Men born free but living in chains;

Men born free but living in chains;

What is independence? This seems like an obvious question. I'd say it is the ability of a person to do things for themselves. There are many ways of been independent. Economic, social and political independence comes to mind. We got independence from British Rule 44 years ago on July, 26. I believe that the document we signed with the British masters would be about giving us political independence from them. Anyway we were never imperialized by the British as they did with India, we were only a protectorate. I assume we had Economic and social independence from them. Today, as we celebrate our independence, it is important to gauge the extent to which we are independent.
Before I write anything more, let me say I am very passionate about my country and I often get emotional seeing the state of affairs in this country. If you ask me how I feel about our independence day, I would say that I would rather have British rule than this despotic rule. I am not that far up the Maslow’s need hierarchy to work for achieving political goals, but I would love to have economic and social independence. Also, I am not ignorant of the fact that we can never be completely independent as long as we live in a society, but I believe everyone should have the right to live their lives in the way they want. When I was born 24 years ago, I was totally dependent on my parents and for many following years I lived in their shadows. They influenced me as to what I am today. When I grew up and went to school I was bounded by the rules and regulations. The same was applicable even for the college. That time people used to say all this would be helpful in becoming a good citizen and once I become an adult I will be free and can live my life independently. How sad after 24 long years, I still find myself slave to an unjust system forced over me by my own people.
My country is awash with corruption and corrupt politicians. Bribery is the order of the day. I see gang fights- which more so often have caused loss of precious life, the crime rate has increased and people are no longer safer anymore. An entire generation of youth is wasted in drugs and do not have any religious or social guidance. Now, I realize everything is not as good as I thought it would be.
As far as I am concerned the problems with our society have been, the failure of us to establish a democratic system of governance in our country. I believe, with a vibrant democracy we can break free from the chains of autocracy and really feel the merits of been independent. For too long now, we have been chained by a system that systematically undermines human rights, would go to world’s end to hang on to power one more day and have crushed the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of people. Today democracy is the only preeminently acceptable form of governance. Tell you what? Nepal is a democracy now...
What exactly is democracy? We must not identify democracy with majority rule. Democracy has complex demands, which certainly [include voting and respect for election results, but it also requires the protection of liberties and freedoms, respect for legal entitlements, and the guaranteeing of free discussion and uncensored distribution of news and fair comment. Even elections can be deeply defective if they occur without the different sides getting an adequate opportunity to present their respective cases, or without the electorate enjoying the freedom to obtain news and to consider the views of the competing protagonists. Democracy is a demanding system, and not just a mechanical condition (like majority rule) taken in isolation. I believe an undemocratic society is forever chained to slavery, hence, with democracy we would have economic, social and political independence. Freedom is a part of human freedom in general, and exercising civil and political rights is a crucial part of good lives of individuals as social beings. Political and social participation has intrinsic value for human life and well-being. To be prevented from participation in the political life of the community is a major deprivation.
Slowly and painfully, we have now embarked on a journey towards democracy which as it is-is a half hearted attempt by a failed leader to appease an international community which got tired of him and domestic pressure which never relented. There is no doubt in my mind that our country’s journey into the future will be very difficult and problematic if we don’t succeed in establishing a fully functional democracy. I would like to think our future is very bright and that we are going to achieve greater heights. I feel sad because our leadership have failed us big time. A country of 3 lakh people with abundance of resources (oil is not the only resource that the world have) is still an under developed country after 30 years of one man show, is beyond me.
To all those who call themselves leaders (I do not believe we have anyone worthy of mentioning as a leader), I want to make a plea, please don’t destroy our future and that of my country by hanging onto your egos and personal grudges. It is hard to have any faith in this democratic system that we are paying so much money for you guys to establish, as I really don’t see anyone of you working for the better of the nation. It is not only our president who failed us. There are many others like the majority of parliament members and anyone who was a conspirator in this masterpiece of a show.
If we have to have a brighter future, if we want to be self sufficient, if we want to be rich, if we want have economic, social and political independence and most of all if we want our voices to be heard we have no choice but have a democratic system of governance. Our business would be more open to markets and our economy will get more FDI, we would have high level of schooling and there would be social opportunities that widen participation in the process of economic expansion. . Political and civil rights give people the opportunity to draw attention forcefully to general needs and to demand appropriate public action. The response of a government to the acute suffering of its people often depends on the pressure that is put on it. The exercise of political rights (such as voting, criticizing, protesting, and the like) can make a real difference to the political incentives that operate on a government. Political rights, including freedom of expression and discussion, are not only pivotal in inducing social responses to economic needs, they are also central to the conceptualization of economic needs themselves.
The difficult periods that we go through in our lives transform and enlighten our views on life. The devastating effects of social problems, the undesirable effects of so called globalization, more than sufficient ‘free thinkers’ and the struggle for political and economic freedom have helped me appreciate my existence and that of others in a positive way. It is my prayer and wish that one day we would be a vibrant democracy with intelligent and self sufficient people.

Nobody is above the law

Nobody is above the law

As I understand it, the popular principle of justice is to have equality according to number, not worth. The decision of the majority must be final and must constitute justice. In other words “NOBODY IS ABOVE THE LAW”. After 30 years of iron fist rule by Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, we now see a democratically elected government in place. I would say the current government is the most democratic government we have had for the known history of this country. The post election behavior shown by the two candidates need to be applauded and should have set the precedent for the politics of this country for the next five years.

The purpose of this writing is to say that it is very well to forgive and forget, but if we don’t conduct an inquest into what happened in those long 30 years of rule by Maumoon, it means indeed some people are above the law. I can understand that we need to look forward, as opposed to looking backwards, but what promise does a future hold if our elected officials are not accountable to what they do in office with our money. The purpose is not to implicate any individual, but by not probing into the past and reconcile with it, we effectively loose our souls and would be forever burdened by the weight of history. The purpose is to reform the corridors of power politics and make us believe in the system that we so proudly have enacted, or else I am afraid we would never be able to clean ourselves off the disgraceful stains that we inflicted on the face of our country. The intention is to set an example to future governments that the promise of a more perfect Maldives holds more value in our hearts than be bothered by the petty politics of them.

We are told that we don’t have to dwell on past abuses, because we won’t repeat them. But so far no one from ‘Maumoon era’ has expressed remorse for anything. What makes anyone think that they (DRP) or their political heirs won’t do it all over again, given the chance? In fact, what guarantee do we have that current government would do anything healthier if they know that they too can get away with abusing the citizenry as they like?

Now let’s talk about the celebrated abuse stories, corruption scandals and state of affairs of our country through thirty years of Maumoon government. It is widely believed that torture was widely practiced in our jails (I am not saying there is absolutely no torture taking place now). I have heard countless stories by people who were jailed for no reason: other than for criticizing the government policies- recall their ordeal. Many Sheiks were jailed and some even recall that their beards were shaven with chili sauce rubbed onto their face. There are countless stories of death while in police custody due to the unbearable torture they were forced to. Moreover, nobody can deny that during the thirty years we have had countless cases of political prisoners. Anyone who dared to utter a word against the ruling elite were jailed and made to suffer for their outburst. Recall the famous story of the late Dhohokkobe. There are thousands of people who are pining for a chance to get justice for the injustices inflicted upon them by the former government.

Wikipedia have listed Maldives 6th on a list compiled for widespread nepotism in the country. President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom once had 13 of his brothers, brothers-in-law, and classmates as members of his cabinet. Most of the rich in this country today are direct beneficiaries of the Maumoon government. If you doubt this, have a real look at the Bank of Maldives Audit Report published on the 18th of this month. Meanwhile, up to the ratification of the new constitution, we had a dysfunctional political system or institutions where political officials openly sought illegitimate personal gain through bribery, cronyism, nepotism, patronage etc. The constitution we had before was completed with in a span of 17 years and it proved to be a huge disappointment. What I know for certain is that 17 years is a lot of days to complete a constitution and a lot of money must have gone for that. Is this not a blatant misuse of our money? Do we just forget this as if nothing happened? Do we just let the above mentioned improper and unconstitutional conduct of our governments’ impinge on our future and be happy about it? My belief is that as long as we lack proper accountability in our government structure, our march towards a more prosperous future will be long and tiresome.

What about Air Maldives? What about FPID? What about MNSL and the countless corruption cases that we know publicly? Air Maldives was the first airline of the Maldives and the country's national flag carrier. It began operating in the 1970s, during Ibrahim Nasir's presidency. By the year 1999 Air Maldives dissolved due to bankruptcy. The losses amounted to $50 million. Many people allege that this was due to prevalent corruption and mismanagement. No explanation for this sudden death of our National Carrier was given by any public official. Likewise, MNSL was once a large company with more than 80 vessels making huge profits. The company now has around 3 vessels. Who would take the responsibility for this mismanagement or do we not investigate if there is any corruption involved. This is exactly why we need an inquest into these corruption cases, so that we the ordinary citizens are assured that our interest will be safeguarded and if anyone is guilty, they will be punished.
Today, I see that we have lost our soul as a nation. We are a nation of 100 percent Muslims. We don’t have racial segregation. We speak one language and we don’t have vast differences in our culture across the islands. We are an interconnected society, where everyone knows everyone. And yet, it saddens me to say that this small nation of ours is awash with religious tension, widespread drug use, wasted youth population, corruption, gang fighting, robbery, rape, child abuse etc. I weep for my country that we no longer have the religious harmony that we should have and how our youth: society at large have strayed away from Islam. Yes, I do want to question the leaders who took oath of office to respect the religion of Islam, to uphold the constitution and the fundamental rights of us citizens. I do not believe they have truthfully discharged their duties.

The central theme of my argument is that public officials must be held accountable for what they do while in office. They should be made to pay a penalty if they are guilty of any wrongdoing. Only then can we trust in our governments. Only then can we reap the benefits of truly democratic society. Only then can we work to make a country more perfect and achieve a prosperous future.

The North Koreans have done it. Yes, they claim to have a nuclear bomb and have successfully carried out a test. As you would expect the Security Council have strongly condemned the test. Japan and the United States seem to be most furious about Pyongyang’s defiant action. China has also sent its toughest words so far about the issue. They called the test a “brazen and unacceptable act”. But North Korea sees it as an historic event, calling it as the way for peace and stability.
But anyone with half a mind would understand that a nuclear armed North Korea would altogether destroy the peace and stability of the region. The situation seems to be graver than one might understand. There are 2 main real threats to the peace and stability of the world:

1. Now there would certainly be policy change in most of the Capitals in the region. Japan has so far adopted a no-nuclear policy. But, everyone knows if Japan wanted, it have the capability and the know-how to create the bomb. Will South Korea watch and see, while North Koreans acquire these weapons of mass destruction. Pyongyang can easily bully them if its so. What about China? China has been North Koreas closest ally for years now and they depend heavily on Chinese bi-lateral trade. China exports about 2billion dollars worth of goods every year to North Korea. But now if China tries to bully them, they can easily say we have the BOMB…so piss off.

2. Nuclear proliferation could become widespread. North Korea is a rogue regime and could sell these technologies to the terrorist organizations.

Does the Malaysian education system promote creativity?

How do we define creativity? How do we ensure we are creative and the future generations are creative enough to withstand and propel our country into the unknowns of future? How can creativity be fostered? Is it possible to give exercises for creativity? A program? A system of education? Is creativity something that can be trained or taught?
What does our country need today? More novels, theories, scholarship or universities? They are certainly significant but I would also suggest that we need a totally different form of living, a way of facing the problems that plague our country? We need teachers, politicians, parents who are highly creative. We need people whose minds are not damaged. Who are alert, sensitive, who listen and watch both themselves and others?
One cannot disagree that the Malaysian education system is well provided and equally accessible. We have excellent network of schools providing primary and secondary education. Now our tertiary education sector is booming and lots of intellects are been imported. Rising number of foreign student flocking to our universities and colleges serves example for it. But the question remains, does it promote creativity. Well, I am against it for most part.
Creativity (or creativeness) is a mental process involving the generation of new ideas or concepts, or new associations between existing ideas or concepts. To achieve this objective we need to engage in the process of identifying problems and finding the best solutions to it. As it is a process, we need to emphasize on character development from the earliest stages. However, most primary schools do not do this. The primary and secondary school syllabi emphasizes on theory. Students engage in rote learning and memorization of facts which have little relevance in the real world. One can go on learning and by hearting but would still lack the necessity tenacity and foresight to solve real world problems and adjust to the ever changing demands of the job market.
The Malaysian government needs to consider course structures which give more importance to character development (industrial training) and less theory. Hence there would be more usable human intellect. The emphasis must not be in preparation for the exams but on enhancing and encouraging student to be more creative and outgoing. What is the use of Bahasa Malaysia as subject in university level? What can it add to a student’s level of creativity? These are subjects which should be taught at secondary or primary levels. Precious times are lost here and less of other more important curricula are less used.
I agree that memorization and to a certain extent rote learning is a necessary prerequisite for ones growth and education. Without "memorizing", one can never become a doctor, and without further "memorizing" to a certain extent, he or she will never qualify to be a "specialist". As well, without proper training and familiarity it would be dangerous to assume a doctors duty.
There needs to be opportunities to develop ones creativity- critical thinking and analytical skills. Memorization of facts and ability to think and analyze real world problems must go hand in hand. This will not be achieved through exams, text books or lecturers giving lengthy –most of the time boring- lecture, but with opportunities for growth of the intellectual mind and enhancement of one’s creative skills.
Subjects such as History are often treated with disdain and irrelevance, particularly by the students who view the "facts" and knowledge picked up from the subject is "useless". These subjects are critical in helping students enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills. The weakness in our education system with regards to these subjects is the angle from which these subjects are taught and examined, as well as the ability of the teachers to teach these subjects from an analytical perspective. To illustrate, History should be a subject about "Why's" instead of "What's". The examination questions should be asking "Why did Japan launch an invasion on Southeast Asia? Was the invasion inevitable?" instead of "When did Japan invade Malaysia and how many bicycles did they use?" Both answers will still require elements of memorising (remembering facts), but the former will actually require the student to think and apply the relevant facts.
One cannot disagree with the fact that Malaysian university course structures are not as rigorous and comprehensive as those in other developed countries. In other words the level and the quality of education are lower. Most students lack the broader subject content and hence limit the level of creativity. This is partly due to the fact the primary and secondary level syllabi are not advanced. Malaysian universities are not even in the top 100 in the world. Therefore, to develop a creative and challenging workforce, primary and secondary schools syllabi must be improved, so that in the later stages the students can be exposed to more rigorous and comprehensive courses as in the developed countries.
Malaysian education, system is not as advanced as it is in the developed countries like United States, UK etc. But certainly, it is improving and is better when compared to most countries in the region. As leaders cannot be produced, creativity is not something you can impart on someone. But it is a long process which should start from our homes and continue to universities and beyond.

For courage lie in deeds not boastful lies:

There are two ways to live ones life. To accept and be happy about what is happening around and or taking action to change what is happening around. One should be deaf and blind not to see all the problems that exist in our country and prophesize all is well with the Maldivians. Corruption, drugs, social injustice, poverty, selfish leaders, blatant human rights abuses and torture are just few that have taken root in our small island nation.

When enough is enough, we need people to stand against injustice and inequality. Our country so far has not failed us in this. Utheemu Mahaaradhun (Mohamed Thakurufaanu), Ali Rasgefaanu, Dhon bandaarain and Dhandehelu are just few heroes who have not cared about themselves but only a better day for all Maldivians. Mohamed Thakurufaanu and his brothers fought the mighty Portuguese and defeated them only for us to enjoy our life, religion and nation. Ali Rasgefaanu must have been very proud and happy that day in the heavens above.

Today if Mohamed Thakurufaanu was to appear by our side and see for himself all that is happening in our nation, what would he say? Would he be proud of what we have done to our nation? Surely, tears would come to his eyes and wonder how, by us –not a foreign power- has made this nation worse than it was under Andhiri Andhirin. Don’t get me wrong, but it is a better sight to see Americans bombing Baghdad than one Muslim killing another.

With all those Independence Day dances routines, parades and hoo-ha, I wonder how many Maldivians really feel independent. With our 41st Independence Day celebrations behind us, lets examine are we really independent. The answer is BIG NO. We are not free or independent. We all are a part of the system which is rooted in corruption and torture. Corrupt deals for those people who support the bosses and torture for those who do not. Either you are with us or perish in jails is the motto of our leaders. There is no political freedom. Until recently, if you voice any dissent, you would find yourself behind bars and tortured to death. There is no social justice system. The ruling clans have always been above the law and treating the constitution as if it is their fathers will. Effectively our country is a police state, where arbitrary arrests, police violence and torture are widespread. Free people do not go around begging for medical treatment, food, children’s education etc. With almost half of the youth wasted in drugs, how many households can really feel safe: thefts, street fighting and other hardcore crimes have been on the rise. If you send your daughter to the nearest shop in male, how sure are you that she would not be mugged or molested?

For the past three decades Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, the autocratic ruler of our country has clawed on dissent and has never admitted failure. What strike me most is that a self proclaimed preacher of Islam have never admitted his guilt and apologized for the injustice and pain he have inflicted upon his people. All he does is talk of the progress he has made and that more needed to be done. All he does is to blame others for incompetence and praise him. All he talks is about the hard work his government has done to provide a safe and respectable life for the people. But the complete truth is that majority of Maldivians’ live in poverty, their civil liberties are abused and human rights ignored. Mohamed Thakurufaanu or Ali Rasgefaanu would not be happy with us, that we have let such a tyrant to destroy their beloved nation and waste their life’s sacrifices. We have failed our Martyrs and men of valor. When on martyr’s day Maumoon praises their efforts it would be like North Koreas leader Kim Jong il giving a speech about democracy. It would be like Maumoon laughing at our martyrs as they have given him a place to “loot” as he wished.

But, there is always hope. Truth and justice always wins over lies and injustice. When Ali Rasgefaanu took his last breath he must have prayed Allah that his beloved nation be free of that Portuguese power which inflicted pain on the face our proud nation. Albeit years after, Maldivians defeated a major power that time and proclaimed freedom from a dangerous past. I know of no way of judging the future, but by the past. And judging by the past Maldives was never short of heroes who fought for freedom and liberty. We have defeated tyrants from with in and colonial powers from abroad.
Today also we are no less short of freedom fighters, everyday heroes or “reformists” (more politicized). I don’t know whether Mohamed Nasheed-Anni is the Maldivian Mandela or not. It is up to the generations after him to judge him. Certainly, he and others like him has started a fight and this fight will not end, till when all Maldivians can come out of a corrupt and unjust system which for years has made a mockery of their life. Today, the nation has awakened and the fire of freedom is burning in our hearts. With all the AK-47’s Maumoon have not been able dent our resolve as our courage is far sharper. Maumoon must not mistake our silence for beneath it lies rage, burning fire and a strong desire to give our children a better future.
Maumoon must today understand that he is now a yesterday’s man and he cannot force his will against an entire nation longing for an end to his unjust rule. History books will not be friendly with him and his story will be a frightening remainder to all our leaders that a dictator’s end would not be “rosy”. If he is any wise today, Maumoon must now step down and ask forgiveness from the entire nation and may be then we would be lenient with him- Not Guaranteed. This is not a threat but something which will happen for sure. We are passionate about our freedom and it is greater than our lives.

Most of these presidents and prime ministers or simply politicians are said to be educated and learned, but i have a doubt. Why i say this is that i see that none of these people seem to understand that ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
For the past two days i have been listening to the speeches given by the leaders of the world at the 60th UN general assembly. What struck me most was that none of these, admitted for their failures and apologized for the unjustice and pain they have inflicted upon their people. All they talk is that, they have acheived progress and that more needed to be done. All they did was to blame others and read out a very nicely written 'story'. All they talked is about the hard work their government have done to provide a safe and respectable life for their people. But the complete truth is that majority of the people in this world lives in countries where their civil liberties are abused and basic human rights are ignored. For the past 60 years, these so called leaders have been giving the same speeches and repeating the same process. These meetings have become a place where they market themselves and fulfill their personal egos.

Forexample here is a person who came to power in a military coup that overthrew an elected government and appointed himself as the president, claiming that he is the only person who can rule the country talking about civil liberties, human rights, freedom of speech and democracy. Indeed if a cat and a mouse can live in peace side by side, only then a country can be a dictatorship and a democracy at the sametime.

The entire Maldives is surrounded by ocean. Every single citizen has a ‘love’ story with the sea around. Every single citizen has had experience with the vast, miraculous, powerful and surreptitious ocean. But I have always wondered why a Maldivian has never been recognized as a great sailor.

Our country is famed for the three S’s: the sun, sand and the sea. A thousand “Robinson Crusoe” islands with massive different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens. The country’s volatile economy is almost dependent on the penny paid by the tourists to the Resorts in the Maldives who woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise on earth'. Today as I write this article I see an underwater resort build in the Maldives for the tourists.” A holiday in an underwater resort for a lifetime experience”. What would you feel when you see a large shoal of sting rays swimming towards your room when you wake up in the morning or spent time with your partner.

Today, when I dream of my beloved nation I see a Maldivian astronaut on a NASA repair mission to the International space station. The education sector in the country is very good, equipped with latest technologies and high-tech laboratories. Every atoll there is a secondary school. Over all the results are very good. I see a university in an uninhabited island. The world’s first university island. In there, they take pride in producing the future leaders of Maldives. I see a Maldivian economist walking down the red carpet to receive the Nobel Prize.

I dream of a cyber country where citizens are given access to the latest cyber technology. Telecommunications facilities are provided at the lowest of prices. There is a world famous animation industry and I see that a Maldivian animated movie has grossed over a billion dollars in the world wide box office, taking the Oscar for best animated movie. I even ask myself this question; why can’t we have the best software company in the world. Or would it be surprising that a Maldivian write a much better operating system than any operating system in the world?

Last year, we got the pride of bringing a trophy of an international sports event. The cricket champion of the emerging nations. I ask myself why can’t we beat every cricket power in the world and bring home the trophy of the cricket world cup. Why can’t a Maldivian be more famous than Sachin Tendulkar or shane Warne. I ask myself why a Maldivian footballer one day can’t play in Real Madrid or Chelsea. I ask myself is it stupid to think that one day Maldivian national football team will be a major power in Asia and will one day play in world cup. Why I don’t know, but I have this feeling that one day a Maldivian competing in Olympics swimming will bring home a gold medal.

I see myself riding my car from Male to Hulhumale on the recently built bridge to greet a friend coming from abroad. There are not many people living in Male. The government has developed safe islands in every atoll where all the facilities are provided. The populations in these islands are well above 4 or 5 thousand. This makes it easier for the government to address the needs of the citizens living. Male is no more just narrow streets and concrete boxes. The congestion and pollution caused by over population is overcome by moving migrated population to other developed islands. I see a museum where master pieces of Maldivian painters are displayed. I see a memorial for the tsunami victims, the worst natural disaster the country has embraced over her brief history.

I do not see Maldives having the record of the highest divorce rate in the world. I believe that to prosper a country needs to breed an educated and well civilized youth. And this can only be possible if we are able to provide a sound family foundation to our youth. Today, many children are growing up in conditions that do not provide the moral or ethical framework needed to develop good character. Even when families try hard to provide a strong foundation, they often find their efforts undermined by the media, the child's peers, and increasingly, the Internet. But I see that our society is working hard to instill good manners and the more important Islamic teachings in our youth and it is successful. I see that our country is a ‘drug free’ country. The crime rate is low and social life is safer. Moreover I see that housing loans by the government are provided for a generation. This makes it easier for the families and helps them lead a noble life.

I see that the GDP per capita of our country is well over fifteen thousand US dollars. The living standard is higher compared to most countries in Asia. Inflation and unemployment is very low and there are very few expatriates working in our country. I see that Maldives no longer imports agricultural products. We are producing agricultural products in the abundant uninhabited islands. I see that there is an International cargo harbor in Haa Alifu and that we are able to compete with other international harbors.

Today when I dream of our future I see that our country is a democracy for real. Political parties contend each other to convince the public that they can do a better job in office. Human rights are respected and there is freedom of speech. I believe that political stability and good governance are the driving forces that steer a country towards the much dreamt development. I believe that only with political transparency and press freedom that a nation can ‘cure’ the much vile corruption.

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