Finally total anarchy has gripped the Maldives. "Empowered" Island Development Committee of Dhidhdhoo in the most democratic fashion has decided to pay the fisherfolk of the island who dumped a whole day's catch into the atoll and island offices to rot. In addition, a further group from the island are going to be paid from the people's coffer to pay for cleaning up the mess.

 

A pair of young MDP supporters and those who want to unseat Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom from the Presidency of Maldives, were heard celebrating most joyfully on the achievement and the occasion to destabilize the the nation. I just stood listening and not able to comment. I would be labelled a traitor and ridiculed for the rest of my life whenever I am seen by one of their supportes. And they know no boundaries.

 

This culmination of the state of anarchy and the environment created by the opposition to the government which promote this kind of activity, is a result of years of neglect of the ordinary folk; and the marginalizing of the public as an insignificant minority by the then key players in the government of Maumoon. An unfortunate outcome due to a short-sighted cabinet.

 

Howerver, what we are seen today is more of a culmination of the war between those who want to maximize their share of the proceeds of this paradise and its economic benefits. The opposition have very rightly taken the advantage of the obvious: "the frustration of an oppressed public". The public are going to be the victims in the end --- they already are!

 

The leadership on both sides excepting one or two have other countries in the world they could live happily everafter after ruining this nation. They are prepared to go to all extremes to achieve control of this economy! Only if we will have the wisdom to know.

It is indeed a sight to see all the day's catch thrown about inside the atoll office and island office, in protest against the fisherman's catch NOT been bought by the fishery companies. This is the last episode of reform and democracy in the Maldives.

 

Fishermen are frustrated that the atoll chief has not taken up their grievences with the authorities in a firm enough manner and that the government has not taken adequate steps to create infrastructure and mechanisms to buy the fish that is caught by them.

 

Now, if you talk to the caneries and exporters of fish they also say that they are hardly making ends meet and that it is impossible to buy all the fish, as it is not feasible to invest for a good catch, while the whole of the investment also has to bear maintenance and operational costs, taking into account the days when there's no catch.

 

Interestingly we have come to the point where we cannot tolerate anything that is short of our demands. Maldives has become a very dangerous place to live and work. Hopefully the tourists will not STOP coming. We will have nobody to blame for that save ourselves. What a price to pay to get rid of Maumoon and his regime, which would be to the benefit of only a few.

The most recent headline in the newspapers of the Maldives has been the case of the grade one text book for English Language. It was first reported in the Haveeru daily paper. Since then several articles and comments regarding the subject has been published.

 

Most interestingly, the Director General in charge of the Educational Development Centre EDC, responsible for publication of textbooks in the country has reported said that it is not such a big issue. That they will inform the necessary corrections to the teachers. The deputy minister for education has said that they are looking into the matter and will take action against those responsible. However, he did not reportedly give any further details.

 

Anyone going through the textbook would see that it is, in the first place, not a textbook. It does not fit any criteria for a textbook. Apart from that, there are at least one or two grammatical or punctuation mistakes on each page. The textbook in its acknowledgement page names several senior officials of the Education Development Centre. I take this to mean that the textbook would have been scrutinized by them. However, even from very simple observation it is clear that the textbook does not fit any criteria for a textbook of English Language; but is more a compilation of sub-standardard worksheets.

 

The incident highlights the shortcomings in the production of textbooks and curriculum management in general. It also brings into light the irresponsibility of those who have been charged with designing and production of materials for implementing the national curriculum. It is time that those charged with running the Ministry of Education and the EDC be made more responsible.

Today I was talking to a friend of mine regarding the cancellation of the bid awarding function for the winner of Hajara in Addu atoll to be developed into a 200 bed resort. The fact that things are so hap hazard and ad hoc, that a bidding process can be delayed like this is ridiculous. The rumour is that some heavyweights within the government are trying to nullify the whole process and come up with a formulae that favors pro-government activists. Such a formulae that is seemingly unbiased and builds investor confidence in the Maldives will be a wonderful miracle!

 

But it is not only this inconsistency in policy and governance that is the issue for the Maldivian business community, but the fact that potential foreign investors are scared of the New Maldives. The New Maldives where there is no law and order. Where the Rule of Law is to take things into one's own hands. A very reputed international company's executive told me, is it really safe to build a resort in Addu Atoll. What if someone from the mob does not like you for some little thing? Then he will bring the mob onto you and there's no guarantee on your life and property! "That is how the New Maldives reacts to things for which they have the slightest disliking."

 

He was not sure whether this was the kind of environment where foreigners with established businesses would like to invest their money. He said that the Fear Factor was too risky; worse than corruption and nepotism. Atleast, businesses could operate with such conditions.

 

The bottom line then is, let's give up this nation to the Mob; welcome to the era of mob rule democracy. Like another friend of mine told today, "the public is an insignificant minority in the New Maldives!"

One now cannot help but wonder the purpose of democracy, especially if you are living in the Maldives... the Sunny Side of Life!

 

I am amazed how the masses could be manipulated and how their feelings and ill-fate can be abused to further the cause and selfish interests of a few. This is how I see the present political environment of the country.

 

Several Male high class people are fighting for a piece of the wealth and glamor of a nation that is nothing but a holiday maker's dream of paradise on earth in every sense and meaning of the phrase. This country has been in the hands of Maumoon Abdul Gayyom for over twenty five years nearing thirty. He has been a moderate Islamic cleric cum philanthropist with a poor understanding of economy and a lack of command over his cabinet. Hence his cabinet which mostly comprised of family and friends, who cannot be compared to him in any amount to his kindness and want to bring good to the people of the country; failed to deliver an acceptable livelihood to the people of Maldives.

 

MDP or the opposition party which had risent to fame on the hatred of people to the friends and family of Maumoon Abdul Gayyom; has now become a monster that is uncontrollable to its leadership. Maumoon has since, seemingly chosen a more accountable and responsible cabinet sensitive to the needs and feelings of people, from outside the circles of family and friends.

 

The funny thing is that democracy and freedom and liberty to the people are really the last thing on the minds of those who claim to be the Champions of Maldivian Democracy; either within the opposition or Maumoon's "New Maldives" political front. But given the nature of the Maldivian people for tolerance, understanding and their readiness for new thinking; one cannot but be optimstic of a bright future, when this is all over.