Dr. Shaugy ridicules Addu people

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.