Majilis sessions to resume
Muruthasil Aslam, Staff Writer
Male', Maldives 28th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The Special Majilis (constitutional assembly) will hold its next meeting this morning after it was announced that a motion to debate the removal of appointed members has been omitted from the agenda, as recommended by 61 members of the Majilis in a signed petition.
Members of the Majilis were informed of the decision in writing yesterday. The President of the Special Majilis had taken the decision after the Administrative Committee failed to resolve the issue. With six votes required for a decision, the Administrative Committee had grappled with the issue for over three weeks, with its work hampered by low attendance amidst threats and intimidation from the MDP.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) tabled the motion to remove presidential appointees from both houses. 61 Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) members recommended the removal of the debate at this stage, arguing it was unconstitutional to change the composition of the Special Majilis at this juncture.
The MDP has so far refused to comment on the decision by the Majilis presidency. The Party is said to be debating on a course of action with a boycott or walk-out from the session today the most likely option. International observers such as the Chairman of the Maldives-British All-Party Parliamentary Group the Rt. Hon. Lord Naseby have already noted that the MDP uses tactics of disengagement in an effort to delay reform. Lord Naseby asked Her Majesty’s Government to call on the MDP to come to talks with the Maldlives government as ‘it is the democratic way.’
With barely 30% of the Special Majilis controlled by the MDP, the party has always reacted adversely to decisions which they oppose. Walkouts and disengagement have been the norm instead of the graceful acceptance which is required in a democratic process of decision-making.
Party insiders reveal that the issue has taken centre stage in preliminary talks before the MDP national council’s 5th meeting tonight. With current leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra previously threatening to boycott the council meeting, he has apparently changed his mind. The Majilis presidency’s decision has reportedly brought the previously warring Ibra and chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie together for the moment.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s reform agenda roadmap is soon to be released and the MDP now face pressure, both from within the party and from the outside, to embrace the roadmap wholeheartedly. However, reports indicate that the party is already formulating excuses to reject the roadmap although its content is yet to be revealed.
Click to read full story
Muruthasil Aslam, Staff Writer
Male', Maldives 28th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The Special Majilis (constitutional assembly) will hold its next meeting this morning after it was announced that a motion to debate the removal of appointed members has been omitted from the agenda, as recommended by 61 members of the Majilis in a signed petition.
Members of the Majilis were informed of the decision in writing yesterday. The President of the Special Majilis had taken the decision after the Administrative Committee failed to resolve the issue. With six votes required for a decision, the Administrative Committee had grappled with the issue for over three weeks, with its work hampered by low attendance amidst threats and intimidation from the MDP.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) tabled the motion to remove presidential appointees from both houses. 61 Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) members recommended the removal of the debate at this stage, arguing it was unconstitutional to change the composition of the Special Majilis at this juncture.
The MDP has so far refused to comment on the decision by the Majilis presidency. The Party is said to be debating on a course of action with a boycott or walk-out from the session today the most likely option. International observers such as the Chairman of the Maldives-British All-Party Parliamentary Group the Rt. Hon. Lord Naseby have already noted that the MDP uses tactics of disengagement in an effort to delay reform. Lord Naseby asked Her Majesty’s Government to call on the MDP to come to talks with the Maldlives government as ‘it is the democratic way.’
With barely 30% of the Special Majilis controlled by the MDP, the party has always reacted adversely to decisions which they oppose. Walkouts and disengagement have been the norm instead of the graceful acceptance which is required in a democratic process of decision-making.
Party insiders reveal that the issue has taken centre stage in preliminary talks before the MDP national council’s 5th meeting tonight. With current leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra previously threatening to boycott the council meeting, he has apparently changed his mind. The Majilis presidency’s decision has reportedly brought the previously warring Ibra and chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie together for the moment.
President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s reform agenda roadmap is soon to be released and the MDP now face pressure, both from within the party and from the outside, to embrace the roadmap wholeheartedly. However, reports indicate that the party is already formulating excuses to reject the roadmap although its content is yet to be revealed.
Click to read full story
PETITION DEMADING FAIR REPRESENTATION AS PER CAMPAIGN PROMISES,
The People Majlis
Members of Peoples Majlis for Addu Atoll
Mr.Mohamed Aslam.
Mr.Ibrahim Shareef.
We have elected you to represent us in the People’s Majlis with high hopes. Neither of you indicated any affiliation to a Political Party during your campaign. Mr.Aslam has specifically mentioned that he was approached by Maldivian Democratic Party but that he did not accept the offer and that he intends to be an Independent.
Since your election, both of you have joined the MDP. Although some of us who voted for you may have reservations for this action, some do not as some of us belong to MDP while others are with Adhaalath or DRP. Some are still undecided. If it justifies your own conscience that after having being elected as Independent, joining a certain Political Party which may be against the wishes of some of your supporter is the right thing.
We are concerned that you have brought the Party line into the Parliament. As individuals we accept your decisions to join a certain party, but we do not believe that you have any right to choose a certain party line against the belief’s of even a single voter who voted for you. Inside parliament, it is your sacred duty to act as an Independent as that is how you got elected, through votes of people who clearly did not agree to MDP policies even at the time of election.
We are extremely disappointed to find both the chairs representing Addu Atoll being vacant today when the Majlis was inaugurated for 2006. From the other members who were absent, it is apparent that the absence were all MDP members and it is likely planned.
As a person who both of you, or either one of you, the following signatories demand that the Members representing us either change your policies in the Parliament by representing us, or resign to pave way for a by election where you can very well be elected if your policies are supported by the Majority. We will respect any decision you take after that on the platform you are elected.
Download the petition in English and Divehi
The People Majlis
Members of Peoples Majlis for Addu Atoll
Mr.Mohamed Aslam.
Mr.Ibrahim Shareef.
We have elected you to represent us in the People’s Majlis with high hopes. Neither of you indicated any affiliation to a Political Party during your campaign. Mr.Aslam has specifically mentioned that he was approached by Maldivian Democratic Party but that he did not accept the offer and that he intends to be an Independent.
Since your election, both of you have joined the MDP. Although some of us who voted for you may have reservations for this action, some do not as some of us belong to MDP while others are with Adhaalath or DRP. Some are still undecided. If it justifies your own conscience that after having being elected as Independent, joining a certain Political Party which may be against the wishes of some of your supporter is the right thing.
We are concerned that you have brought the Party line into the Parliament. As individuals we accept your decisions to join a certain party, but we do not believe that you have any right to choose a certain party line against the belief’s of even a single voter who voted for you. Inside parliament, it is your sacred duty to act as an Independent as that is how you got elected, through votes of people who clearly did not agree to MDP policies even at the time of election.
We are extremely disappointed to find both the chairs representing Addu Atoll being vacant today when the Majlis was inaugurated for 2006. From the other members who were absent, it is apparent that the absence were all MDP members and it is likely planned.
As a person who both of you, or either one of you, the following signatories demand that the Members representing us either change your policies in the Parliament by representing us, or resign to pave way for a by election where you can very well be elected if your policies are supported by the Majority. We will respect any decision you take after that on the platform you are elected.
Download the petition in English and Divehi
Majilis boycott was mutiny against Annie
Muruthasil Aslam, Staff Writer
Male', Maldives 25th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The 14 MPs controlled by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) did not attend Thursday’s inauguration of Parliament due to serious disagreements over strategy, it has emerged. While the powers that be, most notably chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie, had insisted that MPs attend the inauguration meeting and heckle President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom during his speech, certain factions within the shadow cabinet refused to follow through.
President Gayoom inaugurated the People’s Majilis with no MDP members present. He announced major plans for the coming year, most notably a roadmap for the reform process due to be released before the end of March.
The party’s shambolic and ill-advised response was to issue a statement on its website which has landed it in further trouble. The ruling DRP has condemned the statement, which contains numerous unfounded slurs, on President Gayoom and his governance.
While sources inform olhuala.com that the Attorney General’s office is formulating its official legal opinion on these statements, many, including MDP members, have called for an immediate retraction.
Sources close to the MDP leadership have informed olhuala.com that contents of the statement were meant to be slogans shouted out at the President during his speech in the Majilis by Moosa Manik Reeko, Jesus Afeef and Ismail Shihab. It had been decided to make the statements because MPs cannot be prosecuted for things said within the Majilis was. Current party leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra is reported to be furious about the publication of the statement, which was released without his knowledge.
As a protest against Annie, Ibra and legal advisor Mohamed Munavvar did not take part in the MDP’s public rally on Thursday night. Munavvar is currently canvassing opinion among members of his faction about the feasibility of forming a new party. He has reportedly declared that the MDP lacks sufficient public support.
What prompted the MPs’ backtracking on their commitment was revealed to olhuala.com by an MDP insider: “It was shadow Minister Ibrahim Shareef Mavota and Sanco Shareef who first declared they did not support Annie’s plans to heckle Gayoom during the inauguration of the Majilis. Mavota, who is known to be weary of Annie’s influence, bluntly threatened to leave the MDP if any MP raised their voice during Gayoom’s speech.
“Shadow Minister Maria Didi then said she was unwilling to sit through any meeting where the President was going to be attacked as she felt the MDP would lose what little support they now have, if that were to happen. She left the country on Wednesday night, saying she did not want any part if it.”
The rifts between members of the shadow cabinet has widened as a result of Thursday’s events. Ibrahim Shareef Mavota who has been contemplating leaving the MDP for sometime was vehemently attacked by Annie and is holding several meetings with key advisers over the weekend to determine what his next move should be. Former attorney general Munavvar who refused a shadow cabinet post last December has now informally informed party leaders that he would be leaving the MDP in the near future.
It is speculated that Munavvar and Shareef who are from Addu Atoll want to form their separate party together.
Click to read full story
Muruthasil Aslam, Staff Writer
Male', Maldives 25th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The 14 MPs controlled by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) did not attend Thursday’s inauguration of Parliament due to serious disagreements over strategy, it has emerged. While the powers that be, most notably chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie, had insisted that MPs attend the inauguration meeting and heckle President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom during his speech, certain factions within the shadow cabinet refused to follow through.President Gayoom inaugurated the People’s Majilis with no MDP members present. He announced major plans for the coming year, most notably a roadmap for the reform process due to be released before the end of March.
The party’s shambolic and ill-advised response was to issue a statement on its website which has landed it in further trouble. The ruling DRP has condemned the statement, which contains numerous unfounded slurs, on President Gayoom and his governance.
While sources inform olhuala.com that the Attorney General’s office is formulating its official legal opinion on these statements, many, including MDP members, have called for an immediate retraction.
Sources close to the MDP leadership have informed olhuala.com that contents of the statement were meant to be slogans shouted out at the President during his speech in the Majilis by Moosa Manik Reeko, Jesus Afeef and Ismail Shihab. It had been decided to make the statements because MPs cannot be prosecuted for things said within the Majilis was. Current party leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra is reported to be furious about the publication of the statement, which was released without his knowledge.
As a protest against Annie, Ibra and legal advisor Mohamed Munavvar did not take part in the MDP’s public rally on Thursday night. Munavvar is currently canvassing opinion among members of his faction about the feasibility of forming a new party. He has reportedly declared that the MDP lacks sufficient public support.
What prompted the MPs’ backtracking on their commitment was revealed to olhuala.com by an MDP insider: “It was shadow Minister Ibrahim Shareef Mavota and Sanco Shareef who first declared they did not support Annie’s plans to heckle Gayoom during the inauguration of the Majilis. Mavota, who is known to be weary of Annie’s influence, bluntly threatened to leave the MDP if any MP raised their voice during Gayoom’s speech.
“Shadow Minister Maria Didi then said she was unwilling to sit through any meeting where the President was going to be attacked as she felt the MDP would lose what little support they now have, if that were to happen. She left the country on Wednesday night, saying she did not want any part if it.”
The rifts between members of the shadow cabinet has widened as a result of Thursday’s events. Ibrahim Shareef Mavota who has been contemplating leaving the MDP for sometime was vehemently attacked by Annie and is holding several meetings with key advisers over the weekend to determine what his next move should be. Former attorney general Munavvar who refused a shadow cabinet post last December has now informally informed party leaders that he would be leaving the MDP in the near future.
It is speculated that Munavvar and Shareef who are from Addu Atoll want to form their separate party together.
Click to read full story
Special Report
MDP petitions and police raids in Sri Lanka
Zacki Jabbar, Sri Lanka Correspondent
Colombo, Sri Lanka 24th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Some Maldivians resident in Sri Lanka presented a petition to the Maldivian High Commission recently in support of what the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), alleges were undemocratic acts of the Maldivian government.
About a 100 Maldivians signed the petition which was handed over to a senior official of the Maldivian High Commission who assured them that their concerns would be conveyed to the Maldivian government.
The petitioners did not demonstrate opposite the High Commission in Colombo as earlier planned but sent three of its representatives to hand over the petition.
A sticking point however was that one of the three representatives was a 21 year old, on a student visa. The fact that he was a student effectively debars him from taking part in politically motivated activities.
A spokesperson for the petitioners attempted to justify the students right to protest on the grounds that he was over 18 years of age, but according to Sri Lankan law student visas do not permit one to engage in such activity.
Asked as to why they had not demonstrated as planned, the spokesperson said, “The Maldivian embassy in Colombo is staffed by very professional diplomats who have been fair in their dealings. They have always conveyed our grievances to the Maldivian government. As such we thought it was not proper for us to demonstrate outside the embassy.”
The petition itself wanted the reinstatement of “politically victimised public servants,” release of MDP Chairman Mohammed Nasheed, “Human Rights activist” Jenifer Latheef, artist Naushad Wahid and Ahmed Didi, co-publisher of the “Sandhaanu,” an end to “police brutality” and removal of Police Chief Adam Zahir,
There are about 4000 Maldivians resident in Sri Lanka presently. Most of them are either engaged in studies or business.
The fact that there were only about 100 signatures on the petition indicates that the majority of Maldivians in Sri Lanka do not want to get involved in political protests while being guests of a friendly neighbour.
The recent raid on the Colombo office of Minivan News and Minivan Radio - the official mouthpiece of the MDP by the Criminal Investigations Department, on allegations of arms being stored there and some of its employees fleeing the country did raise suspicions.
The CID officers were armed with a warrant to interrogate and search the premises for arms, arms related equipment and unlicensed transmitters.
The damage caused by Paul Roberts – said to be Minivan’s live wire in Colombo and his colleague Zaheer fleeing Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the CID raid has some what been minimised since the founding editor of Minivan News and Minivan Radio, Mohammed Zuhair continues to reside in Colombo.
“Minivan Radio broadcasts are actually aired from Germany, although the team worked out of Colombo,” Zuhair said.
Roberts according to Zuhair had received anonymous calls stating that he would be charged for visa violations which could have lead to other Asian countries black listing him.
He, claimed that Roberts left after lawyers affirmed that the case had been closed “as false allegations.”
When pointed out that Roberts and Zaheer by fleeing Sri Lanka had only added credibility to the allegation of arms and unlicensed electronic equipment being stored at the Minivan office, Zuhair said, “Well I am the editor and still here. I have had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka over some thirty odd times, attended studies here, and have lived some two years from 2003, leading to my having better faith in your country's institutions and the right to defence lawyers. Mr. Roberts may have lacked that faith, as did Mr. Naseer.”
Asked what the justification was for the MDP to use Sri Lanka as a base for its political activities Zuhair said, ”Sri Lanka gave Maldives its first Constitution in 1932. Sri Lanka was the home for politicians who transformed hundreds of years of monarchy to republican rule in 1952. Sri Lanka is where our best cricketers honed their skills, sticky wickets and all. Sri Lanka was where we gained our independence from the British. Sri Lankan teachers have taught almost all our alumni on both sides of the political spectrum. It is no wonder that Sri Lanka today is breathing life to political trends in Maldives, ushering in political pluralism for the first time in our country's history,” he said.
Click to read full story
News Flash
MDP face backlash after accusing President of murder
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 23rd February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The MDP has this morning sensationally accused President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Maldives of committing murder. The crime of murder was among a litany of accusations against Gayoom the MDP listed in a press release on its website published as justification of the party’s boycott of this morning’s inauguration of the People’s Majilis.
The blatant claims, made without providing any evidence or justification, place the MDP and more particularly its senior personnel in very serious straits according to legal experts. It is highly likely that the MDP will be asked to justify their claims or issue a full and unqualified retraction.
Sources indicate that the Attorney General is already working on the issue. It is felt that the MDP has for a time now tried to flaunt the law but on this occasion, they may find that they have gone too far. “The party will probably try to say that no one person will can be held accountable for a statement issued by the whole party. But this will not cut it; [current party president Ibrahim Ismail] Ibra and [chairman Mohamed Nasheed] Annie are legally bound to shoulder the blame for crimes committed by or in the name of the MDP,” said a source.
Observers say the aims of the press release maybe two-fold: to invite pro-MDP mobs to violence on the streets as part of today’s ‘MDP demonstrations’ and at the same time, to provoke anti-MDP elements within society to react against these mobs. However, it does not diminish the criticism MDP MPs now face from the party’s own membership after they were promised that MPs would disrupt today’s meeting.
Many low-level members believe the MPs simply did not have the courage to keep their word. Of the 15 MPs controlled by the MDP, only one attended today’s ceremonies. The 35 other MPs who attended all represent the ruling DRP.
Among the other accusations levelled by the MDP against Gayoom are bribery and misappropriation of funds.
Click to read full story
News Flash
MDP leader fails to turn up for Majilis opening
Male’, Maldives, 23rd February 2006, 10.35am (olhuala.com) - Ibrahim Ismail Ibra, the current leader of the opposition MDP is among a number of top MDP MPs who are absent from the Majilis' opening, olhuala.com has learnt.
Ibra is among numerous MDP MPs who vowed to heckle President Gayoom during the speech he is currently making.
Ibra is the Member for Male'. Also missing are Male' Member Mohamed Shihab, Addu Members Aslam and Shareef, Baa Member Ibrahim Solih and Kaafu Member Maria Didi who reportedly flew out of the country late last night.
Finance Minister Gasim Ibrahim is also not attending proceedings.
Opening of Majilis underway
Male’, Maldives, 23rd February 2006, 10.15am (olhuala.com) - The opening of the People's Majilis for the year 2006 is currently in progress with no incidents reported. President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is at this time making his statement outlining government policy for the coming year during which he has already called for the swift progress of the amendment of the constitution.The planned MDP disrutption has not yet materialised. Earlier reports had indicated a small police presence had secured the Presidential route to the Majilis Building well before the meeting started at 10am.
MDP to disrupt opening of Parliament today
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 23rd February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will open Parliament for the year 2006 this morning in the face of threats by the Maldivian Democratic Party to disrupt proceedings and ‘demonstrate peacefully’ both inside and outside the Majilis Building. Over the past few days, various MDP officials have described how MDP MPs will jeer the President during his speech and how ‘thousands of MDP activists will join the demonstration as on January 24th.’
Few believe that the MDP garnered more than a couple of hundred protestors in January’s ‘demonstration,’ universally dismissed as an abject failure. The subsequent attempt at a demonstration last Sunday was nearly as embarrassing and the fanfare the Party has laid out for today’s attempt has scared off some leading officials: shadow cabinet members Maria Didi and Waheed Hassan abruptly left the country last night.
Drawing on past experience, the MDP have also called a public rally for tonight; many believe this will provide a platform for regrouping after another less than successful escapade. The opening of Parliament is a welcome break for a party currently embroiled in vicious intercene warfare. More trouble between the current leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra who is barely hanging on to ‘power’ and chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie is expected in the announced MDP national council meeting scheduled for the 28th of this month.
Observers argue that the long list of perceived failures by the MDP have made the public disinterested. Mohamed Luthufee, a resident of Male’ said: “I observed both the violent episodes of August 2004 and August 2005. I even went to have a look at their January event. But I’m not bothering again; I heard that [last] Sunday’s demostration did not draw any crowd whatsoever. Frankly people are bored and have better things to do.”
To prevent another debacle, Annie has demanded that MDP MPs act as they have promised in internal talks: something they have failed to do time and again, according to Annie. Some MDP MPs have apparently signed declarations to Annie, pledging to act to disrupt proceedings today.
Says Luthufee: “I expect all of them to chicken out and then come up with some excuse saying their statements had been misinterpreted. The same thing happened after they invited people to bring along children in January. They will try to pass it by as a success whatever happens. I suppose they are just immature as a political party and don’t know it is beneficial to sometimes admit it when you lose.
“On the other hand, if the MPs do manage to carry out their threats, they will in fact lose face with the public.”
Analysts say that the MDP is fast becoming labelled as an obstructive and negative group. While President Gayoom yesterday pardoned two MDP members sentenced for offences against the state and criminal defamation, the MDP has made no reciprocal moves and has been left apparently caught on the back foot. Luthufee says: “People are hoping for a goodwill gesture from the MDP but realists only expect more negativity and controversy from a party which has failed to come up with one single positive move.”
The MDP have made the issue of appointed members of the Majilis the main talking point but some of their top officials have so far not committed to the cause: shadow ministers Maria Didi and Ibrahim Zaki. These two were members of the previous Special Majilis which drew up the present constitution which provides for the appointed members. The departure of Didi to Malaysia late last night is thought to be related.
Zaki meanwhile has stated his intention to join today’s demonstration but has again failed to clarify why he felt that the Majilis and Special Majilis should include members appointed by the President.
Click to read full story
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 23rd February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom will open Parliament for the year 2006 this morning in the face of threats by the Maldivian Democratic Party to disrupt proceedings and ‘demonstrate peacefully’ both inside and outside the Majilis Building. Over the past few days, various MDP officials have described how MDP MPs will jeer the President during his speech and how ‘thousands of MDP activists will join the demonstration as on January 24th.’Few believe that the MDP garnered more than a couple of hundred protestors in January’s ‘demonstration,’ universally dismissed as an abject failure. The subsequent attempt at a demonstration last Sunday was nearly as embarrassing and the fanfare the Party has laid out for today’s attempt has scared off some leading officials: shadow cabinet members Maria Didi and Waheed Hassan abruptly left the country last night.
Drawing on past experience, the MDP have also called a public rally for tonight; many believe this will provide a platform for regrouping after another less than successful escapade. The opening of Parliament is a welcome break for a party currently embroiled in vicious intercene warfare. More trouble between the current leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra who is barely hanging on to ‘power’ and chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie is expected in the announced MDP national council meeting scheduled for the 28th of this month.
Observers argue that the long list of perceived failures by the MDP have made the public disinterested. Mohamed Luthufee, a resident of Male’ said: “I observed both the violent episodes of August 2004 and August 2005. I even went to have a look at their January event. But I’m not bothering again; I heard that [last] Sunday’s demostration did not draw any crowd whatsoever. Frankly people are bored and have better things to do.”
To prevent another debacle, Annie has demanded that MDP MPs act as they have promised in internal talks: something they have failed to do time and again, according to Annie. Some MDP MPs have apparently signed declarations to Annie, pledging to act to disrupt proceedings today.
Says Luthufee: “I expect all of them to chicken out and then come up with some excuse saying their statements had been misinterpreted. The same thing happened after they invited people to bring along children in January. They will try to pass it by as a success whatever happens. I suppose they are just immature as a political party and don’t know it is beneficial to sometimes admit it when you lose.
“On the other hand, if the MPs do manage to carry out their threats, they will in fact lose face with the public.”
Analysts say that the MDP is fast becoming labelled as an obstructive and negative group. While President Gayoom yesterday pardoned two MDP members sentenced for offences against the state and criminal defamation, the MDP has made no reciprocal moves and has been left apparently caught on the back foot. Luthufee says: “People are hoping for a goodwill gesture from the MDP but realists only expect more negativity and controversy from a party which has failed to come up with one single positive move.”
The MDP have made the issue of appointed members of the Majilis the main talking point but some of their top officials have so far not committed to the cause: shadow ministers Maria Didi and Ibrahim Zaki. These two were members of the previous Special Majilis which drew up the present constitution which provides for the appointed members. The departure of Didi to Malaysia late last night is thought to be related.
Zaki meanwhile has stated his intention to join today’s demonstration but has again failed to clarify why he felt that the Majilis and Special Majilis should include members appointed by the President.
Click to read full story
Minister Nasheed discredits MDP propaganda
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 22nd February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed has dismissed claims by the MDP that President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is hindering the progress of his own reform agenda. Nasheed’s words come in response to an all-out campaign launched by the MDP using cartoons, placards, banners, internet and other media aimed at laying the blame for the current hiatus of the Special Majilis on President Gayoom.
Nasheed was speaking last night with journalists to ‘clear up the misinformation spread by some groups.’ With the official opening of Parliament by the President set for tomorrow, the MDP have used all means at their disposal to oust the constitutionally appointed members from Parliament and the Special Majilis.
The MDP have announced plans to disrupt tomorrow’s function but were dealt a blow yesterday when the Adhaalaath Party withdrew their support.
Responding to claims that the 61-signature petition which calls for the withdrawal from the agenda of the item calling for the expulsion of appointed members, Nasheed said: “At the moment, the Assembly is debating the characteristics and features the new constitution should have. A petition signed by a number of members advising the Majilis President to amend the agenda cannot be taken as hindering the work of the Majilis.”
He also refered to the fact that Gayoom was the first to recommend that the Majilis does not include non-elected members. “This is not the MDP’s idea. It is President Gayoom’s idea. The DRP believes that the matter cannot be dealt with while the Majilis is debating the characteristics and features of the new constitution.”
“Making changes to the composition of the Majilis at this stage will change the ‘module’ or the ‘design’ of the Special Majilis convened by President Gayoom.” He indicated that any change in composition would therefore diminish the integrity of the present group, leading to justifiable calls for a new Special Majilis to be convened.
The issue is still deadlocked in the 11-member Administrative Committee of the Special Majilis: with a minimum six votes required for any side to carry, the most recent meeting was unable to deliver a conclusive vote. A Special Majilis DRP member stated: “The Committee must debate and deliver a decision. Things like this take time but you cannot expect others to give up their principles just to save time.”
“When the MDP don’t like how things are going in the Special Majilis, they walk out. When it is the DRP, the MDP thinks it is a crime to even sit and debate. We are supposed to give up without argument.”
Tomorrow’s opening of the Majilis is set to be disrupted by ‘the traditional MDP mob on the doorstep’ and a new tactic by MDP Members of Parliament who will attempt to shout down the President during the delivery of his speech outlining Government policy. Sources within the MDP confirm that different MPs will take turns shouting “Liar” and “Eject the appointed Members” while the President is speaking.
DRP MPs however do not think any member will have the courage to do so during a televised event. The MDP’s plans have been further undermined by the Adhaalaath Party’s decision not to support any disruption of a state function. The MDP had been courting Adhaalaath for several days on the issue but Adhaalaath decided such an action could lead to loss of public support.
Security is expected to be high tomorrow in the wake of recent MDP-engineered disturbances and threats faced by MPs. The Special Presidential Guard are expected to be operational in addition to the Maldives Police Services.
Click to read full story
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 22nd February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Information Minister Mohamed Nasheed has dismissed claims by the MDP that President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is hindering the progress of his own reform agenda. Nasheed’s words come in response to an all-out campaign launched by the MDP using cartoons, placards, banners, internet and other media aimed at laying the blame for the current hiatus of the Special Majilis on President Gayoom.
Nasheed was speaking last night with journalists to ‘clear up the misinformation spread by some groups.’ With the official opening of Parliament by the President set for tomorrow, the MDP have used all means at their disposal to oust the constitutionally appointed members from Parliament and the Special Majilis.
The MDP have announced plans to disrupt tomorrow’s function but were dealt a blow yesterday when the Adhaalaath Party withdrew their support.
Responding to claims that the 61-signature petition which calls for the withdrawal from the agenda of the item calling for the expulsion of appointed members, Nasheed said: “At the moment, the Assembly is debating the characteristics and features the new constitution should have. A petition signed by a number of members advising the Majilis President to amend the agenda cannot be taken as hindering the work of the Majilis.”
He also refered to the fact that Gayoom was the first to recommend that the Majilis does not include non-elected members. “This is not the MDP’s idea. It is President Gayoom’s idea. The DRP believes that the matter cannot be dealt with while the Majilis is debating the characteristics and features of the new constitution.”
“Making changes to the composition of the Majilis at this stage will change the ‘module’ or the ‘design’ of the Special Majilis convened by President Gayoom.” He indicated that any change in composition would therefore diminish the integrity of the present group, leading to justifiable calls for a new Special Majilis to be convened.
The issue is still deadlocked in the 11-member Administrative Committee of the Special Majilis: with a minimum six votes required for any side to carry, the most recent meeting was unable to deliver a conclusive vote. A Special Majilis DRP member stated: “The Committee must debate and deliver a decision. Things like this take time but you cannot expect others to give up their principles just to save time.”
“When the MDP don’t like how things are going in the Special Majilis, they walk out. When it is the DRP, the MDP thinks it is a crime to even sit and debate. We are supposed to give up without argument.”
Tomorrow’s opening of the Majilis is set to be disrupted by ‘the traditional MDP mob on the doorstep’ and a new tactic by MDP Members of Parliament who will attempt to shout down the President during the delivery of his speech outlining Government policy. Sources within the MDP confirm that different MPs will take turns shouting “Liar” and “Eject the appointed Members” while the President is speaking.
DRP MPs however do not think any member will have the courage to do so during a televised event. The MDP’s plans have been further undermined by the Adhaalaath Party’s decision not to support any disruption of a state function. The MDP had been courting Adhaalaath for several days on the issue but Adhaalaath decided such an action could lead to loss of public support.
Security is expected to be high tomorrow in the wake of recent MDP-engineered disturbances and threats faced by MPs. The Special Presidential Guard are expected to be operational in addition to the Maldives Police Services.
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More demonstrations planned, the MDP striving to forge an alliance with Adhaalath
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 21st February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leadership has called on its members to take to the streets for another ‘demonstration’ on the 23rd of this month. Sources close to the MDP leadership say that figurehead leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra who is opposed to holding any more demonstrations has yet again been sidelined by Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie and Vice President Ibrahim Zaki.
Thursday the 23rd sees the official opening of Parliament by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The MDP has had success in stalling the work of the Special Majilis and observers have warned that the party will now try to bring Parliament to a similar standstill by using threats and stalling tactics.
The decision to take to the streets was taken by, Annie and Zaki who have convinced Ibra’s shadow cabinet to undermine the figurehead leader. Annie has been under immense pressure from uncle and chief financier of the MDP, Sikka Ahmed Ismail Maniku. Sikka was sentenced to death on nineteen counts of murder and crimes against the Maldivian people, for his part in the 3rd November 1988 terrorist attack.
Further, the MDP have invited the extreme Islamist, Adhaalath Party to take part in the demonstrations planned for next Thursday. The invitation was made during a meeting held at one of the MDP offices at Sikka’s residence G.Fus at 3pm yesterday. MDP bigwigs, Ibrahim Zaki (vice president), Jesus Afeef (shadow Home minister) and Billionaire playboy Ali Shiyam, who is also the president of the MDP’s Mardhoo Feydhoo Gofi (cell) met with an Adhaalath delegation led by Sheik Shaheem. The Adhaalath Party is yet to disclose their decision.
Observers believe that this demonstration is planned to overcome the humiliation the MDP suffered on the 24th of January when their planned mass demonstration ended in shambles when the figurehead leader Ibra brought proceedings to a halt a mere one and a half hours from commencement due to lack of public support. Another official attempt at a demonstration ended in disgrace with only 60 supporters heeding the party’s call to disrupt the Special Majilis session on the 19th of this month.
Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) supporter Hassan Faruhaan, a local shopkeeper says: “The MDP has tried several times to bring its supporters on to the streets in order to overthrow the government, since their political funeral [the attempted mass demonstration is referred to as such by Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed, and the phrase was taken up by the public and the media] with no results. We saw the support they got yesterday. Only about sixty people came out, from a population of over seventy five thousand. There is a picture on one of the news websites [www.maldiveindependent.org] that sums up the situation very well. The picture showed a young girl holding one end of a banner; the other end was secured to an electricity distribution box. They didn’t even have a second person to hold the other end in that ward.”
Sources within the Maldives Police Services (MPS) tell olhuala.com that security has been tightened and that additional security measures are already in place for the opening of the Majilis on Thursday, although analysts predict that the planned ‘demonstration’ will conclude similarly to the failed attempt of 24th January.
Click to read full story
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent
Male', Maldives 21st February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leadership has called on its members to take to the streets for another ‘demonstration’ on the 23rd of this month. Sources close to the MDP leadership say that figurehead leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra who is opposed to holding any more demonstrations has yet again been sidelined by Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie and Vice President Ibrahim Zaki.Thursday the 23rd sees the official opening of Parliament by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The MDP has had success in stalling the work of the Special Majilis and observers have warned that the party will now try to bring Parliament to a similar standstill by using threats and stalling tactics.
The decision to take to the streets was taken by, Annie and Zaki who have convinced Ibra’s shadow cabinet to undermine the figurehead leader. Annie has been under immense pressure from uncle and chief financier of the MDP, Sikka Ahmed Ismail Maniku. Sikka was sentenced to death on nineteen counts of murder and crimes against the Maldivian people, for his part in the 3rd November 1988 terrorist attack.
Further, the MDP have invited the extreme Islamist, Adhaalath Party to take part in the demonstrations planned for next Thursday. The invitation was made during a meeting held at one of the MDP offices at Sikka’s residence G.Fus at 3pm yesterday. MDP bigwigs, Ibrahim Zaki (vice president), Jesus Afeef (shadow Home minister) and Billionaire playboy Ali Shiyam, who is also the president of the MDP’s Mardhoo Feydhoo Gofi (cell) met with an Adhaalath delegation led by Sheik Shaheem. The Adhaalath Party is yet to disclose their decision.
Observers believe that this demonstration is planned to overcome the humiliation the MDP suffered on the 24th of January when their planned mass demonstration ended in shambles when the figurehead leader Ibra brought proceedings to a halt a mere one and a half hours from commencement due to lack of public support. Another official attempt at a demonstration ended in disgrace with only 60 supporters heeding the party’s call to disrupt the Special Majilis session on the 19th of this month.
Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) supporter Hassan Faruhaan, a local shopkeeper says: “The MDP has tried several times to bring its supporters on to the streets in order to overthrow the government, since their political funeral [the attempted mass demonstration is referred to as such by Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed, and the phrase was taken up by the public and the media] with no results. We saw the support they got yesterday. Only about sixty people came out, from a population of over seventy five thousand. There is a picture on one of the news websites [www.maldiveindependent.org] that sums up the situation very well. The picture showed a young girl holding one end of a banner; the other end was secured to an electricity distribution box. They didn’t even have a second person to hold the other end in that ward.”
Sources within the Maldives Police Services (MPS) tell olhuala.com that security has been tightened and that additional security measures are already in place for the opening of the Majilis on Thursday, although analysts predict that the planned ‘demonstration’ will conclude similarly to the failed attempt of 24th January.
Click to read full story
Last Updated
- 2nd March 2006
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