Deputy Ambassador of Maldives to China, Mr. Sobah Rasheed. Photo: Twitter

By: Sobah Rasheed

It is my firm opinion that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s re-election is of paramount national interest at this juncture. 

Over 70% of our GDP is from Tourism. We have a fragile economy. This has been witnessed during the pandemic more than ever. We all know Maldives graduated from a Leased Developed Country (LDC) to a Middle-income Country in 2011. But the 2020 pandemic turned our country into a No-income country just overnight. So, we must not forget that the country & our economy is grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep the economy and businesses afloat and sustain jobs president Solih’s government took difficult yet very bold decisions during the peak of the pandemic. Our country has got to deal with a large and growing fiscal deficit and debt which needs special attention. 

My decision to support President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is about ensuring continuity of the post-COVID national  recovery project. It is about enabling president to complete the project through sound policies of his government that not only brought the light at the end of the tunnel but also achieved a great deal in a short span of time despite the odds. 

So I firmly believe that in the best interest of the nation we must put aside political and ideological differences at this critical juncture and rally behind the president to empower him to complete this national project to the best possible degree over the next 5 years. 

The country is in the right tract. Tourism is picking up.  The economy is taking shape. We have earned the respect and trust of our bileteral partners and  the international community. Foreign Investor confidence is all time high. So we must take this opportunity to get there!

I also believe re-election of president to a second term will turn a new page in our country’s democratic journey. It will be a major milestone in the consolidation of our democracy and our constitution. I optimistically believe that President’s re-election will also give an excellent opportunity for the opposition to become mature & credible, undertake their constitutional role and people’s democratic mandate providing oversight, checks & balance and accountability of the undertakings of the government. 

So, I stay firm in my commitment to do my best and work towards re-electing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in 2023. 

Disclaimer: Above is an exclusive opinion written to Adamington Online by Mr. Sobah Rasheed who is the Deputy Ambassador of Maldives to China. He is also known for launching the first Private Internet Service in Maldives under the brand name Raajje Online (ROL) offering unlimited Internet access at a fixed monthly fee breaking the monopoly held by State telecom company for ages. Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Adamington Online’s point-of-view.

 

H.E President Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Photo: President's Office Website

The theme for last year’s International Anti-Corruption Day was ‘recovery with integrity’. This places importance on transparency and ethics in tackling the global COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, its high time in Maldives for us to try to overcome this crisis by addressing the roots of corruption within the state.

People almost forgot about the incidents of corruption in other sectors after the irregularities and misappropriations in the health sector came to the limelight. The media was rife with ventilator case when the pandemic started. The anti-corruption commission announced in the beginning of the year that it would take stringent action against those, no matter how influential they are, who are involved in the ventilator theft case.

ACC then started investigating people engaged the ventilator theft. There were several State Ministers, leaders and one Minister on the list. But the controversial ventilator case came to a halt shortly after COVID-19 outbreak, and those against whom the ACC began investigating and was taking legal action for alleged involvement in these activities, went unnoticed. Their files remain closed and forgotten at the ACC office.

The irregularities in the health sector overshadowed the Ventilator case. Suddenly ACC shifted its focus to the health sector. This is how ACC hops from one issue to another and leaves its previous cases unfinished in the paradise nation. In the process some of the issues see better progress with wider PR stunts while others have less progress with dim light.

The question is, why does ACC keep an issue pending and jump into another sensational issue? Can ACC really perform its duty objectively, with its own free will? Or does it operate on the whims of the governments and respective ruling parties? Some accuse that the, ACC had drawn a line and it is unwilling, incapable or fearful of going beyond it due to political influences. It depends on the identity and status of the individual whether ACC will take any action or not against him.

Visibly ACC’s anti-corruption activities are selective. The organization will never be able to perform its duties properly and as per people’s expectations until it shrugs off such practice. How will ACC be able to move away from its selective stance and achieve the power to take action in all sectors freely and neutrally?

I would like to conclude with a reminder, we are talking about "allegations" of corruption, not "proof" of the said corruption. However, the allegations are serious and mostly based on documents. I strongly believe that these allegations deserve to be looked into, and it is only through a professional investigation by the ACC that the truth will come out and our claim that nobody is above the law will get some credible traction.

Surely the irregularities in our health sector were drastically revealed during this pandemic. The republic's eyes are solely on ACC now. Will ACC honour President Solih’s “Zero Tolerance to Corruption” policy or will the commission ignore the public voices for a “Corruption free State”?

Member of Parliament for Hoarafushi constituency, Mr. Ahmed Saleem. | Photo: Majilis Website

Last month a social media uproar took against the Member of Parliament for Hoarafushi constituency Mr. Ahmed Saleem for calling citizens working in Civil Service sector of Maldives as “faceless and voiceless” people.

Below is the full transcript of the remarks made by the Member of Parliament for Hoarafushi constituency Mr. Ahmed Saleem about Maldivian Civil Servants at the Parliament regarding a bill to amend the Civil Service Act.

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The person working in Civil Service is someone who has to live by a certain limit, certain code of conduct and a certain discipline. Can’t write whatever they want. Can’t say whatever they want. The individual is a faceless person according to experts. The individual is a voiceless person. The person has to shut up from the moment the work contract is signed, util in the grave. Can’t write whatever they want on Facebook. Can’t talk whatever they want where ever they want. That’s a professional person. 

The moment they sign their Civil Service agreements, they are consenting that they have no issue with the freedom of speech they are granted by the constitution being taken away. The individual agrees to this. They are people who know extra information about the office. More than what the general public would know. The privilege is there. With that, there are standards to which they should abide by.

How many Civil Servants among us are able to uphold the value of their profession? Even this morning I received a post on Facebook by a Civil Servant, supporting a specific political candidate. They cannot! With such things happening again and again, it ends up diminishing the confidence regarding the services of the government.

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However, later on the presenter turned MP, Mr. Ahmed Saleem via a tweet apologized to those who had been offended by his remarks about Maldivian Civil Servants. Furthermore, MP Saleem said that if anyone had keenly listened to his speech in parliament, they will notice the part which he had also highlighted the critical role of civil servants in building the nation.

 

Leaders of PPM giving a press conference. Photo by: One Online Website

In Maldives, the opposition always shouts out that the nation lacks democracy, transparency, accountability of state institutions, equal economic opportunities, equal share of country’s wealth, press freedom, freedom of assembly, human rights, and freedom of speech. But not even once they highlight on the importance of having a “responsible opposition” party alongside the government as part of the democracy. I think the main problem in Maldives is not the so-called lack of democracy, but the absence of a strong and responsible opposition party. Yes, Maldives lacks a strong opposition party that is inspired by a political ideology which practices democracy within its own institution.

With President Solih taking the oath of Office, the nation lacks an opposition party where its leaders are free from corruption and think only of the people’s welfare, not their own personal interests. Only and only such an opposition can encourage an elected government to be free from corruption, sustain democracy, and help the ruling party live within the boundaries of rule of law. The question may arise: What are the characteristics of a responsible opposition party? An easy answer is: A responsible opposition questions the elected government and hold them accountable to the public through the legal instruments provided by the constitution of the nation. But I cannot agree on the history and the unfolding activities of the current leaders of the opposition PPM are under the line drawn by our constitution.

A lavish life of its grassroot leaders and escaping punishment for acts of corruption during its reign might be the definition of politics for the opposition PPM. Nevertheless, giving party nominations in exchange for huge amounts of money before the elections and making offensive remarks on President Solih and cabinet Ministers by appearing in live media is not politics at all. Today, PPM has set a precedent as a new venture in politics -- to consider shouting and insulting against the administration as the new normal of local politics. Where the existence of the Opposition PPM is itself in danger, it is the duty of the general supporters of the party to lead their leaders out of this political threat.

Politics for PPM has now become a platform for exchanging unnecessary war of words with ruling MDP. Being an opposition party does not mean that the leaders of PPM get up in the morning and insult the leaders and MPs of ruling MDP and the figures of the coalition government. That is why people are no longer interested in dedicating their time to the unorganized rallies and the immature politics by PPM. At this time, to sustain democracy and make the government of Maldives accountable, a strong well focused constructive opposition is crucial. For the interest of the country and the sake of our democracy, a strong opposition responsible political party is needed in Maldives. Unlike PPM. this opposition must be a responsible political organization which can facilitate politics of values to the island nation.

 

 

The Justice Building of Maldives. Photo by: Independent News Website

The Covid-19 pandemic has proved that it is possible for the courts of the Maldives to use technology to ensure justice virtually. Indeed, the technological enhancements proved that IT is a weapon to carry out all types of legal proceedings. The pandemic further made the self-proclaimed busy judiciary of Maldives realize the very importance of digitally preserving of the legal documents and all its activities from the registration of a case to the announcement of its verdict by respective courtrooms.

Information technology is undoubtfully an integral part of the daily life in today’s world.  During the global Covid-19 pandemic, it has been possible for the Maldivian judiciary to use IT to ensure justice for the citizens of the island nation in a virtual way. It is utmost important for the judges, lawyers and all stakeholders of the judiciary to ensure the rule of law and justice by utilizing their respective experience and knowledge, being liable to country, people and the constitution. As a litigant has the right to get justice under the “Green Constitution” of Maldives, it is the prime responsibility of the judiciary to ensure the rights of the citizens no matter what. It is not the “kindness” of the courts but it’s mandated upon the state from the holy constitution.

During the Covid-19 lockdown period the courts of Maldives played a commendable role which is praise worthy in protecting the fundamental rights of the people, establishing the rule of law and ensuring justice for the litigants via “virtual justice”. Despite various barriers, courts have played a commendable role in consolidating the rule of law in the country at a difficult situation. Virtual justice protected the basic human rights as well as the constitution whenever it is needed during the curfew imposed in the nation amid a Public health Emergency.

One of the goals of sustainable development is to create opportunities for justice for all by establishing a peaceful and just society. The COVID-19 crisis has confirmed the need to invest and make use of digital tools in judicial proceedings. From the lessons that taught the nation from the pandemic, it’s time for the judiciary to go further than before in the practice of technology. The digitalization of the judiciary in its true sense is the only way that can ensure the litigants’ rights more effectively than now to seek justice.

 

President Solih with Speaker Nasheed. Photo by: Indian Express Website

It is undeniable that President Solih is the binding force of the ruling MDP led coalition government, but has somehow failed to establish his absolute control over MDP’s functioning as it’s “most senior leader”. On the other hand, Speaker Nasheed seems to have emerged as the only man when it comes to taking policy level decisions within the party, an area of Solih’s interests. It’s been days since anti-MDP opponents is debating whether Speaker Nasheed can be replaced by President Solih as the “real leader” of the ruling MDP. With equally interesting ease, the coalition allies, Jumhooree Party, MRM led by Former President Mr. Gayyoom and the religious Adhaalath Party too has endorsed President Solih’s leadership over Speaker Nasheed when it comes MDP’s stand in important matters within the coalition. However, till date President Solih refuses to be engaged in the controversial topic though the debate goes on.

Indeed, there are reasons why this debate is important. President Solih is extremely busy to meet the deadlines of his manifesto and should not be burdened with the extra pressure of running a large party like MDP. Even before President Solih took oath of office, his best friend Nasheed had lost the technique of keeping sustainable bonds with political allies and leading a coalition. Furthermore, Speaker Nasheed is no longer decisive as he was known to be. Therefore, MDP definitely needs a more dynamic leader than Nasheed to prove itself as a father for a coalition of different political ideologies to keep the Solih administration on its toes.

But can President Solih be a choice in this line of debate? Two reasons can be cited for those who believe that's possible. One, the esteemed leader has proved that he has the stature to lead a coalition government in Maldivian political history. Apart from Speaker Nasheed, he is among those few leaders within MDP who has vast political experience, having decades of parliamentary experience and seen enough politics to claim that space. If the MDP led coalition government is running smoothly today, credit should be given solely to Solih – as he was the engineer of the diverse coalition. Two, as a prominent politician, Solih has friends in every party. He is one of the few most wired politicians known in the island nation across party lines.  He can pick up the phone and talk to any leader in the country any time and is on first-name basis of MDP with all of them. This is a plus point for President Solih when it comes to the debate of replacing Nasheed’s influence within the party.

Today, the MDP with its super majority at parliament has unimaginable power in Maldivian politics to discredit opposition parties. Even the main opposition PPM is aware that it is impossible to match the MDP on this front, but to put up a good fight, one needs sizeable resources, which currently only President Solih can organize. But in a controversial topic like this, counter-arguments should also be poured into the glass. Equally strong reasons can be articulated for why President Solih is not the right person to lead the MDP. First, his credibility is unchallenged, but his eminence is suspected. Second, ideologically, he is not very solid compared to Speaker Nasheed. Solih, in true sense, believes in mutualism in politics. For the sake of unity, he is willing to make any compromise without checking or assessing the political waves he might face due to a certain stand. The biggest fact is seen during 2018, where he was seen more than happy to take the support of the Jumhooree Party to secure the seat of Presidency despite his party grassroot members applying serious allegations against tycoon Qasim for almost non-stop 7 years. Third, it is a fact that Solih is a big name within MDP but he has a limited appeal among the masses. He derives his power from being the longtime wise leader in Maldivian politics. He takes lot of pride in being called a leader of unity. Though, he managed to lure only a few leaders like Abdulla Shahid from MDP, he still lacks the support of the majority of the powerful grassroot leaders within the party machineries.

Naseed succeeded in 2008 because he was the only choice left in order to transform a change in the governance of the nation, but today he has failed to comprehend the new political realities and the totally new concept of mutual power sharing in local politics. Maldives has changed a lot since Nasheed was personally on the frontline of politics. It is true that Speaker Nasheed, with his unmatchable charisma, has turned MDP into a game changer in local politics. To challenge his leadership, the MDP needs a solid leader who is not new to Nasheed’s power politics. The leader who can challenge Nasheed requires a new sketch with a brand-new icon. Hence, it is evident that Speaker Nasheed’s supremacy in MDP can only be challenged by a wise opponent like President Solih who understands the Plan B of the “spiritual leader”. In an era when the political battle is more ideological than nearly ever before, the MDP needs a leader like Solih who has the courage of his political conviction.