Turning a new leaf in history
When I announced the news that Gayoom had been replaced by another man as the president of the country my grandmother of 78 years gave me a wide-eyed look of shock. She asked the most simple and yet the most complicated question to answer, "Why?"
For her, life would not make any difference whoever ruled the country. I explained that now the "Raeesul Jumhooriyyaa" is "Alfaalil Mohamed Nasheed". Now, she was mildly amused and wanted to know whether this fellow Nasheed was a good man.
That remains to be seen, I told her.
Democracy, in its finest glory so far, has arrived on our doorstep today. We have a new president, first lady and a vice president. Today Dhivehin, whether for or against the new administration, have turned a fresh leaf and created history so important that the story of how today was arrived at will make much of the past 30 years insignificant decades from now. Today marks the end of one era and the beginning of another.
This historic moment and the culmination of events and the hard work that lead to today has undoubtedly given Dhivehin reason to hope for a resplendent future. A future free from tyranny and, hopefully, a future filled with opportunity for all Dhivehin.
We are about to slowly shed the old skin of submission and fear towards our leaders. As I said before we need a new way of thinking and it requires a reprogramming of our very neurons. Starting with the simple task of saying "Raeesul Jumhooriyya" without following it with "Al-Uztaz" to getting used to not seeing the face of Gayoom in all public buildings and television to eradicating the culture of corruption.
President Nasheed brings with him new promises. I personally have other expectations from him. I want to see the rule of law prevail over everything else so that justice is fairly and equally served to all Dhivehin. I want to see a reformation of the education system so that future generations grow up to be forward thinking, open-minded and capable. I'd also like to see such events as Science Exhibition brought back into the school year. To help improve and stimulate innovation and productivity in manufacturing and the crafts I want to see the Handcrafts Exhibition again.
Finally, I would like to see the use of reason and and the promotion of reason alone as the guide to formulate policy - not religion and other "beliefs".
It should be said that I approach all the positivity with much caution. Into the winds of change have been thrown dangerous elements. Elements such as the new Ministry of Islamic Affairs headed by Dr. Majeed - a man who claims to have personally witnessed a beheading in Saudi Arabia and talks about it as if it is office gossip. I fear the slow and stealthy infection of conservative and radicalised religion more than I fear the economic challenges. President Nasheed must oppose all right-wing policies for no good can come out of them.
Getting back to my grandmother's question: "Why?". We all know why we are at this point in time.
I just hope that in a not too distant future I wouldn't have to answer the same question with regard to President Nasheed.
Congratulations to all Dhivehin, everywhere.
Maumoon Lover | November 12, 2008 4:52 AM | Reply
If you ever get to meet this guy Majeed personally please also ask him if he got an orgasm witnessing the beheading. Sick Feck (as you would say, Simon). Would be nice to behead these "religious" bastards.
Kinda like Prez. Nasheeds idea of throwing RF. 2000/- to every 65+ year old geezer. A real great way to win a couple thousand "friends" - and real fast too. Also the type you could lose real fast too. Wonder if it would prevail. By my calculations we are talking about USD 25M per year for this alone. Well then, shall we ebay Maumoons old clothes & Nasreenas underwear and whatnot. That should cover most of it I think.
And while he's at it, might be worthwhile to do a rough estimate about the expenditure that goes into the new presidents "new look" and self groom department.
Shahdy | November 12, 2008 9:03 AM | Reply
I noted a couple of times on TV yesterday where the anchor went on to say 'Raeesul Jumhooriyya' and paused for a second or two before continuing with Alfaalil Mohamed Nasheed. Evidence that it will probably take a 'little while' for us to get used to the fact that Raeesul Jumhooriya does not come toegther with Aluzthaaz Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
I share your expectations of the new government although they are going to be very challenging especially given the sociao economic status that we are in today. Carefully planned reason lead policies as you say is the way forward. With the diverse interests represented in cabinet, I doubt how far that will be the case.
ismail | November 12, 2008 9:06 AM | Reply
On the calculation for the geezer pension:
65+ population now 16,000
about 30mil USD a year.
source:
http://www.planning.gov.mv/publications/Population%20and%20Housing%20Census%202006/pop.htm
Ibrahim | November 12, 2008 10:53 AM | Reply
Does me no comfort to see some ministers from the previous regime, who even IF they tendered their resignations appeared to be borderline incompetent at best during their tenure, back in this government... It hope with every fiber of my being that President Nasheed will keep them in line and hold them accountable.
Ibrahim | November 12, 2008 10:56 AM | Reply
OR better yet... No... everyone deserves a second chance yes?
Mr. Karma | November 12, 2008 12:18 PM | Reply
You have just highlighted one of my hidden fears of this change.
The adhaalath party's influence could stagnate and cripple our country's future. Honestly, Im shit scared and my trembling legs can feel the piss flowing down them. Yikes!
I hope just giving them a taste of being important with few fatwa's on the carnival stage, like few nights back, keeps their self righteous beliefs buried. And we could follow the Islam as it has to be followed. According to the Book, and the ways of the Holy Prophet.
Not to the beliefs of these scholars who were eating hash paratas and smoking pipes in morocco. I guess they just need some exposure, to be famous with their fatwa's and given some attention. Doesn't everyone?
(I hope) - fingers crossed.
Geribakari | November 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply
The ultra-conservative religious wing of Gasim's Jumhuree Party poses a significant challenge to all of us- moderates, secularists, atheists and Christians. In this we are in full agreement.
The challenge is keeping their puritanical ideals in check, considering the subminimal level of public intelligence and the ease with which they are dissuaded by the allure of these priests.
The solution that has any potential of significantly reversing the damage they would do over the next few years, is through empowering the younger generation through Education and the advancement of the sciences and fostering a culture of self-thought and individualistic discourse.
Comparative religion needs to be the tool in bringing out an Islamic set of values that recognizes the rights of Godless-foks and Christians in this country, while ensuring the preservation of that Moslem identity for those who wish to keep it so.
This would be a long & difficult process.
Geribakari | November 12, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply
Wouldn't you agree wisham?
mh | November 12, 2008 7:27 PM | Reply
centre rights they say they are. What else do u expect ?
Gb | November 12, 2008 9:44 PM | Reply
yes, we know 'vaanuvaa' is not wisham hehe
Geribakari | November 13, 2008 12:14 AM | Reply
I just wanted to say something to those colleges/people who follow me around the bogosphere and have this incessant need to let me know in the most puerile ways their discontent with some of my views; I DO NOT CARE in the least what any of you might feel about my views and opinions, esp given that they are not expressed with a desire to impress or insult anybody.
If you disagree then have the balls to disagree to my face; I more than welcome it, but please stop dropping your discontent on me like bird droppings, esp since in most instances this sort-of 'pre-menstrual' attitude towards what ever I might say/write is often based on a complete failure to grasp what it might be that I am trying to express....
Me identifying myself as a 'Moslem' does NOT mean I blindly follow what ever comes out of a towel-head. And it does not necessarily mean I collectively despise them on a racist anti-Semitic level either. I agree with them where & when I see an justification to agree; If I don't buy it I will disagree.
I am not answerable to anyone of you..
Peace
Wisham | November 13, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply
Shit... I somehow fail to grasp what Geribakari is trying to say... in his comment at 12:14 Nov 13th(pardon my ignorance!)
Yes I agree with Geribakari on this. What we need, is to foster tolerance amongst us! To teach Muslims to come out of there narrow minded thinking, and accept the fact that its no longer "there way or the highway"
It all comes to the fact that, Maldivian have kept there thinking brain cells locked up in ignorance, letting the self-righteous, self-proclaimed bunch of religious priests, do the thinking for them!
Those of us who came out of the chains of age old traditions and have choses there own paths, a path different from what they inherited at birth, are ridiculed and are reduced to the sidelines, chased away to assume dual identities for fear of prosecution from the righteous bunch, who find pleasure in the few "sawaabs" they might attain from the vigilant Angel sitting down on there right shoulder, by trying to force there way on others. They brainwash us, in our schools, on TV and in open stages, they discourage us from using our brain cells, just to feel important... just so that they can always do the thinking for us, while we sleep in ignorance!!
One thing I am very uncomfortable with right now, is this new ministry of islamic affairs, and it remains to be seen, the real logic behind this!
At a time when I thought finally we were moving towards a secular democracy, we are seeing a different picture already! One that has undertones of "state sanctioned religion", where they have gotten religion and state mixed up yet again! I certainly look forward to a fully secular Dhivehi Raajje, one that is not too far away I hope!
And yes I am not Vaanuvaa, infact I am kinda new to the blogsphere, Simon's being the single blog I follow regularly!
Ibra | November 13, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply
Simon,
I would like to applaud your optimism regarding the outcome of 'Change'. I sincerely hope that your optimism is well founded.
We have crossed the greatest hurdle in reforming our country which was the removal of Qayyoom from office. The next challenge will be to ensure that this Change is not simply a cosmetic one. My sixth sense feels disturbed.
Whatever is achieved in the coming generations and decades, the past thrity years can never fade into significance. The horrors, the stamp of insularity which it has left will always be, should always be remebered, lest our guard is let down.
Democracy is very hard to get, and even harder to maintain and defend. The scenes I witnessed in Majlis yesterday indicates what is to come.
Our work is not over, my friend. It has just begun. We have to persevere and carry on, lest the horrors return.
The worst enemy of democracy, I think, is too much of an adoring public towards government leaders. You see, I don't believe in heroes.
A nation cannot be ruined single handedely, nor can it be saved or built single handedly.
Maumoon Lover | November 13, 2008 8:39 PM | Reply
14 state ministers and some more political hotshots ... prize giving day is still not over. I would think there is more to come. Now how the fux is this going to help with the waning economy??? Or did Anni and cronies find a gold mine that we do not know about? Maybe for these select few the Maldives have become a gold mine for the taking I guess. Nothing for the rest of us.
...and Hassan Saeed as special advisor. We are surely doomed.
Yup ... whatever you say Simon, I'm more and more becoming a Maumoon lover. Poor, poor Maldivian slobs who dreamed of really fantastic things with this change.
I still come across the poor bloke who say that they did this for the greater good (ousting Mumoon and whatnot) ... hehehe ... poor bastards do not realize that good is not always right!!!
I voted for Anni and I voted for a GOOD change. What a poor SOB I too am today. Well, shit happens!!!
Gulag | November 13, 2008 9:08 PM | Reply
'Wisham' I don't think that comment by 'geribakari' was meant for you... the first one did ask for your opinion though ;)
Wisham | November 13, 2008 11:13 PM | Reply
I agree with Ibra on this! Frankly I have a certain feeling of malaise, with the way things are going! But I am willing to give the new govt in place, a chance to prove me wrong! I think I will trust them until they break it!
holyjesus | November 14, 2008 3:06 AM | Reply
When do u reckon maldives will see a secular government? 30-40 years? maybe sooner? or will we be underwater before that? they'l probably blame that on the sins we commit aswell.
mary | November 14, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply
that depends on you. To an great extent hehe