To some people, today would mark the end of democracy, to others, it would perhaps mark the beginning of the same.
To me, today marks an evolution - of how opposition leaders are taken into police custody. The iconic image of Mohamed Nasheed being dragged into Police HQ would still remain fresh in a lot of minds.
Few hours ago, we saw a totally different picture. Is this the beauty of democracy?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thaana on the Mac
I intended to write mostly about my thoughts on society, law and politics on this blog, but today is a 'slightly' different day. I have been a mac user for over 4 years now and ever since I moved to the Mac I have never looked back. Goodbye windows - for good, although the Mac had one (and only one) handicap that bothered me - its incompatibility with the dhivehi script! I work in a profession where typing in dhivehi is quite important and I had to resolve buying a PC for the office (which to every mac user out there, would be an unforgivable sin). Ever since then, I have been looking for a working solution for the problem.
And then (drum roll)...I met Fala (Ibrahim Falah) who had found a perfect solution. Therefore, all credit goes to Fala for researching and coming up with what i am simply reproducing below.
Here you go...
First you need to get a software called Mallel. Some of your may already have it but if you want to export to MS Word, you need to download version 2.6 which was out just a few months ago. Mallel is available at http://www.redlers.com/index.html and can be bought for 49 USD.
Second, you need to download the thaana keyboard layout for OSX (which i have bundled with some dhivehi fonts) and is available for download at http://web.me.com/shahdy
Once the file is downloaded, unpack it with the password provided at the website. Then copy the thaana.bundle file into the 'Keyboard Layouts' folder which you can find in the 'Libary' folder located in your root directory. (Note that there are a couple of Library folders depending on how many users you have, so make sure you put it into the Keyboard Layouts folder in the Library folder which i located on your Mac HD root directory).
Same for the fonts. Install them on the 'Fonts' directory located in the Library folder of the root.
Once you install the files, go to 'System Preferences' and then to the 'International' tab. From there go to the 'Input Menu' and scroll down to find 'Thaana' with a small Maldivian flag. Check it, and then check the 'Show input menu in menu bar' option. Now close system preferences. You should now be able to select 'Thaana' at the menu bar and once selected, the Maldivian flag would be visible on the menu bar.
Once Thaana is selected from the menu bar, goto Mellel and change Paragraph Direction to 'right to left' and there you go! You should now be able to write in dhivehi flawlessly. If you buy Mellel 2.6, you can export as a word document which fellow users can open in MS Word.
Next question, how do you open a MS Word file. There is a small trick to this. Open the file in Word for mac and copy the whole document as is. Paste it in Mellel, select all and click on 'Paragraph Direction' icon and there you go! You can now edit the document with all the original ms word formatting etc.
Let me know if you have any problems and once again, all thanks (and credit) goes to Fala for this!
And then (drum roll)...I met Fala (Ibrahim Falah) who had found a perfect solution. Therefore, all credit goes to Fala for researching and coming up with what i am simply reproducing below.
Here you go...
First you need to get a software called Mallel. Some of your may already have it but if you want to export to MS Word, you need to download version 2.6 which was out just a few months ago. Mallel is available at http://www.redlers.com/index.html and can be bought for 49 USD.
Second, you need to download the thaana keyboard layout for OSX (which i have bundled with some dhivehi fonts) and is available for download at http://web.me.com/shahdy
Once the file is downloaded, unpack it with the password provided at the website. Then copy the thaana.bundle file into the 'Keyboard Layouts' folder which you can find in the 'Libary' folder located in your root directory. (Note that there are a couple of Library folders depending on how many users you have, so make sure you put it into the Keyboard Layouts folder in the Library folder which i located on your Mac HD root directory).
Same for the fonts. Install them on the 'Fonts' directory located in the Library folder of the root.
Once you install the files, go to 'System Preferences' and then to the 'International' tab. From there go to the 'Input Menu' and scroll down to find 'Thaana' with a small Maldivian flag. Check it, and then check the 'Show input menu in menu bar' option. Now close system preferences. You should now be able to select 'Thaana' at the menu bar and once selected, the Maldivian flag would be visible on the menu bar.
Once Thaana is selected from the menu bar, goto Mellel and change Paragraph Direction to 'right to left' and there you go! You should now be able to write in dhivehi flawlessly. If you buy Mellel 2.6, you can export as a word document which fellow users can open in MS Word.
Next question, how do you open a MS Word file. There is a small trick to this. Open the file in Word for mac and copy the whole document as is. Paste it in Mellel, select all and click on 'Paragraph Direction' icon and there you go! You can now edit the document with all the original ms word formatting etc.
Let me know if you have any problems and once again, all thanks (and credit) goes to Fala for this!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Constitutional Comedy
First, I am relieved that the Supreme Court decided for the claimants today in the case of Suood, Nasheed, Anil and Nasheed vs. the State. Whilst I respect the arguments presented by the State, I felt that the claimants had a good case backed by strong and valid arguments. Since there has been a lot of discussion on it on the papers and in the blogsphere, I do not wish to repeat the arguments here.
What prompted me to write this article was a suggestion by a colleague this morning once the judgment was passed by the Supreme Court.
Amongst the States arguments, they argued that the dates stated in the provisional chapter of the constitution are not 'cut off' dates and are 'guidelines' which all concerned parties must 'try' to follow as opposed to there being a constitutional provision by which the concerned parties 'must' follow them.
The validity of the provisions of the transitional chapter and any other chapter of the constitution remain the same and my colleague suggested that its a pity that the Supreme Court found against the states argument that the dates were 'guidelines'. He went on to suggest that if the SC had accepted the States Arguments, perhaps the 5 year presidential term may also have been seen to be a guideline as opposed to a strict 'cut off period' and the President could in fact hold on to power for a couple more years give or take!
Although it makes no legal sense, its an interesting comedic notion - to say the least.
What prompted me to write this article was a suggestion by a colleague this morning once the judgment was passed by the Supreme Court.
Amongst the States arguments, they argued that the dates stated in the provisional chapter of the constitution are not 'cut off' dates and are 'guidelines' which all concerned parties must 'try' to follow as opposed to there being a constitutional provision by which the concerned parties 'must' follow them.
The validity of the provisions of the transitional chapter and any other chapter of the constitution remain the same and my colleague suggested that its a pity that the Supreme Court found against the states argument that the dates were 'guidelines'. He went on to suggest that if the SC had accepted the States Arguments, perhaps the 5 year presidential term may also have been seen to be a guideline as opposed to a strict 'cut off period' and the President could in fact hold on to power for a couple more years give or take!
Although it makes no legal sense, its an interesting comedic notion - to say the least.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
MP Pairing Scheme
The Royal Society in England runs a very interesting program called the MP Scientist Pairing Scheme. According to the program website (http://royalsociety.org/page.asp?id=6998) it aims to "build bridges between some of the best research workers in the country and members of the UK parliament". Under the program a scientist and an MP is paired and involves them attending workshops and seminars on each others work. Most importantly it includes reciprocal visits whereby the scientist visits the MPs office and attends meetings on local issues and the MP in return visit and spend a day in the facilities where the scientist is based.
Wouldn't this be a great idea for us?
Throughout the years, several commentators have identified that the gap between constituents and MPs are widening in the Maldives. Various constituents regularly say that their MP's are out of touch!
As a small solution, why not device an MP-Constituent Pairing Scheme? The MP will spend a working day (not a relaxing weekend) with a constituent at his work place whereever that may be and help him and contribute to his work. In return the constituent will visit the MP for a day in Male' and attend which ever parliamentary sessions or meetings that the MP may attend.
Not only will such a scheme assist in 'bridging the gap' but will also help MPs and constituents understand each other better. The reality is that there is a vast different in the lifestyle and quality of life herein Male', where MPs are based and in the outer regions. Such a scheme would make the MPs more empathetic towards the plight of their constituents and perhaps also give a chance for MP's to justify the massive salaries and benefits that 'they give themselves'
Wouldn't this be a great idea for us?
Throughout the years, several commentators have identified that the gap between constituents and MPs are widening in the Maldives. Various constituents regularly say that their MP's are out of touch!
As a small solution, why not device an MP-Constituent Pairing Scheme? The MP will spend a working day (not a relaxing weekend) with a constituent at his work place whereever that may be and help him and contribute to his work. In return the constituent will visit the MP for a day in Male' and attend which ever parliamentary sessions or meetings that the MP may attend.
Not only will such a scheme assist in 'bridging the gap' but will also help MPs and constituents understand each other better. The reality is that there is a vast different in the lifestyle and quality of life herein Male', where MPs are based and in the outer regions. Such a scheme would make the MPs more empathetic towards the plight of their constituents and perhaps also give a chance for MP's to justify the massive salaries and benefits that 'they give themselves'
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thoughts on a mid term election
One of the more interesting campaign promises made by HEP Nasheed is the promise of a mid term election if he wins. A mid term elections - it was argued would give the people the opportunity to participate in a free and fair elections.
At that time, DRP said on several occasions that a mid term election is unconstitutional although now that the table has turned, I am certain they would strongly advocate for Nasheed to keep to his promise.
First, is a mid term election unconstitutional? Clause 125 of the Constitution specifically provides for a situation where the President and his Vice President resign their positions - in which case it states that an election should be held. Therefore, without going into further details; it is a simple rebuttal for the argument that a mid term election would be unconstitutional.
Second and more importantly should Nasheed call for a mid-term election?
The reason given at that time was that (as mentioned above) - it would give us the opportunity to vote in a free and fair election. It was based on the premise that the October elections would not be free and fair. I think it would be very difficult for anyone to argue now, that the election was in fact not free and fair.
All parties who contested have accepted the results and several observers both local and international have endorsed the election as free and fair. True, there were various issues including missing persons in the voter lists, duplication etc. But I do not believe and neither would any sensible person believe that it would have changed the outcome of the results. During the American elections, we heard news stories of people registering their pets in the voter lists, Obama spelt as Osama in some of the postal ballots and even incidents where cartoon characters were on the list. Nevertheless no one is contesting the validity and the outcome of the election.
My point is that it will be impossible to negate human error. Even with the time that the Elections Commission has to rectify issues with the lists, no doubt there would be issues in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Having said that, I firmly believe that for the most part, the October election was free and fair and any incidents which ever may have happened, would not have changed the outcome of the election.
If we accept that there was a free and fair elections; do we need another mid term election just to 'give the people the opportunity to vote in a free and fair election'?
Further, what we now need is consistency, stability and certainty. I certainly do not want the government to spend another 50 million for another election when it could be spent on projects that are in much need for funds. Also, holding an election would put us all in another spell of uncertainty where business would be less willing to invest and banks less willing to finance. This is something we cannot afford right now.
True, it is a campaign promise that Nasheed made and no doubt some people would have voted for him because of that. But should he do it just because he made the promise or should he do what is best for the country as a whole?
It was widely rumored that one faction of the alliance pushed hard for the election promise. If it is true, they would certainly not be happy if the idea is scrapped. I think Nasheed should take a decision that would benefit the country as a whole rather than do it just because he made a campaign promise.
I for one, would certainly be against a decision to hold mid term elections.
At that time, DRP said on several occasions that a mid term election is unconstitutional although now that the table has turned, I am certain they would strongly advocate for Nasheed to keep to his promise.
First, is a mid term election unconstitutional? Clause 125 of the Constitution specifically provides for a situation where the President and his Vice President resign their positions - in which case it states that an election should be held. Therefore, without going into further details; it is a simple rebuttal for the argument that a mid term election would be unconstitutional.
Second and more importantly should Nasheed call for a mid-term election?
The reason given at that time was that (as mentioned above) - it would give us the opportunity to vote in a free and fair election. It was based on the premise that the October elections would not be free and fair. I think it would be very difficult for anyone to argue now, that the election was in fact not free and fair.
All parties who contested have accepted the results and several observers both local and international have endorsed the election as free and fair. True, there were various issues including missing persons in the voter lists, duplication etc. But I do not believe and neither would any sensible person believe that it would have changed the outcome of the results. During the American elections, we heard news stories of people registering their pets in the voter lists, Obama spelt as Osama in some of the postal ballots and even incidents where cartoon characters were on the list. Nevertheless no one is contesting the validity and the outcome of the election.
My point is that it will be impossible to negate human error. Even with the time that the Elections Commission has to rectify issues with the lists, no doubt there would be issues in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Having said that, I firmly believe that for the most part, the October election was free and fair and any incidents which ever may have happened, would not have changed the outcome of the election.
If we accept that there was a free and fair elections; do we need another mid term election just to 'give the people the opportunity to vote in a free and fair election'?
Further, what we now need is consistency, stability and certainty. I certainly do not want the government to spend another 50 million for another election when it could be spent on projects that are in much need for funds. Also, holding an election would put us all in another spell of uncertainty where business would be less willing to invest and banks less willing to finance. This is something we cannot afford right now.
True, it is a campaign promise that Nasheed made and no doubt some people would have voted for him because of that. But should he do it just because he made the promise or should he do what is best for the country as a whole?
It was widely rumored that one faction of the alliance pushed hard for the election promise. If it is true, they would certainly not be happy if the idea is scrapped. I think Nasheed should take a decision that would benefit the country as a whole rather than do it just because he made a campaign promise.
I for one, would certainly be against a decision to hold mid term elections.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Who is the head of the Maldives Police Service?
A few hours ago, it emerged (and is now reported on the police website) that Adam Zahir has resigned from his position as the Commissioner of Police upon being asked by HEP Nasheed to do so. This would not be a surprise to anyone and was very much expected.
It has also been reported that Ahmed Faseeh has been appointed the Inspector General of Police. His appointment was announced together with that of Brig. Moosa Jaleel who has been appointed as the Chief of Defense Force in replacement of Mohamed Zahir who I assume resigned in the same manner as Adam Zahir.
On the face of it, there seem to be no issues as it seemed that HEP Nasheed has appointed the two most senior officers to the two uniformed services.
However, on close inspection of the Police Act, it does not appear to do so.
Clause 52 (c) of the Police Act states that the most senior officer of the Police Service is the 'Commissioner of Police' and Clause 54 (c) of the same act provides that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is the second most senior officer of the Police Services.
Now that Adam Zahir has resigned, up until a new Commissioner of Police is appointed, the Deputy Commissioner of Police is by force of law, the most senior officer in the Police Service, and therefore by appointing Faseeh as the 'Inspector General of Police'- does not make him the head of the Police Force.
He has to be given the rank of Commissioner of Police for him to be the most senior officer in the Police Service under the Police Act.
UPDATE: Ahmed Faseeh has subsequently been appointed as the 'Commissioner of Police'. No issues now.
It has also been reported that Ahmed Faseeh has been appointed the Inspector General of Police. His appointment was announced together with that of Brig. Moosa Jaleel who has been appointed as the Chief of Defense Force in replacement of Mohamed Zahir who I assume resigned in the same manner as Adam Zahir.
On the face of it, there seem to be no issues as it seemed that HEP Nasheed has appointed the two most senior officers to the two uniformed services.
However, on close inspection of the Police Act, it does not appear to do so.
Clause 52 (c) of the Police Act states that the most senior officer of the Police Service is the 'Commissioner of Police' and Clause 54 (c) of the same act provides that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is the second most senior officer of the Police Services.
Now that Adam Zahir has resigned, up until a new Commissioner of Police is appointed, the Deputy Commissioner of Police is by force of law, the most senior officer in the Police Service, and therefore by appointing Faseeh as the 'Inspector General of Police'- does not make him the head of the Police Force.
He has to be given the rank of Commissioner of Police for him to be the most senior officer in the Police Service under the Police Act.
UPDATE: Ahmed Faseeh has subsequently been appointed as the 'Commissioner of Police'. No issues now.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Slim Government
One of the issues of the former government was its sheer size! With 20-odd ministries, a culture of creating positions for people rather than finding people for positions had been rampant. Needless to say it was a very unpopular policy within the young educated segment of the population.
When the structure of the new government was discussed, the fact that it had 14 government ministries was certainly a welcome change, although, I must note that it could have been even slimmer. Civil Aviation and Communication could have been absorbed into Transport (although the current transport, housing ministry is pretty big even as it is) and the fisheries and agriculture portfolio could have been absorbed into economic development. However, given the fact that its a mainstream industry that is connected with a large part of the population, the government might have made a political decision to keep a separate fisheries and agriculture ministry.
Hence, in that sense, it is all understandable - and then came the three state ministers!
I really don't see the fisheries and agriculture ministry being that huge a ministry. I agree that it is an area that can be really developed and it could produce a lot more output in the medium to long term if planned well. However, why does it need 3 state ministers? And that too in addition to the Minister, and the possible deputy minister(s) and the permanent secretary!
I really do hope that this is not setting a trend. When ministries become too 'top heavy' it tends to be unproductive. More importance has to be given to develop the civil service - to empower it so that policy decisions can be taken at cabinet level which would then be communicated/discussed by the Minister with the civil servants who would in turn implement them.
Further, such appointments would not score the government any political points either. Too many ministerial level positions would only create the suspicion that it is after all a policy where positions are created for various people and not the other way around. If that happens, then the positive side of the drastically cut down number of ministries might be overshadowed.
When the structure of the new government was discussed, the fact that it had 14 government ministries was certainly a welcome change, although, I must note that it could have been even slimmer. Civil Aviation and Communication could have been absorbed into Transport (although the current transport, housing ministry is pretty big even as it is) and the fisheries and agriculture portfolio could have been absorbed into economic development. However, given the fact that its a mainstream industry that is connected with a large part of the population, the government might have made a political decision to keep a separate fisheries and agriculture ministry.
Hence, in that sense, it is all understandable - and then came the three state ministers!
I really don't see the fisheries and agriculture ministry being that huge a ministry. I agree that it is an area that can be really developed and it could produce a lot more output in the medium to long term if planned well. However, why does it need 3 state ministers? And that too in addition to the Minister, and the possible deputy minister(s) and the permanent secretary!
I really do hope that this is not setting a trend. When ministries become too 'top heavy' it tends to be unproductive. More importance has to be given to develop the civil service - to empower it so that policy decisions can be taken at cabinet level which would then be communicated/discussed by the Minister with the civil servants who would in turn implement them.
Further, such appointments would not score the government any political points either. Too many ministerial level positions would only create the suspicion that it is after all a policy where positions are created for various people and not the other way around. If that happens, then the positive side of the drastically cut down number of ministries might be overshadowed.
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