at times gives rise to lack of adequate response to government announcements as people who may be interested in those announcements were not able to know that those announcements were actually made. This again causes the Government to nullify its previous announcements and publish those announcements all over again to find a proper response and a wider readership. This is money spent all over again.

Finance Minister was telling me that the Government spends over eight million every year to pay for announcements. Today he told me that the figure actually goes into double digits and is far above what he thought it was.

According to him, he has an immediate interest in plugging the amounts spent on publishing announcements and notices in newspapers.

No Real Newspaper

It is unfortunate that the Gazette has been described to mean just another “daily newspaper” to be brought out by the Government. Far from being a daily newspaper, the Gazette is not designed to carry the kind of news or features or content seen in newspapers. That is neither the concept nor the function of an official gazette. Instead the Government Gazette would be exclusive to content such as laws, regulations, notices, pronouncements, appointments and other official acts. It will serve as the formal record of official acts of the Government.

Revenue Loss

It is complained that the publication of the Gazette will cause huge losses in revenue to newspapers as they would have to forgo the revenue generated from publishing announcements and notices of the Government. The complaint is however not supported by any figures of actual or expected loss in revenue.

Neither the Media Association Team that met me to discuss the issue nor any other journalist who raised the issue with me has been able to show me how much each newspaper earns in the country from publishing Government announcements and notices and how much is at stake to lose. Nor have they been able to show me how all newspapers and weeklies in the country would suffer across the board from such a revenue loss and what the magnitude of any such loss would be.

That argument becomes relevant when we know that it is not all newspapers in the Maldives that benefit from revenue earned from publishing Government announcements and notices. It is the older and more established papers who receive the most jobs from the Government since those papers have the advantage of wider circulation and greater recognition. The newer breed of papers and weeklies suffer from limited circulation and restricted readership and therefore are not the favorites in getting orders from Government departments to publish their announcements and notices.

Therefore, once again it is the older and established papers who would feel any impact. But they must acknowledge the immense financial support the Government has extended to them to come this far. That is in addition to allowing them to earn from Government notices and announcements.

They must also understand that due to their wide and established readership they could easily make up for the reduced revenue by penetrating deeper into the private sector and obtaining commercial advertisements and even government advertisements for that matter.

We must also acknowledge that these same papers have due to their long dependence on Government funding and publication jobs succeeded in establishing and diversifying their business portfolios and shall not necessarily need to depend on Government announcements and notices for their survival.

Recent papers anyway do not have that happy status quo with the Government and receive that many jobs from the Government to publish announcements and notices. Therefore they would not feel the crunch.

Plus One

Once the Gazette comes out Government departments would be required to publish their announcements and notices in the Gazette to meet the basic requirement of general publication. However, the Government will allow its departments to elect one additional newspaper in which they could publish the announcements or notices apart from compulsory publication in the Gazette. This is internally referred to as the “plus one” approach.

This approach will ensure that there is some room for papers to obtain jobs from the Government as far as its announcements are concerned. They of course would have total opportunity for publishing advertisements of the Government as the Gazette would not provide for such publication and is more of a formal record.

Information Suppression

There is no fear of suppressing information by publishing a Gazette. Freedom of Information Rules would be introduced by Executive Decree in the early part of this year. Although I have not told the media when it would be brought out, it is a stated commitment that I would do that before March 2008. That is before submitting the revised Freedom of Information Bill to parliament. Thus the Rules once brought into effect would facilitate the media as a matter of right to obtain information from Government departments.

Further, by definition, the Gazette will only carry limited content. It would not contain news, views, features, articles and columns as found in newspapers. The Gazette will contain a more official record of acts. Therefore, there is no reason for any apprehension that the Gazette will block access to information, allow corruption to prosper and Government to hide acts perceived as blameworthy. I would not say “incriminating” this time.

Have a look at the London Gazette on this link for some idea of what will be the content of a Gazette. http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ -OR- http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/ViewPDF.aspx?pdf=58552&geotype=London&type=Supplement

Media access to information held or produced by the Government is on a totally different track of business than the publication of the Gazette. Access to information is to be governed by the Freedom of Information Rules and it encourages movement from the media to the Government in the form of requests for information. It becomes a legally enforceable right to provide information within the Freedom of Information Rules mechanism.

The publication of the Gazette on the other hand would allow formal acts of the Government to be brought to the media and the general public. In fact the Gazette will become a further "source” for journalists to gather newsworthy information.

Press Freedom

There is the argument that stopping the publication of Government announcements and notices in newspapers would adversely affect press freedom. Some go to the extent of saying that it would in fact undermine press freedom.

It can be argued the other way as well. The Government can control the editorial policies and content of newspapers if those newspapers survived on jobs provided by the Government to publish its announcements and notices.

Therefore, having a Gazette to publish the announcements and notices of the Government will in fact take away the possibility of any Government interference or influence in the press community or editorial policies of individual newspapers, thereby strengthening the principles of press freedom.

This may actually be a welcome opportunity to clear any government influence in print media and give the media more credibility that the Government has no financial relationship with the private media.

There are already radio stations in operation. Television stations are working hard to go on air soon. More stations are being licensed. At a time when the Government is moving forward with the licensing of private radio and television stations and where we are all experiencing the benefits of listening to liberal private stations, it beats common sense to argue that having a Gazette would undermine press freedom.

Media Release

As I was finishing this post, news is out of a press release issued by the Maldives Media Association on the same subject. I will study the MMA Release and offer my response as may be found appropriate.

Confusion will be clear when interpretation chapter is adopted – Nasheed

2008-01-18T10:33:00.001+05:00

Minister of Information and Legal Reform Mohamed Nasheed has said that the confusion created in the public mind as regards “this constitution” would easily be put to rest when time comes for adopting interpretation of key words and phrases used in the constitution. The chapter on interpretation is yet to be drafted by the drafting committee and is yet to come to the Special Majlis for adoption say Minister Nasheed. Minister Nasheed made the statement in his own internet blog.

Minister Nasheed claimed that opposition members worked to block President Gayoom from competing for another term in office. In this regard, Minister Nasheed alleged that the Drafting Committee which has a large number of MDP members drafted the clause (a) of the article 2 of the Chapter on the President as to bar any person who has completed 2 consecutive terms in office from running for the presidency for a third term.

However when the amendment proposed by Mohamed Saleem, President’s Member was passed it stated that “under this constitution any person elected to be the President shall not serve for more than 2 consecutive terms”

When the amendment was passed the opposition said the President Gayoom cannot run another term. Opposition also claimed it was huge success for them. However DRP Members said that as the amendment stated that under this Constitution a person shall serve no more than 2 consecutive terms as President, it provided the opportunity for the President Gayoom to contest for another 2 terms. DRP members also said that the constitution that is being formulated is entirely a new constitution.
However in response MDP says that Special Majlis is currently engaged in revising the revising the existing constitution and formulating a new one.

However Minister Nasheed on the matter has said that the President assembled the Special to revise the existing constitution but the Special Majlis Members were not engaged in carrying out any revision work.

Nasheed said that Majlis had stipulated fundamentals of the constitution and that that a draft constitution was formed with the assistance of a Canadian professor. Minister Nasheed further said that Chapter by Chapter from that draft constitution drafted by the Canadian professor was translated to Dhivehi language and discussed and passed by the Majlis. Nasheed also noted that all except 2 chapters all has been passed. Nasheed also noted that rejoicings due to the interpretations of “this constitution” and “under this Constitution will come to an end.

Minister further revealed that President Gayoom had the right not to ratify the article and send it back to the Majlis and that in such an event the opposition would not get the required two thirds majority .

He had also noted that President has earlier indicated that before the ratification he would go for a referendum and in such a case they would be many who would not accept the “closed doors” for the leader of the nation.

Nasheed further said if the constitution in the making is not a new constitution, then opposition’s arguments for a transitional government does not carry any weight.

Gayoom running for Presidency is illegal- MDP

2008-01-18T10:28:00.000+05:00

Senior officials of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have revealed that President’s intention to run for presidency would be against the constitution.

A news conference was held yesterday by MDP which was participated by chairperson Mohamed nasheed (Anni), President Dr.Mohamed Munawar and spokes person Mariya Ahmed Didi. They said if the limitations imposed for the submission of papers for the presidential candidacy by the revised Presidential Chapter in the new constitution is not applicable to President Gayoom then the purpose of amending the constitution will never be achieved. Further they revealed that President Gayoom’s intention to run for presidency is not acceptable to MDP and President Gayoom’s bid to get re-elected for a seventh term is against all democratic principles.

Speaking at the news conference chairperson Anni said that DRP’s presidential candidate do not fulfill the necessary prerequisites and if DRP is bringing out candidates who do not poses the prerequisites, then MDP might consider bringing in Bajaj, the famous hindi drama series star to represent MDP in the forthcoming elections.

“We started constitutional reform to bring certain changes, we can bring the changes, but these changes can only be brought without Gayoom” explained Anni. Anni further said he was sure people would give a lot of votes for Bajaj.

Maiya said the work to amend the constitution was commenced under the powers granted by article 92 of 1998 constitution, which empowers People’s Special Majlis to amend the constitution as necessary. She further said constitutional reform began as revision work to the existing constitution as instructed by President Gayoom.

“We say new articles and new constitution because it is easy to say while being fully aware that it is a revision work” said Mariya.

Considerable amount of debate now exist among parliamentarians and politicians as to whether the constitution is a new one or just a revised one.

According to Dr. Munnawar it is too early to talk about it. However if DRP is proposing President Gayoom as their presidential candidate then after due consideration MDP would take necessary steps. He further sad the matter should be first be checked by the commissioner of elections office.

Preparations underway for presidential elections

2008-01-18T10:27:00.000+05:00

Office of the Commissioner of Election has revealed that a lot of preparations are ongoing in order to get ready for the forthcoming presidential elections.

Mohamed Tholal Assistant Director General at Elections Commissioners Office said currently they are engaged in verifying the list of eligible voters and in this regard they have received listing from 3 atolls. He said these atolls are Laamu Atoll, Vaavu Atoll and Shaviani Atoll.

Tholaal revealed that Department of National Registration (DNR) is rendering a lot of support towards making of the list and that DNR is also preparing such a list.

“We are not trying to make the listing on our own, DNR is providing a lot of assistance, DNR is making every effort to make the listing as accurate as possible; however we are a getting a listing from each inhabited island and we are keeping them in our database, but these will be double checked with the listings from the DNR, so the work is going on at a fact pace” said Tholal.

Tholal has said that in addition to verifying the eligible voters listing, work is also under way to bring the some required amendments to the existing constitution and all necessary work will be completed prior to the elections date stipulated in the constitution.

Government offices, private offices political parties will take part in the elections scheduled for the October and that political parties will even position their own observers said Tholal. He said every effort would be made to make the elections as transparent and open as possible.

MDP prepares for Dhekunu Arumaz

2008-01-18T10:26:00.001+05:00

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has revealed that an expedition dubbed Dhekunu Arumaz has been planned to the southern atolls of the Maldives to seek support for a formation of a transitional government in order to successfully reach the new constitution and thereby hold free and fair elections.

The main opposition party (MDP) revealed that the expedition to gain support for an interim or transitional arrangement to the southern atolls will commence on the 21 of this month and is expected to end on the 28 of this month.

“The expedition will depart Male’ at 9 pm on the 21 of this month and will return to Male’ on the 28 of this month” revealed MDP.

MDP also revealed that the Dhekunu Arumaz will also utilize the same boat used by the expedition of Uthuru Arumaz and they will be joined by Adhaalath Party, Islamic Democratic Party, Social Liberal Party as well as New Maldives Movement.

MDP further reveal that seminars, rallies and gathering to provide information regarding transitional government will be held in the course of the expedition.

Uthuru Arumaz of the MDP led coalition received tremendous support from the atolls of the north Maldives. Uthuru Arumaz was warmly received by the nearly all the islands of the north except Meedhoo of Raa Atoll where there were no support at all for the coalition cause.