Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The first reception
I was just watching 'the first reception' on TV and I note the happy mood. Even Anni's body guard (sporting a yellow tie interestingly) was smiling - and it looked very genuine! You normally see them with a very serious look on their faces. Shows the true feelings I guess...
Monday, November 10, 2008
Rayyithunge Werikan
Rayyithunge Werikan
Originally uploaded by mshahdy
November 11, 2008. H.E Mohamed Nasheed sworn in as President of the Republic of Maldives.
The day belongs not to politicians but to the common man.
The Guardian Interview
I was mildly surprised when Anni during his first press conference, when asked about the climate change issue, responded by saying that there is nothing much we could do about it. Thinking about it further, there is an element of reality in it although being a small state, the least we could do is lobby for the cause.
Then came the Guardian interview.
[available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/10/maldives-climate-change : for those who may not have read it yet]
It is an understatement to say that the idea to buy land as a 'climate change doomsday insurance policy' is radical and i doubt the practicality of such a measure. However, even keeping aside the viability of such a plan, another element of it concerns me as much.
For a 'soon to be' head of the state to openly suggest that 'we are going under' and that there's nothing we can do about it and that we plan to buy land elsewhere to move, would not really give potential foreign investors a lot of confidence. For our economy to develop, we need to do a lot to attract foreign investors and if we are seen to have lost hope on our existence per se, then why should they come and invest their millions here?
On another note, I also noticed that he made a very 'politically incorrect' comment about Israel when he said that "After all, the Israelis [began by buying] land in Palestine,". I doubt whether his Foreign Minister (to be) Shaheed and spokesperson Zaki are best pleased with that comment as it is bound to raise a few eyebrows in the diplomatic circles.
I wonder who handles the media side at the MDP-alliance...
Then came the Guardian interview.
[available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/10/maldives-climate-change : for those who may not have read it yet]
It is an understatement to say that the idea to buy land as a 'climate change doomsday insurance policy' is radical and i doubt the practicality of such a measure. However, even keeping aside the viability of such a plan, another element of it concerns me as much.
For a 'soon to be' head of the state to openly suggest that 'we are going under' and that there's nothing we can do about it and that we plan to buy land elsewhere to move, would not really give potential foreign investors a lot of confidence. For our economy to develop, we need to do a lot to attract foreign investors and if we are seen to have lost hope on our existence per se, then why should they come and invest their millions here?
On another note, I also noticed that he made a very 'politically incorrect' comment about Israel when he said that "After all, the Israelis [began by buying] land in Palestine,". I doubt whether his Foreign Minister (to be) Shaheed and spokesperson Zaki are best pleased with that comment as it is bound to raise a few eyebrows in the diplomatic circles.
I wonder who handles the media side at the MDP-alliance...
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Unite for Change
Now that the excitement of the "cabinet announcement" is over and the new presidential term just a day away; what should be the top priority for the MDP-Alliance?
It certainly has to be uniting for change.
'Unite for Change' is perhaps one of the most successful politically motivated PR campaigns we have had in the Maldives (and some might say even in the world!). It energized and engaged, amongst others, moderate youth in a way that politicians have not been able to do before. It gave them a voice and an opportunity to be heard about issues that were close to their heart. One of the reasons for the success of the campaign was the diverse mix of people involved; women, men, girls, boys, young, old... Those who supported one candidate or the other, those who were liberal or a bit conservative in nature. Artists, Intellects, professionals and students, the list goes on.
Now it is time for the MDP-alliance to learn from the 'unite for change' movement. As you might have noted from in my earlier posts, I am a skeptic of coalitions. However, for this country to move on and for the government to be able to fulfill the campaign promises, they must now unite for change.
True, there are vast differences between some of the alliance members. If they plan to be stubborn then they should not have joined the coalition, as a coalition by nature would require compromise. I sure hope that this is the case.
More importantly, we as the people should unite for change. Society has to an extent been fragmented with different ideas during a long and hard fought election. Now that it is over, we should try to set our differences aside. Paying heed to what Obama said to his nation, we are not 'yellow islands or blue islands', we are Maldivians. We are one and we have to unite for change to take our country forward and to realize the dreams we have for our nation, for us and our children.
On another note, I just got a call from a friend pointing me towards this article. I thought it was a very interesting read. Have a look.
'Maldives seeks to buy a new homeland"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/10/maldives-climate-change
It certainly has to be uniting for change.
'Unite for Change' is perhaps one of the most successful politically motivated PR campaigns we have had in the Maldives (and some might say even in the world!). It energized and engaged, amongst others, moderate youth in a way that politicians have not been able to do before. It gave them a voice and an opportunity to be heard about issues that were close to their heart. One of the reasons for the success of the campaign was the diverse mix of people involved; women, men, girls, boys, young, old... Those who supported one candidate or the other, those who were liberal or a bit conservative in nature. Artists, Intellects, professionals and students, the list goes on.
Now it is time for the MDP-alliance to learn from the 'unite for change' movement. As you might have noted from in my earlier posts, I am a skeptic of coalitions. However, for this country to move on and for the government to be able to fulfill the campaign promises, they must now unite for change.
True, there are vast differences between some of the alliance members. If they plan to be stubborn then they should not have joined the coalition, as a coalition by nature would require compromise. I sure hope that this is the case.
More importantly, we as the people should unite for change. Society has to an extent been fragmented with different ideas during a long and hard fought election. Now that it is over, we should try to set our differences aside. Paying heed to what Obama said to his nation, we are not 'yellow islands or blue islands', we are Maldivians. We are one and we have to unite for change to take our country forward and to realize the dreams we have for our nation, for us and our children.
On another note, I just got a call from a friend pointing me towards this article. I thought it was a very interesting read. Have a look.
'Maldives seeks to buy a new homeland"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/10/maldives-climate-change
Friday, November 7, 2008
Coalition Cabinet
Well, finally, the list that we have all been waiting for - is out.
What are you thoughts?
I'm thinking, firstly, it is a lot slimmer than the previous government. I'm personally not too sure about a civil aviation and communication ministry as civil aviation would fit 'very properly' within the transport manifesto and with Telecommunications Authority of Maldives established as a separate body, I do not see much of a role per se for a communications portfolio at minister level. But then again, as Zaki mentioned in the press briefing, it is a coalition cabinet, and some positions have been created for people rather than the other way around. This is not an ideal situation and I wonder whether this in fact is the 'wathan edhey goiy'? Perhaps it is, perhaps not...
Anyway, I would reserve any comments till a few months on the cabinet itself. There are ofcause some controversial choices but at the end of the day, i firmly believe that they should be judged on performance and not affiliations.
Lets give it a few months and see how it goes. Come February, it will be very tough to keep the coalition together given each parties 'desire' to get a majority of seats in parliament. Anni has already declared that his party must do all it can to get a majority in parliament to ensure that they can fulfill their manifesto promises. Does this mean that if the MDP gets a majority in parliament (noting that once the new parliament is elected, Anni will no longer need a 2/3 majority to confirm the cabinet as it is only a transitional provision) he will revamp the cabinet?
Truth be said, MDP has probably picked the short straw on cabinet portfolios. The Alliance partners seem to have most of the key ministries.In an ideal situation Anni would probably want MDP backed ministers filling key positions and the only way he can do that is by MDP getting a majority in parliament.
We shall see.
What are you thoughts?
I'm thinking, firstly, it is a lot slimmer than the previous government. I'm personally not too sure about a civil aviation and communication ministry as civil aviation would fit 'very properly' within the transport manifesto and with Telecommunications Authority of Maldives established as a separate body, I do not see much of a role per se for a communications portfolio at minister level. But then again, as Zaki mentioned in the press briefing, it is a coalition cabinet, and some positions have been created for people rather than the other way around. This is not an ideal situation and I wonder whether this in fact is the 'wathan edhey goiy'? Perhaps it is, perhaps not...
Anyway, I would reserve any comments till a few months on the cabinet itself. There are ofcause some controversial choices but at the end of the day, i firmly believe that they should be judged on performance and not affiliations.
Lets give it a few months and see how it goes. Come February, it will be very tough to keep the coalition together given each parties 'desire' to get a majority of seats in parliament. Anni has already declared that his party must do all it can to get a majority in parliament to ensure that they can fulfill their manifesto promises. Does this mean that if the MDP gets a majority in parliament (noting that once the new parliament is elected, Anni will no longer need a 2/3 majority to confirm the cabinet as it is only a transitional provision) he will revamp the cabinet?
Truth be said, MDP has probably picked the short straw on cabinet portfolios. The Alliance partners seem to have most of the key ministries.In an ideal situation Anni would probably want MDP backed ministers filling key positions and the only way he can do that is by MDP getting a majority in parliament.
We shall see.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Can Anni appoint 'nominated MPs'?
One of the most controversial 'features' of the 'old' parliament is the presence of un-elected MPs who are nominated by the President and serve at his/her pleasure. I would not go into the pros and cons of such appointments since the issue is non relevant at this point in time as our new constitution does not allow for such appointments.
There is a lot of talk on the streets on whether or not Anni can appoint his own 'team of MPs' to replace the existing nominated MP's.
Clause 294 of the Constitution provides for the continuance of the People's Majlis 'until such time as the first elections of the People's Majlis under this Constitution' (quote from unofficial English translation) is held.
The interpretation of the clause is that the Majlis in its old composition shall remain till the next elections. It is by no means a 'protection' for the persons currently serving in the Majlis but for their positions and by virtue of the fact that (1) the nominated MPs are part of the old Majlis and (2) they serve at the pleasure of the President (who ever it may be), Anni does have the liberty to appoint his own MPs after taking oath as President of the Maldives.
There is a lot of talk on the streets on whether or not Anni can appoint his own 'team of MPs' to replace the existing nominated MP's.
Clause 294 of the Constitution provides for the continuance of the People's Majlis 'until such time as the first elections of the People's Majlis under this Constitution' (quote from unofficial English translation) is held.
The interpretation of the clause is that the Majlis in its old composition shall remain till the next elections. It is by no means a 'protection' for the persons currently serving in the Majlis but for their positions and by virtue of the fact that (1) the nominated MPs are part of the old Majlis and (2) they serve at the pleasure of the President (who ever it may be), Anni does have the liberty to appoint his own MPs after taking oath as President of the Maldives.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Rooting for Obama
A friend of mine who is a very strong supporter of MDP, told me recently that he would be more upset with a McCain victory in America than a Gayoom victory in the Maldives.
I am hopeful that he will have good reason for a double celebration!
I will be waiting for his call tomorrow.
I am hopeful that he will have good reason for a double celebration!
I will be waiting for his call tomorrow.
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