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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Reform process halted
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male', Maldives 20th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The 69th session of the Constitutional Assembly scheduled for yesterday was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. Most of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) members of the Special Majilis did not attend in what the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) claim was a ploy to impede the reform agenda currently being implemented by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

The DRP maintains its members were intimidated by various groups of thugs believed to be backed by the MDP into staying away from the Majilis Building. Earlier, the MDP’s figurehead leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra, had called on MDP members to “go to the houses of the DRP Majilis [parliament] members in their homes” in order to get their message across.

The DRP members affected believe that the measures implemented by the Secretary General of the Majilis are not wide-reaching enough and have called for stricter rules to ensure their safety.

The MDP’s intimidation campaign is an effort to obstruct the tabling of the petition signed by 61 DRP members urging the Speaker of the Special Majilis not to consider the MDP’s calls for the removal of the Presidential Appointees at this point in time, as it is in direct contravention of the current constitution, which has to be adhered to until the new constitution is drafted and ratified.

In a press statement the chief government spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareed said “The non-inclusion of presidential appointees and cabinet ministers in the Majlis has, from the outset, been one of the headline proposals of the President’s constitutional reform agenda, but the MDP cannot ‘cherry-pick’ individual proposals in a piecemeal fashion.

“We have a complete reform package on the table, and the People’s Special Majlis [[legislature] has been convened to debate on and implement these sweeping constitutional reforms. We have three political parties who are prepared to join the Government in constructive debate on a draft constitution, but the MDP is not interested.”

The Chairman of the Maldives-British All-Party Parliamentarian Group, the Rt. Hon Lord Naseby called on Her Majesty’s government to convince the MDP to engage in talks with the government during his opening remarks to the Upper House on the 10th of this month, while reporting on the progress made since the devastating Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, and on the reform process taking place in the Maldives.

Special Majilis member, Mohamed Naeem Monaza told olhuala.com “They [the MDP] have used several tactics to delay the reform process in the past. We cannot forget the instances they walked out in protest, when they were going to be defeated on the secret ballots versus show of hands debate for the election of the Speaker [of the Special Majilis] on the 19th of July 2004.

“That was the beginning of the MDP’s delay tactics. It wasn’t long after they held the violent demonstrations in August, stabbing police officers. So one has to be concerned for the DRP members currently being threatened by MDP thugs.”

In the morning, the MDP had tried to raise a mob, an effort which was largely unsuccessful, but while some MDP 'supporters' took to the streets with placards and banners, hardcore thugs 'called' at DRP members’ houses.

Naeem says: “We duly note the point of view of the twenty people who came to the Majilis with banners calling for the expulsion of appointed members. But we can only believe that the tiny number of people here reflects how unimportant this issue is to the public.

“The MDP, with its minority in this house, may think it is a big issue. But the Maldivian people apparently do not. Frankly, if I had a point of view and only 20 people thought anything of it, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

While the twenty or so with banners and placards shifted from location to location in Male’, a more sinister group of MDP thugs led by councillor Ziyad Saljam congregated in front of the MDP office in G. Fus and proceeded to make calls on the homes of DRP members in a threatening fashion. The group was finally disbanded by police, and several individuals were taken in for questioning.

Fervent activity to raise another mob in the early evening was also unsuccessful as less than fifty turned up at the Junhooree Maidhaan. Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie, upon whose instructions insiders believe the activities are carried out, was said to be ‘in an agitated state’ as all efforts had ended in failure.

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News Flash

MDP protest fizzles out as people refuse to turn up

Male’, Maldives, 19th February 2006, 11.30am (olhuala.com) - The MDP's planned 'protest' has been called off in another humiliating turn of events due to a lack of numbers. The protest had been formally called for last night in a statement by the MDP national council and had been communicated over the internet and via sms messaging and phone calls.

Only around 20 people turned up with none of the MDP's leaders making an appearance. Frantic sms messages had ensued; one sent by MDP Spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, seen by olhuala.com, included: "...you will have the full backing of the party..." and "...we can only make this work with your presence..." However, these failed to have any effect.

Far more worryingly, the Majilis session was again called off due to a lack of quorum with less than 50% turning up from each party. Serious questions now arise about the competence of the Members who agreed rules which state that even normal debates, and not only voting, require a quorum to go ahead.

Male’, Maldives, 19th February 2006, 10.00am (olhuala.com) – A group of 20-odd MDP supporters have gathered outside the Majilis Building in direct defiance of the new Majilis rules which prohibit loitering on the streets around the building. Some are holding placards and there is one banner calling for the appointed members in the house to be ejected.

Earlier this morning, the MDP had provided free breakfast at the Customs Canteen to entice people to join in. The MDP’s previous attempts at raising numbers have had mixed results. Yesterday the MDP released a formal statement asking its members to defy Majilis regulations and gather at the Majilis doorstep.

It is believed the Special Majilis session is currently underway. Earlier, MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail had asked MDP members to “seek out DRP members wherever they are and drag them to the Majilis, if that is what is required.” He made this call at the MDP rally at Imaadhudhdheen School three nights ago.

No violence has so far been reported although there is some unrest among the gathered group.

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Mobs ready to disrupt Special Majilis again as MDP works to stall reform process
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male', Maldives 19th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) plan to harass members of the Special Majilis as they arrive for the first session of the Majilis for three months. The decision to raise a mob, which may turn violent, was taken at meetings yesterday in a café’ at the ‘Alimas Yoobeel Carnival', and at G. Fus last night.

In a decision which further undermines current MDP leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra’s authority, vice president Ibrahim Zaki and the shadow cabinet agreed to the disruption of the Majilis sessions unless the MDP’s demands are met unconditionally by the President of the Majilis. Among these is the demand that all non-elected members which the present constitution prescribes, be removed immediately.

The Majilis has not met for three weeks in the wake of threats made to Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) members in the Majilis. This included those made by MDP-led mobs gathered outside the parliament house when the Majilis was in session – exactly the scenario that the MDP has planned for today.

In the intervening period, the Majilis Secretary General has implemented several steps to ensure members’ security, including prohibiting ‘loitering’ on the streets in the immediate vicinity of the Majilis Building and making admission to the viewing gallery conditional on the production of a valid photo identity document.

The MDP have a minority in the constitutional assembly even if the non-elected members are not taken into account. They have thus resorted to ‘other means’ to effect delays to the amendment of the constitution. A reading of the official minutes of the 68th session on 22nd January, the last session of the Majilis before the temporary adjournment due to threats to members, illustrates the MDP’s main tactic: that of systematically interrupting members’ statements.

The Majilis is currently considering “principles and features to be included in amending the Constitution” and taking the floor was President’s member Aishath Azima Shukoor who had in fact begun her statement in the previous session. She was systematically interrupted by MDP members protesting “nizaamaa behey nuquthaa” or a point of order. With Majilis rules stipulating that any member who claims a point of order should be given the floor immediately, the MDP members then went on for several minutes at a time on topics which, on each occasion, the chair dismissed as irrelevant to a point of order.

The interruptions which amount to blocking of a member’s contribution and even harassment, were to such an extent that within the two-and-a-half hour (150 minutes) session, Shukoor was able to speak for only eight (8) minutes.

The main perpetrators of this cynical scheme to delay the reform process are MDP Special Majilis members Ahmed Shafeeq, Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim and Moosa Manik Reeko who is also a member of the MDP shadow cabinet. It should also be noted that not one DRP member raised a point of order, and that this tactic is not peculiar to the 68th session but has been practised by the MDP ever since the Majilis was convened.

The MDP claim that because the DRP have a majority in the Majilis, any delays can only be attributed to them. However, this tactic which has been periodically evident all over the world, practised by immature, intransigent minority parties, has been used by the MDP because their interest in constitutional reform is limited, and their main focus is on gaining immediate power, preferably under the present constitution.

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Shakir: Ibra’s claims are fabrications
Muruthasil Aslam, Staff Writer

Male', Maldives 18th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Ibrahim Ismail Ibra, the leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has claimed that it was the MDP that forced the government to reassess the rent on the new flats developed in Hulhumale’. Ibra made these claims last night, speaking to MDP members at a meeting held at Hulhumale’.

Sources close to the government inform olhuala.com that this decision was taken a couple of months back after a review committee found that the government could indeed afford to lower rents with no adverse economic consequences.

“Ibra’s claims are indeed not true, the government had in fact decided to bring down the rent way before the MDP was even aware of this matter. We believe that the MDP organised this trip acting on information leaked from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury. Numerous government policies have been leaked from this ministry in the recent past”. Says Ismail Shakir, a well-known political observer.

“This tactic has been used before by the MDP, its an effort to sway public attention from the fact that, the public rally held by the MDP two nights ago was attended by a mere thousand members and from the statements made in the UK House of Lords by the Rt. Hon. Lord Naseby.”

DRP members have grown skeptical of Finance Minister Gasim Ibrahim’s commitment to true reform, due to Ibra’s claims that he was still in Gasim’s pay and also due to the numerous leaks that have been pinned down to the Ministry of Finance, since Mr. Ibrahim took office as minister.

Speaking to reporters, the director of the Hulhumale’ Development Coorperation (HDC) Mahjoob Shujau said that the government’s decision was taken in an effort to ‘make life easier for Hulhumale’ residents.’

“The government asked the HDC to carry out an investigation on how to reduce rent burdens on Hulhumale’ residents at the end of last year. We have prepared a new set of rent packages which we believe will benefit residents”.

The measures are part of a wide-ranging government effort to ease the cost of living for Maldivians. Reductions in electricity and water bills as well as rent for tenants of public apartment blocks such as SinaMale’ and those in Villingili.

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Lord Naseby targeted for vilification by the MDP
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male', Maldives 17th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has launched a vicious character assassination campaign against the Rt. Hon. Lord Naseby after he opened the recent House of Lords debate on Maldives and Sri Lanka tsunami recovery with a ringing endorsement of the Maldivian government’s performance.

This is the first time the MDP has used, on a respected foreign figure, the tactic it uses to besmirch the record of top government officials. The official MDP website and English language media outlets carried statements from an “MDP lawyer” and international wing leader David Hardingham calling into question Lord Naseby’s good name and record in the House.

The Dhivehi (Maldivian) sections of the MDP media machinery were much more severe and published offensive and libelous material about Lord Naseby’s private life and made crude and unfounded allegations about substance dependency.

The media attacks were designed by David Hardingham and written by Paul Roberts. Hardingham is a South African immigrant who moved to the UK as the apartheid regime showed signs of crumbling in the 1980s. He also runs the UK based group ‘Friends of Maldives’, a shady organization with no legal status whose work is purely aimed at defiling and denigrating President Gayoom, his government and any individual or organization both local and foreign, who has any contact with Gayoom.

The first MDP article in English, published in Minivan News, calls into question the views expressed by Lord Naseby, who is the Chairman of the Maldives-British all-party Parliamentarian Group across both Houses, that he had been involved in Maldives’ affairs since 1963 and dismisses him as an “irritant” to the MDP and calls his statement about the MDP and democracy “funny”.

Further statements accused the Lord’s statement, and by implication the work of the All-Party Group he was representing, as “absurd” and “baseless.”

In a further, serious allegation, the MDP implied that Naseby’s statements and conduct were biased and improper because he had made several of his visits “courtesy of the government of Maldives.”

In one article, Hardingham is quoted as rhetorically asking: “If Lord Naseby has been involved in Maldives for such a long period of time, why hasn’t he brought to the attention of the UK Government the torture and human rights abuses that have taken place under the regime of both Nasir and Gayoom?”

Observers point out that Lord Naseby, does not raise the issue exactly because he knows that in truth no great human rights abuses have taken place in the Maldives. “The allegations are pure fantasy, fabricated by the MDP, and it is clear that the Lord has little time for allegations with no basis in fact. Lord Naseby is a frequent traveler to the Maldives with many Maldivian acquaintances and he is known to have an intimate knowledge of the country rarely seen in a non-Maldivian”, says Hameed Zakariyya, an ex-official at the Maldives Foreign Ministry.

“Hardingham, on the other hand, has never visited the Maldives and whatever ‘information’ he has is gathered through third or even fourth hand sources and websites of ill-repute. He has also shown a willingness to say anything his paymasters demand of him, irrespective of his own views.”

“The MDP’s official statements repeat a tiresome list of unfounded allegations. It is the fact that few people in the outside world and in the Maldives believe them that forces them to be so repetitive.

“Repetition used to work for a while, but people now are more aware that repeating a fabrication does not make it a fact. You can’t expect to fool someone like Lord Naseby.”

The article also included other factual errors such as alleging that Lord Naseby visited the Maldives in September 2005 (see screenshot above, click on the image to enlarge),

Some MDP members have expressed surprise at Hardingham’s decision to attack Naseby, who is well regarded by all parties in both Houses in the UK. A journalist with close MDP links explained: “I think Dave has made a blunder this time. How can he, who struggled to make a living, let alone support a family, before he came by MDP’s riches, expect to comment on the careers of distinguished public servants such as Gayoom and Naseby who have decades-long records of honourable, unblemished service?

“Dave will now find himself in the media spotlight. In the media climate which the MDP has put in place in the Maldives, he and the MDP will face a thorough examination.

“This time round though, he might expect something even more severe; he has picked on the wrong person, and he may be held to account to explain his words and motives.”

The MDP media machine, sensing its faux pas, was quick to pull down some of the stronger words on their websites. However it was not before the damage had been done: many news services including olhuala.com were able to grab incriminating screen shots.

Some of the Dhivehi language material on Lord Naseby distributed by the MDP, which included material too malicious and filthy to reproduce, were still in circulation in print and on the Internet last night.

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Rifts deepen but Ibra fights back
Muruthasil Aslam, Staff Writer

Male', Maldives 16th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The MDP remains a party in turmoil today as different factions are engaged in a power struggle which is fast spiraling out of control. Several top officials have come out as opponents of current leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra and yet others have all but confirmed their exit from the party.

Ibra has however negotiated a momentary settlement with his shadow cabinet with them agreeing to call off or postpone the proposed demonstration, planned for today. It was also agreed that the ongoing week-long ‘protest against President’s Members in the Special Majilis’ has been poorly managed. Ibra acknowledged that the public as well as most MDP members were unaware that such an action was being taken. Ibra was said to be opposed to the action.

Numerous cell leaders reported that the MDP lost a great deal of credibility due to its failed demonstration of January 24th. Many in the atolls share the Attorney General’s view that the gathering was illegal and an attempt at provocation. Calls for violent gathering are to be halted due to the large numbers who are deserting the party.

Observers note that leaders such as Ibra and Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Anni are now having to face the consequences of the current political climate which was engineered by the MDP by using filth and unfounded allegations about government officials and other respectable members of society.

In a related development, one of Ibra’s henchmen popularly known as ‘Echey’, a member of Jambu Gofi (cell) in Male’ has publicly rebelled against his leader. Two nights ago graffiti was discovered on a wall inside his house with the words “Ibra isthiufaa” [resign]. Local MDP members were quick to corner Echey and a crowd was mobilized in an instant. The affair went on well into the small hours until Echey had to call the police to remove the crowds surrounding his house.

Sources within the Jambu Gofi say that Echey, who is under Ibra’s pay, was acting on direct orders from Annie when he painted the slogan on his wall. It is also reported that Echey has been increasingly disgruntled with Ibra as the figurehead leader was adhering to more civilised tactics and was opposed to Annie’s militant and revolutionary methods.

Ibra sent round some people to remove the offending graffiti. They were unable to remove the incriminating material and therefore proceeded to board up the area. However, last night, the new surface was similarly vandalised, causing uproar among Ibra’s coterie. Pressure is now being applied to have Echey ejected from the party.

News sources report that Moosa Maniku Reeko, member of the MDP’s shadow cabinet has indeed made final preparations to leave the MDP, to join the Maldivian Social Democratic Party (MSDP) formed by elder brother Ibrahim Maniku Reeko.

It is widely rumoured among MDP members that Mohamed Nasheed Kaanal, who was elected to the Special Majilis (Male’) last December is also contemplating resigning from the MDP. Kaanal has been irritated that he was not included in Ibra’s shadow cabinet although he was one of the most vocal supporters of Ibra.

One of our sources who wished to remain anonymous said “Kaanal is really angry with Annie, for forcing him [Kaanal] to go against the promises he [Kaanal] made during his election campaign [Kaanal promised that he would not partake in any of the illegal demonstrations organised by the MDP bigwigs]. For instance it was Annie who personally forced Kaanal to go the Jumhooree Maidhaan on the 13th of January. Kaanal is only holding on to see if Ibra offers him a shadow cabinet post. If he does not he will simply quit the party.”

Olhuala.com has further learnt that the ruling Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) finds the present condition of the MDP to be ideal. A top official, on condition of anonymity says: “If we want to forge ahead with the reform process, we need a disunited opposition. Every time the party has these little playground fights, their tactical discipline in blocking speeches in the Special Majilis disintegrates and the Majilis is able to progress in its tasks.

“On the other hand, it is not in our interests for that party to disappear altogether. So I cannot rule out that some benevolent members within the DRP are actually propping up Ibra right now.”

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Fish dumpers to be investigated
Moonisa Easa, Political Analyst

Male', Maldives 15th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Sources at the Attorney Generals Office inform olhuala.com that the fishermen who vandalised the Island Office and the Atoll Office in Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo on the 12th of this month are to be investigated for ‘vandalism of public property’.

The fishermen emptied their catch into the government offices to protest the fact that they had to travel for some one and a half hours in order to sell their catch as neither the main bulk buyer in the atoll, Island Enterprises Pte Ltd nor the government owned Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (Mifco) had collecting vessels in the immediate vicinity of the island.

Dhidhdhoo has not been a fishing island for many years now; up until last year, the island had only two fishing dhonis. Islands such as Ihavandhoo and Hoarafushi in the Atoll have 40-50 dhonis each and hence fish collecting companies and their vessels operating in the fishing zone give priority in catering for these latter two islands.

The alleged perpetrators will be asked to report to the police in Male’ and they will be interviewed before any decision regarding prosecution is taken. The declaration by the Island Development Committee that the fishermen will be paid for the value of the day’s catch, estimated to be over Mrf. 120,000, will also be reviewed. There is a public outcry both in Dhidhdhoo and in the whole country for the perpetrators to be brought to book.

The Dhidhdhoo islanders in general are distancing themselves from the fishing dhoni owners who carried out the vandalism. One islander, Ahmed Hashim, said: “People here don’t want anything to do with the perpetrators. No one even went to look at the damage caused. The perpetrators were the crew of the vessels and about six MDP members who are very active here.” The six MDP people were the only people on Dhidhdhoo who joined the failed January 24th demonstration organized by their ailing party.

“In my view this shameful act was carried out as fisherman in Addu did something similar earlier, and it is generally believed that the government has been giving them priority since then” added Hashim.

There are major differences between the two cases: in Addu, MIFCO had failed to keep public promises made to fishermen, no such formal guarantees about purchasing had been made to Dhidhdhoo fishermen; in Addu, public property was not damaged.

The leaders of the Dhidhdhoo vandalism have been identified as Ibrahim Rasheed and ‘Bodu’ Shafeeu. Shafeeu was convicted of the theft of the safe in the island office a few years ago and several of the others are known to harbour grudges against the Island Office due to reprimands for misdemeanors.

Clarifying the matter to reporters Omar Maniku a director at Island Enterprises said “This is indeed very sad. It was not our intention to offend any of the local fishermen on Dhidhdhoo Island. But what people should understand is that this is a business. We can only berth our collecting vessels near islands that are our main suppliers. If we berthed at Dhidhdhoo, we will be doing a disservice to many times more fishermen in other islands.

Our chairman [finance minister Gasim Ibrahim, who also owns Villa Fishing Company Pvt Ltd] is very concerned about the needs of the common fisherman. He wants to make it easy for the fisherman to sell his catch. I am sure that these problems will be addressed soon.”

The Island Office has cleaned out the premises by contracting the task out to a local Dhidhdhoo firm for Mrf. 32,000. However, even as of yesterday, the building was unusable and office work was done in the courtyard. The raw fish and fish blood has caused irreparable damage to the flooring, furniture, fittings and office equipment. The damage is thought to run into hundreds of thousands of Rufiya.

Dhidhdhoo has in fact been accorded very high priority by the government over the years and traditionally returns a heavy majority for President Gayoom in elections. Hashim added: “The island community always communicates our needs to the authorities in a civil manner and these have always been addressed. For example, what had been highest on our wish list was a radiography unit for our health centre. This has recently been established by the Health Ministry.

“Our biggest concern now is proper sewerage services for the island and the authorities know that is our most urgent concern and I am sure things are progressing. The Finance Ministry just invited estimates for the harbour project. We have already received a desalination plant.

“Elements within our society are working to subvert decent people into committing illegal acts. The fishermen should understand the economics of the industry; they did not have to go to such extreme measures to get their way. Now it is they who will lose and the whole island’s name will be sullied.”

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UK House of Lords calls on MDP to cooperate
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male', Maldives 14th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The UK House of Lords has expressed the view that the Maldives government is doing a commendable job in tsunami recovery and has called on the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to cooperate in amending the constitution.

Addressing the House on Friday 10th February, Lord Naseby, Chairman of the All Party Maldives Group reported in detail on the tsunami recovery situation in both the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He also briefly referred to the reform agenda currently being implemented by the Maldives government.

Lord Naseby’s statement opening the debate implied that the MDP’s current stance (they have pulled out of the all party talks) was not in the best interests of democracy.

Speaking about the reform process, Lord Naseby said: “[The people of Maldives] are grappling with a new constitution as part of the transition from a one-party state. There are now four political parties. One party has pulled out - the MDP - and I encourage Her Majesty's Government, which I know meets representatives of the MDP in the UK, to ask it to co-operate.

“After all, that is what democracy is about.”

Speaking to olhuala.com the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party’s (DRP) Ahmed Nihan said, “this is exactly what we have been working to achieve. Although the MDP hoodwinks locals with false statements and propaganda they can’t hope to fool esteemed observers such as Lord Naseby in the same way. The truth is starting to emerge.”

Lord Naseby through regular visits to the Maldives has worked tirelessly, over a number of years, to uphold the interests of the Maldives in the House. He was also one of the first international relief coordinators to arrive in the Maldives following the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. Lord Naseby is in regular contact with Hassan Sobir the Maldivian High Commissioner to the UK and the Ambassador to the EU in assisting the latter in his assiduous efforts to raise awareness towards the shortages of funds felt by the Maldivian tsunami victims.

Speaking about the government’s management of the tsunami recovery effort Lord Naseby said: “It was a job well done and well administered by the Government of the Maldives. Phase 2, restoration, took place during the past year. When I went back, I found good progress. Fishing is nearly back to normal. Only 10 islands are still closed to tourism. Occupancy is back up to around 75 per cent.  

Later in the debate, Baroness Northover asked the UK government what its view was of the graduation of the Maldives from LDC status just a few days before the tsunami struck in December 2004, and what the UK government can do to raise more funds for the tsunami recovery efforts of the Maldives.

Maldives was earmarked for graduation from LDC status as the country met a number of economic growth indicator thresholds. Speaking to reporters the former UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives Minh Pham said, “Graduation can in fact be perceived as a very positive step. Maldivians should be proud that the country has qualified for a medium development status, which directly reflects the fruitfulness of government efforts of the last two decades to improve the lives of the people.”

Although this reclassification may be seen as a positive, observers believe that it may hamper the Maldives’ chances of getting sufficient aid for reconstruction.

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Ibra claims he receives monthly salary from Gasim
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 13th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The leader of the MDP, Ibrahim Ismail Ibra, has made a sensational claim that he is being funded by Gasim Ibrahim, the Minister of Finance and Treasury. Ibra made these claims in an attempt to bolster his dwindling support base within the MDP.

Following Saturday’s debate about another demonstration, yesterday’s scheduled meeting was again called off due to the lack of response from the 59 members of the national council. Instead, Ibra gathered a number of close aides at Boaganvilla, his residence where he made the claims, stressing that Gasim pays him a fixed salary and makes recommendations on how Ibra should run the MDP.

Ibra stated that he cannot answer calls by Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie for street demonstrations because Gasim prohibits Ibra’s participation in any such activity.

The news serves as a massive blow to the credibility of Ibra to party outsiders, but conversely, Ibra expects his supporters to increase in number. Gasim remains a popular figure among ordinary folk and it may well be a bonus to have him as a supporter.

Yet the MDP’s main strategy is to criticise the government and its leaders in an unrelenting fashion and being uncovered to be in the paid service of a member of the cabinet leaves Ibra’s integrity as a politician in tatters. It is not known whether Annie is aware of Ibra’s claims or indeed, of any such payments.

Gasim is one of the signatories of a 2001 petition to register a political party in the Maldives; a request which was rejected by Parliament on the advise of the then Attorney General, Dr Mohamed Munavvar. It was Munavvar’s professional opinion that the current constitution did not allow for the formation of political parties. Although this attempt ended in failure, this movement later gave rise to the present MDP. Gasim had never been a registered member of any political party until he signed for the ruling DRP upon taking office as the Finance Minister.

Gasim now faces increased pressure to clarify his position. DRP members have scrutinised his actions although he remains one of the most vocal and visible supporters of the government and its policies. Suspicion among DRP members stem from his earlier association with some members of the MDP and his admission that he made a donation of Mrf 200,000 to the MDP to assist in the organisation of their national congress in December 2005.

It was also recorded that Gasim had made extra payments to Ibra at that time. MDP member Ali Faiz, also a Special Majilis Member and an employee of Gasim’s delivered a small package to Ibra on December 15th, four days before the MDP congress. At the time Ibra was in the presence of other leading members of the MDP.

Faiz described the incident to olhuala.com: “I told Ibra that the [envelope] was from Gasim and the others present demanded that it be opened in front of everyone. When Ibra reluctantly gave in, there was Mrf. 45,000 in 500 rufiyaa notes inside. The other members demanded an explanation and that it be deposited in the MDP coffers, but Ibra would not budge, insisting it was a private matter between Gasim and himself.

“The money was addressed to Ibra [he had not been elected party leader at that time and was involved in a vicious campaign against Waheed Hassan, his main opponent] and not to the party, which everyone present found objectionable. I do know that Ibra maintains close contact with Gasim but I do not know whether any other payments have been made.”

Non-partisan observers believe that Gasim is walking a tightrope. He was charged after the disturbances of August 2004 and spent a period of time in jail. Constitutional experts claimed last night that Gasim may well be in breach of his oath of office if Ibra’s claims are upheld.

One expert observed: “Mr. Gasim was free to choose his political preferences as is any Maldivian. He rejected the MDP because he believed they had no future and did not present a durable platform to work towards his goals. He chose the government and the DRP because he believed he had a lot to contribute to the government’s work.

“He pledged an oath of loyalty to the people and the President. If he is aiding and abetting the work of individuals who have a declared objective of unconstitutionally bringing down the elected government, that may well be a serious miscalculation on his part.”

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Zaki proposes demonstration for the 16th – Ibra refuses to obey Vice President
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 12th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Senior officials of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have yet again proposed a ‘demonstration’, this time on Thursday February 16th. The motion was put forward by vice president Ibrahim Zaki to a meeting of the MDP shadow cabinet-cum-national council last night. This follows the failed demonstration of January 24th and the still-born attempt to ‘protest’ publications of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in the European press.

The meeting also discussed ways to resurrect their plans of getting the President’s Members thrown out of Parliament and the constitutional assembly. However tempers flared again as the two factions led by Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie and figurehead president Ibrahim Ismail Ibra traded insults.

Zaki suggested a drive to collect signatures from the ordinary public against the ruling DRP-led petition of 61 Members of the Special Majlis which denounced as unconstitutional, any attempts at this stage to remove the President’s Members. The Special Majlis was convened and Members campaigned in the knowledge that the President had the task, either directly or indirectly, of appointing a given number of Members.

The MDP refers to the move to discard the President’s Members as the ‘Furathama Islaahu’, roughly translated as First Amendment. The party attempts to wrap all its activities in heavy symbolism specifically targeted towards foreign observers.

It was suggested that the signatures acquired by a concerted MDP drive, would be presented to the President of the Special Majlis. Sceptics of the plan which included Ibra, maintained that the party would need to gain at least 55,000 signatures for it to carry a weight similar to that of 61 Special Majlis Members, a near-impossible task.

Ibra told the meeting: “I doubt whether we would be able to gain even 10,000 signatures. Certainly not by Thursday. The public feel that we are failing in our tasks, and this will only add to that. I am also dead set against another demonstration. I took part in the first [January 24th] demonstration against my better judgment because I wanted to stand by what I believed at the time to be a democratic decision of the party.

“This time, I will take no part; no matter who demands it. Not even if Annie directs me to join, as I have shown you already.”

This was a reference to the incidents of Monday 6th January when following knife wounds to Zaki’s son, Annie and Zaki had summoned Ibra to M Yaagoothuge, Annie’s residence. There, Ibra was ordered to call a demonstration immediately. Ibra flatly refused and proceeded to walk out on the Chairman and Vice President. He seriously considered handing in his resignation that evening but was persuaded to stay on, thereby ceding forever his authority and power within the party.

All top MDP members are presently under extreme pressure to deliver results one way or the other. External pressures felt by Annie are passed down to Ibra and his cohorts who are unwilling to act as sacrificial lambs.

Meanwhile the roles and compositions of the ‘shadow cabinet’ and national council have been blurred. Arguments abound on who calls a meeting of the council and who cannot. The council had been trying to meet for two days but a lack of a quorum had prevented it from doing so. Pockets of members had met at various locations for the past few days.

Last night’s meeting was held at G. Fus. A meeting is scheduled for this afternoon where the party hopes agreement can be arrived at regarding Thursday’s proposed demonstration. It is believed that by this evening, Ibra’s position might again have become untenable.

Last night Ibra said: “I will not join in another demonstration. Not even if all the other members of the MDP want to demonstrate on the streets again.”

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Shadow ministers consider exit as fractures deepen
Moonisa Easa, with additional reporting from Aishath Zeena

Male’, Maldives, 11th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra is looking even more isolated today as details of the circumstances in which his cabinet mutinied were revealed. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, who is still fighting for party presidency was said to have played a leading role in persuading the shadow cabinet to reject Ibra who now remains a figurehead president with no power.

It is reported that while all shadow cabinet members are compelled to support Chairman Mohamed Nasheed Annie, some elements within the shadow cabinet have aired concerns over the revolutionary and militant tactics favoured by vice president Ibrahim Zaki and Annie.

Waheed Hassan is thought to be strategically siding with Annie for the short term to speed up Ibra’s inevitable downfall. Waheed is reported to believe that the state’s case against Annie is watertight and therefore Ibra remains the only obstruction in his path. Waheed himself is trying to fight back from the humiliating defeat he suffered at the hands of Ibra last December.

Olhuala.com’s Seenu Atoll correspondent Aishath Zeena reports that it is widely rumoured among Addu communities that Ibrahim Shareef Mavota is extremely agitated by the authoritarian control Chairman Nasheed imposes on the party.

Zeena went on to say “It is widely speculated that Mavota [Shareef] will resign his shadow cabinet post if Annie does not let Ibra run the show.” This is not the first time that Shareef has made noises indicating his distrust of the party’s leadership.

Earlier he had indicated that he was ‘mystified as to how the party’s policies are formulated.’ Although he was named shadow tourism minister to appease members from the southern atolls who had threatened to walk out, he has said that he did not endorse the MDP’s tourism boycott campaign.

More than once, he has in fact stated that the MDP have so far failed to develop any policies. In his view, “MDP meetings have only included finding fault with government policies. As a political party, we have failed to present the voter with an alternative policy package to that offered by [President] Gayoom’s government.”

Ironically, Shareef has been the only person who has publicly backed Ibra in the infighting.

Observers also speculate that Moosa Manik Reeko will also leave the MDP in the near future to join a new political party being formed by his elder brother Ibrahim Manik Reeko, once the registration stages of the party are complete. The Reeko brothers were found guilty of bribing Majilis members during the early 1980s in an effort to gain political power.

Meanwhile the majority of the party membership remains in the dark. The leadership has tried to play down the internal crisis by deflecting attention. However the party, for the first time, now faces intense scrutiny in its activities, and the party does not seem to be faring too well under the strain.

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Godfather Sikka berates ‘failure’ Annie
Ismail Rifau, Political Correspondent

Male’, Maldives, 10th February 2006 (www.olhuala.com) – The Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) godfather Sikka Ahmed Ismail Manik has blasted MDP Chairman and nephew Mohamed Nasheed Annie for his blundering attempts at bringing down the government. This is reportedly the reason for Annie overthrowing elected leader Ibrahim Ismail Ibra and taking over the whole party.

Annie was also given an ultimatum to get his act together and achieve results within a few weeks during the phone conversation from Batharamulla, Sri Lanka in the morning of Monday 6th February. Sikka also said he had ‘other options’ he was willing to employ in effecting the change of government. This is a chilling declaration as Sikka is a convicted mass murderer found guilty on nineteen counts of murder for his part in the terrorist attack of third November 1988.

Although sentenced to death by the High Court, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom granted him a stay of execution and his sentence was commuted to a life term. However he was released after several years in jail. He lives in Sri Lanka now.

Sikka is reported to have told Annie: “Ibra has made himself and our ‘party’ the laughing stock of the Maldives and the whole world. You have been making claims of bringing down the government in two or three months ever since 2003; this is plainly ridiculous and you have put yourself in a position where no one believes anything you say.”

Uncharacteristically, Annie is said to have remained speechless throughout the whole tirade. Immediately following the call he set to work in dismantling Ibra’s grip on the leadership. Ibra now remains a figurehead, as do the shadow cabinet and the national executive committee of the party. Annie now openly dictates party policy.

Sikka is said to be especially unhappy about the management of the failed MDP demonstration of January 24th. Sources close to the family had revealed that Sikka planned a concurrent demonstration in Sri Lanka. Some members of his family who live in self-imposed exile had even made travel arrangements to return to the Maldives on the 25th; by which time the government would have fallen, Annie had assured Sikka.

Annie who has never been able to hold down any single job for more than a few months is deeply indebted to Sikka for sponsoring Annie’s lavish lifestyle overseas. Annie is also supported by his wife and father-in-law who has acquired millions of Maldivians’ money after swindling the state-owned ‘Bodu Istoaru” over 30 years ago.

Sikka who has had an undying lust for political power and the ‘millionaire lifestyle’ currently resides at his expensive Kollupitiya Colombo home during the week, and spends weekends at his retreat in the affluent neighborhood of Baththaramulla. In 1974, along with Annie’s father Abdul Sattar, Sikka hired hitman Abdulla Luthfee (the same Luthfee Sikka used for the 1988 terrorist attack) to assassinate the then Maldives President Ibrahim Nasir.

Sikka’s added pressure, along with the drying up of foreign finances has stretched the MDP to breaking point. Observers expect the party to disintegrate shortly with only a tiny, powerless element left as a remnant. However, they do not underestimate the capacity of Sikka to mount a lethal repeat of the carnage of 1988.

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