BBC Gandhi's
ashes scattered at sea
Ashes of Indian independence leader Mahatma
Gandhi have been scattered off the coast of Mumbai to mark the 60th anniversary
of his assassination. An urn containing the ashes was opened and they were mixed
with water from the Arabian Sea by his great-granddaughter Nilamben Parikh. The
ceremony was in accordance with Hindu rites. Gandhi - called Mahatma or "Great
Soul" - spearheaded a non-violent campaign against the British Raj.
more
Minivan News
"Maldives'
Top Drug Dealer" Appears In Court Abdul Hameed Abdul Samad, who police
have described as the Maldives' biggest drug dealer, appeared in court on
Wednesday charged with trafficking 2.1 kilos of heroin which were seized by
police in November 2007. He pleaded not guilty, saying he had confessed under
duress in a case which also involves a policeman, a former Chief Customs
Officer, and six other individuals apprehended after a police sting operation.
more
Minivan News High
Court Banishes Child Sex Offenders
A gang of four men cleared previously of raping a twelve-year old girl were
sentenced to two years' banishment for "forceful sexual assault" in a high court
appeal case today. But in defiance of previous government pledges, the court has
not imposed any prison sentence. The state had appealed following a ruling last
July that the men were guilty of "consensual sex before marriage", claiming the
girl had agreed to have sex because she didn't "scream out" after the men broke
into her house. more
Lanka Daily Smooth
transfer in SriLankan
The management change of SriLankan airlines would not have any negative impact
for passengers and the employees, Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives Manoj
Gunawardane said. Speaking to the Daily News Business he said the operations of
the airline would continue as usual.
more
ACHR Weekly Review Internally
Displaced People in India: An unequal share of the scraps?
On 23 January 2008, India's Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reviewed the
implementation of recommendations made by the Roundtable Conference on Jammu and
Kashmir. A relief package for Kashmiri Pandits [1] has been proposed and is
expected to be implemented.
more
Local News Magnitude
5 earthquake near Male'
An earthquake with magnitude 5.0 occurred near MALE, Maldives at 01:13:14.10 UTC
on Jan 30, 2008. (This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.)
preliminary report
News Review
Paedophile
rapists sentenced to a 2-year holiday in the Maldives
Four paedophiles who gang raped a 12 year old girl
have been sentenced for 2 year banishment with 15 lashes each. The men between
the ages of 19 – 25, gang raped a young girl in Lhaviyani Kurendoo early last
year. Initially, the lower court sentenced them to just 8 months banishment
stating that the girl must have consented to the act but the High Court has now
over ruled that and the case is now classified as rape, hence the new sentence.
more
Minivan News New
"New Maldives" Registers To Outcry From Former Ministers
An NGO named "New Maldives" has now been registered, the Home Ministry confirmed
on Monday. But the organisation is unrelated to the New Maldives Movement
founded by ex-ministers Hassan Saeed and Ahmed Shaheed, who say the new NGO is a
deliberate attempt to steal their political brand. Ibrahim Saeed, one of the
founders of the new NGO and a member of the ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party,
told Minivan News the former ministers would now have "no legal right" to use
the name. more
Local News Major
drug dealer's assets being seized by the state
Male’ – A major drug dealer, Waseem Abdulla from
Gn. Fuahmulah was apprehended last year for
trying to smuggle more than 2 kgs of heroine via
a Pakistani agent. According to reports, the
State has now filed a case and has requested the
criminal court to seize his assets. Waseem is a
known criminal, arrested several times before
for multitude of crimes, including, money
laundering, drug abuse and drug dealing as well
as assault cases. What is most striking is that
for many years, he has been able to stay above
the law. Some sources say that this drug dealer
Waseem is a proxy of
the Maldives Police Commissioner Adam Zahir, who
recently fell out with him and that is why he is
now in custody charged with drug dealing. In
April 2006, more than 1.6 tons of cannabis
hidden in the seabed of a lagoon were discovered
by fisherman. To date, not one has been charged
with the case and the authorities have brushed
the issue under the carpet. Similarly, hundreds
of heroine bullets (brown sugar packets) were
washed ashore in Villingili near Male', again no
one has been convicted or even charged in
relation to this incident. It is common
knowledge that top officials and police officers
have directly been involved in drug dealing in
the country.
Local News National
Unity Alliance Southern Tour Concludes
The NUA Southern Tour concluded on Monday and
the team arrived to Male' around 5:00pm. Several
thousand supporters gathered near the No 1 Jetty
adjacent to the Republican Square. NUA say that
the tour was a complete success, despite
attempts by the Dictator and his cronies to
disrupt the tour and intimidate members in some
islands.
view photos
BBC News Pakistan
poll 'must be credible'
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf "credible
elections" in his country are "essential",
during talks at Number 10. The two men met for
hour-long talks as demonstrators, including
cricket star Imran Khan and his ex-wife Jemima,
shouted anti-Musharraf slogans outside.
more
Maldives
Dictator should learn from the Indonesian
Dictator's Legacy
Indonesia's former
leader, Dictator Suharto passed away yesterday
after suffering from multiple organ failure. He
was forced to resign in 1998 after a popular
uprising and had been living quietly in the
capital Jakarta. When one compares the life of
Dictator Suharto with the Maldives Dictator, it
is eerily similar. One could almost substitute
the names and one would have difficulty in
realizing that this was about Dictator Suharto
and not Dictator Gayyoom.
more
Minivan News European
Commission To Monitor Presidential Elections
An "expert team" from the European Commission
will observe this year's planned presidential
elections, the Foreign Ministry has announced.
But the extent of election support has not yet
been determined, and opposition leaders have
said they believe a full monitoring mission is
required.
more
Minivan News New
Freedom Of Assembly "Without Permission" For
Maldivians
Maldivians will have the full constitutional
right to hold peaceful gatherings and
demonstrations under the constitution now being
drafted, following a Special Majlis vote on
Sunday. A clause enshrining the right to
"freedom of peaceful assembly without prior
permission" was passed by an almost unanimous
vote, establishing a legal basis for a right
which has been bitterly contested between
opposition and government.
more
The Times of India India
looks to ramp up presence in Maldives
NEW DELHI: Maldives, located just south of Lakshadweep islands in the Indian
Ocean, has somehow slipped below the radar of India's strategic consciousness
all these years. But this is changing. India is ramping up its presence in the
tiny Indian Ocean island nation that is now being seen as a potential strategic
and economic hotspot. Maldives — for long a political fiefdom of its
longest-serving president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom — is in the middle of a
political transition.
more
The
Role of the Internet in the Demolition of the Maldives
Dictatorship
Dictators are a dying breed now. Across the globe,
over the past couple of centuries, we have seen numerous dictatorial regimes
being replaced by democratic governments. Of course, it is never easy to
confront a dictator or destroy their power. But time and time again, we have
witnessed that when a population is united in its endeavour to bring about
change, no dictator can survive for long. Just regard what happened to dictators
from Chile, Philippines, Indonesia, former Yugoslavia, Romania and most recently
Saddam Hussain of Iraq. They were all powerful dictators, who ran their nations
with an iron fist, without any regard for the rule of law or respect for human
life. Where are they now?
more
BBC News Indonesia
ex-leader Suharto
dies
Indonesian ex-leader
Suharto, 86, has
died after suffering
multiple organ
failure for the
second time this
month. He died at
1310 (0610 GMT)
after slipping into
a coma, doctors
said. During his
32-years in power,
the economy thrived,
but thousands were
killed in the
provinces of Papua
and Aceh and in East
Timor invaded in
1975.
more
BBC News The
lasting legacy of
Suharto
If Suharto had the
kind of pumped-up
ego we usually
associate with
powerful
politicians, he
never let it show.
In stark contrast to
his fiery and
extrovert
predecessor Sukarno,
Indonesia's first
president, Suharto
exuded a sense of
calm detachment, his
face an enigmatic
mask that gave away
little.
more
My Viewz Blog Jaisham
: Presidents Tale of Made up hero??
The Day was January 8th. The place was the island of Hoarafushi, in Haa Alif
atoll in the Islands of Maldives. A 20 year old young man attempted to
assassinate the south asia's longest serving president Maumoon Abdul gayyoom but
narrowly escaped when the 16 year old boy scout Jaisham's palm accidentally came
in between. The story hit the headlines, and the whole world praised his act.
more
Press Release
Japan
Funds to improve S. Hithadhoo Regional Hospital in Addu Atoll
The Government of Japan has provided a sum of US $ 76,281 (approximately Maldive
Rufiyaa 976,000) towards "The Project for Reducing Burdens of Diseases in Rural
Maldives". The Project will be implemented by the JICA Alumni Society of
Maldives and will benefit the Hithadhoo Regional Hospital in Addu Atoll.
more
Video Evidence WTF.....
A New Constitution?
The desperate Dictator cuts a dejected figure
today, in his despair to cling on to power. His
last 'straw' in the twilight of his rule is to
try and fool the people into believing that the
reform agenda was about making a 'New
Constitution' rather than the existing
constitution being revised or amended. The
constitutional assembly had just passed a clause
specifying that no one can stay in power for
more than two 5-year terms. Until this was
passed, he had been stating that the reform
agenda was aimed at amending the constitution,
to create a more democratic and just society.
However, since the clause categorically bans him
from seeking office ever again, he has started a
new media campaign claiming that we are going to
have a 'New Constitution' and that the fact he
had served 6 terms (30 years) already, will not
count.
However, his own words have let him down badly.
Addressing the nation he said we are amending
the constitution... addressing the parliament he
said we are amending the constitution and
addressing the United Nation General Assembly he
said we are amending the constitution but now he
is saying No!.. No!... No!... It's not true,
simply not true! We are working on a New
Constitution! Obviously, the aging Dictator is
too demented to comprehend that we are living in
the 21st century, the digital age and not the
Jurassic period!
Watch the video (in Dhivehi) ! Make room in
the Museum for a demented dinosaur!
Photo News National
Unity Alliance Southern Tour visiting Thinadhoo
The NUA
team were welcomed by a huge crowd in GDh.
Thinadhoo on Thursday. Thinadhoo is one of the
strong-holds of the opposition parties,
especially the MDP and the whole island was
decorated to welcome the alliance team. Banners
were put everywhere demanding better public
services, democracy and human rights and
expressing the residents full support for a
transitional government, which is the main
objective of the alliance.
view photos
Minivan News Muaviath
Case Dismissed But HRCM To Fight On
The Maldives' Civil Court on Thursday dismissed
an attempt by the Human Rights Commission (HRCM)
to sue the police for negligence over the death
of Muaviath Mahmood, who died in police custody
in 2005. The HRCM had attempted to sue the
police force for negligence on the grounds that
Muaviath was not provided with adequate medical
treatment in detention. They hoped to win
compensation on behalf of Muaviath's father.
more
Video Report Ungoofaaru
residents protesting over lack of healthcare in
the island hospital
Ungoofaaru - The residents of Ungoofaaru in Raa
Atoll protested recently over the lack of
healthcare in the island's so-called hospital.
According to the residents, several adults
gathered and discussed the issues, highlighting
the low standard of service at the hospital.
watch video
Maldives Sports Blog
Calls
for FIFA to stand by Maldives Football
I caste doubt on the wisdom of the FIFA
selecting rather than electing a Transition Committee to take over the Maldives
FA in an interim capacity. This was over a fortnight ago. I had reserved my
judgment on the effectiveness of this approach, but felt the FIFA backed process
should be given a chance. I took this position out of respect for a global civil
society organization which recognized supporting the democratic process as their
corporate social responsibility. I hope the FIFA will not disappoint Maldivian
football fans.
more
Today's Zaman Orientalism's
'Bhutto delusion' - Was Bhutto really the first
ever female head of an Islamic State?
The tragic death of Benazir Bhutto by way of
assassination was described in many news
bulletins with this expression: "She was the
first female head of state from the Islamic
world." Likewise, this sentence was also seen in
the news: "Benazir Bhutto was the first woman
who was actually able to lead an Islamic state."
One of Ibn Battuta's many journeys brought him
to the Maldives during the rule of Hatice, the
daughter of Sultan Salahaddin Salih Albengali.
His descriptions of this part of his journey are
marked by words expressing his amazement at what
he saw: "One of the most wonderful aspects of
the Maldive Islands is the presence of female
rulers." After Hatice, who maintained the
sultanate for 33 years, came Meryam (1383), and
after that, Meryam's daughter Fatma Sultan
(1388).
more
News & Photos Support
for opposition increases in Laamu Atoll
Leaders of the National Unity Alliance noted
that support for the opposition is growing in
the populous atoll of Laamu. The Southern Tour
termed the Dhekunu Arumaaz organized by the NUA
held its seminar at the Qatar Ameer School in
Gamu, the main village in the capital island of
the atoll. The meeting was comparatively well
attended comparative to earlier responses from
the atoll to rallies and events of the political
opposition.
read more and view photos
Video & Photos NUA
Welcome Video - Langiri
Dance in Kimbidhoo
Thaa Atoll - Kimbidhoo - The
National Unity Alliance (NUA)
was welcomed with a
traditional dance by the
residents. The NUA visited
the island as part of its
Southern Tour, to inform the
public of the need for a
transitional government.
watch video and
view photos
Photo News National
Unity Alliance Southern Tour
Kudahuvadhoo
Dh. Kudahuvadhoo - The NUA
team was warmly welcomed in
Kudahuvadhoo. The seminars
and other activities went
very smoothly. Support for
the movement and the call
for a transitional
government is very visible.
more
Local News
Island
Aviation to begin flights to India this week
The Island Aviation Services (IAS), a company
wholly owned by the government, is to begin regular schedule flights to India
from Friday, 25th January. The congested route between Male' and
Thiruvananthapuram will get less busy as a result and the service is expected to
become quite a hit with local travellers. Thousands of Maldivian travel every
year to India, especially for medical treatment and India is home to thousands
of Maldivians who are permanently resident there, especially the southern city
of Kerela, Thiruvananthapuram.
more
The Hindu Overseas
militants and security concerns
Thiruvananthapuram: The strife in Sri Lanka and the presence of Islamic
terrorist groups in the Maldives have a bearing on Kerala's security, official
sources say. Militant organisations fighting the Sri Lankan government are
believed to be procuring fuel, chemicals such as ammonium nitrate (a fertilizer
that could also be used for making bombs), medicines, vehicle parts, welding
equipment, tools and metal balls (for possible use as projectiles in improvised
explosive devices) and other articles from Kerala.
more
Tourism News Kuoni
Long-haul Report Sees Maldives Hold Onto Number One Place For 2007 As Tailor
Made Business Grows
At the launch of its annual long-haul report, leading specialist tour operator
Kuoni Travel announced that the Maldives has retained its Number 1 position as
the favourite long-haul destination both for 2007 and going forward to 2008.
Also at the top of the table for 2007, Thailand remains at Number 2, Egypt has
climbed one place to Number 3 and Kenya and Dubai have retained the Number 4 and
5 places respectively. As predicted in last year's report, China, including Hong
Kong, had an outstanding year in 2007, with business to mainland China up by
some 60%, climbing two places to Number 6.
more
Tourism News
Living
With Addiction
When I knock on Shihu's door, a plank of wood propped against a grimy doorway,
she asks me to come back in five minutes, so she can get high. Shihu, 22, has
been addicted to brown sugar (a form of heroin) for seven years. "It gives me
relief, it takes the pain away," she tells me wearily, her eyes glazed, her skin
papery and pale. more
MDP Press National
Unity Alliance's Southern Tour to garner further support for Transitional
Arrangements
The National Unity Alliance, an interim coalition of opposition political
groupings began a tour to the south of the archipelago on 21 January 2008 to
garner further support for transitional arrangements that are presently being
debated in the Peoples Special Majlis (Constitutional Assembly).
more
Photo News
National Unity Alliance Southern Tour begins
Male' - Thousands gathered near the main
jetty in Male' to see off the participants of the Southern Tour, organised by
the National Unity Alliance. The purpose of the tour is to campaign and provide
information to the residents in the islands of the need for a transitional
government in order to ensure that the coming elections held under the amended
constitution is free and fair. The team will stop at various islands along the
route to Fuahmulaku island, South of the Maldives..
view photos
Photo News
National Unity Alliance Southern Tour arrives in
Magoodhoo
Magoodhoo - The first of the many islands planned to visit by the participants.
Leadership of all parties were given a rapturous welcome by the residents. view
photos
view photos
Tourism News
2007 has been a record year for the tourist
arrivals
With a total of 675,889 tourists, it has been recorded that 2007 had been a
record year for tourist arrivals in the Maldives. It was projected that the
arrivals would be 8.5% higher than the previous year; however, tourist arrivals
exceeded the projection by 3.8% resulting in a 12.3% increase from the previous
year.
more
Minivan News Government
Ministers Were Investigated For Money Laundering, Counterfeiting
An investigation was launched in 2007 into high-ranking government figures
suspected of financial crimes including money-laundering and counterfeit
currency, a source formerly close to the President has revealed to Minivan News.
more
MATI
Chairman M U Manik warns the Dictator not to sacrifice the tourism industry for
short-term political gains
The Chairman of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has called on
all stakeholders to refrain from sacrificing the tourism industry for short-term
political gains. In his address to the 18th annual conference of MATI, the
chairman of MATI since inception, Mr. Manik, said that there was no doubt that
the tourism industry will face enormous challenges in the future. He may be
directly referring to the tourism sector developments in the region, especially
the new 300 resorts that are under construction in Dubai's New World, which are
reportedly designed on the Maldives' resort concepts.
more
News Review
EIA
Regulations Flouted: Corrupt Minister colludes with his business partner
All Maldivians are equal before the law; but some
are more equal than others. This appears to be the case when it comes to the
rules and regulations of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water,
especially in the way they have been enforced and implemented. According to the
List of Development Proposals Requiring An Environmental Impact Assessment Study
in the EIA
Regulations 2007, (Schedule D below) hospitals are required by law to have
an EIA carried out. However as far as DO is aware, the new part of the IGMH is
being developed without an EIA. Abdulla Mohamed of Amin Constructions, the
business partner of the Environment Minister, Ahmed Abdulla, is carrying out the
construction work. As such, the Environment Minister is clearly violating the
Ministry's own Regulations. Now, here is an interesting question. What does 'AMIN'
of Amin Construction stand for? A for Abdulla Mohamed, M for Maumoon
(Golhaabo), I for Ilyas Ibrahim and N for Bidikaa Nattu!!!!
more
Minivan News Alliance
Leaders Consider Civil Disobedience
Leaders of the National Unity Alliance of opposition groups, including the New
Maldives Movement, have said they would consider a campaign of civil
disobedience if they are not convinced this year's presidential election will be
free and fair. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party, whose chairman had
previously warned of the possibility of civil disobedience, last week upped the
pressure by saying it would be prepared to call for such action.
more
Yesterday the Dictator sacked his appointee to the
Majlis and Special Majlis, Imad Solih, without giving any reasons for the
dismissal. Imad Solih has been one of the most vocal and outspoken appointees
often with outrageous views. However, Imad Solih has recently been voicing his
own opinions and views in the Special Majlis and the parliament rather than
follow the Dictator's orders. Imad Soleh is also a close confidante of the New
Maldives leaders, especially Dr. Saeed and Jameel, who resigned from the cabinet
last year. Many believe this factor played the biggest part in his dismissal.
His place in the Majlis now goes to Hoarafushi Saleem. Imad Solih's seat in the
Special Majlis has been taken by Ahmed Mahlouf, who is the deputy leader of the
DRP's youth wing and a total novice. At this rate, it appears that the Dictator
would appoint gangsters Chikaa and Rabarey as his appointees to the Majlis/Special
Majlis next, replacing Mazeena and Hilmy. The Dictator is losing grip of his
supporters. Watch this space.
Sunday Island - Lanka JKH
confident of excellent returns from refurbished Maldivian resorts
Keells Hotels Limited, which has invested USD 10 million in refurbishing and
reconstructing its Maldivian properties, re-launched two of these resorts under
the Chaaya brand last weekend hopes to earn around USD 2 million on its
Maldivian operation next year on four resorts in the Maldives, JKH Deputy
Chairman Ajit Gunawardena said yesterday.
more
"Fortunately,
dictatorships carry with them the seeds of their
own destruction" says Dr. Shaheed
Following excerpts are from an exclusive interview
with Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, former Foreign Minister of the Maldives, who resigned
from Dictator Gayyoom's cabinet late last year. Dr. Shaheed, who played a
pivotal role in selling the Dictator's reform agenda asserts the view that he
had joined the government to realise a long held dream of him, to bring liberal
democracy to the Maldives. Dr. Shaheed, a trained politician, shocked many by
holding the hands of the man who many believe has blood of the people on his
hand. However, later on, he gained the respect of just as many, for standing up
to his principles and joining the democratic forces.
more
News Review
Corrupt
Minister has no respect for our Islamic Heritage
Unlike most Islamic States, the Maldives
has few Islamic Heritage Sites from our past. The Friday Mosque and the Munnaaru
(Minaret) are among the rare examples that we can visibly see today. As such the
Eid Miskiiy (Mosque) is one such building that is in need of protection.
Nevertheless, today we see that the Environment Minister, Ahmed Abdulla, in his
new capacity as the "Protector of surrounding buildings next to construction
sites" is callously disregarding this endangered site.
more
Maldives Medical Watch Blog Self-medicating
on Pethidine; an anaesthetist's story
We were alerted to the story by a patient who
underwent surgery at Hulhumale' Hospital. This
story is shocking. Athif (not real name) was
admitted for surgery (details withheld as these
minor details may be easily used for identifying
our source) sometime last year. After the
surgery had finished, and declared a success,
Athif regained consciousness to the agony of
excruciating pain at the surgical site. His
family members who were with him asked the
expatriate nurse on duty whether any medication
could be given for the pain. Her blunt answer
was "NO". Pressed for a reason, she reported
that "very strong pain medication" was given at
time of surgery and that more doses cannot be
used.
more
Photo News MDP
rally in Imaadhudeen reminiscence of the old
days
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a very
successful rally in Imaadhudeen School, which
was reminiscence of the old days, said many
members. The school was packed full and most MDP
leaders took the stage and addressed the crowd,
including President Dr. Munavvaru, Chairman
Nasheed, and several MPs of the party, such as
Hon. Mohamed Shihab and Hon. Moosa Manik (Reeko).
The main topic of tonight’s rally was that as
far as the new amendments passed last week, the
incumbent Dictator ‘Golhaabo’ will no longer be
able to stand in the presidential election due
this year. The clause which has set a term limit
of two 5-year terms, has been hailed as a huge
success, and is obviously the talk of the town.
Many feel that tonight’s attendance was boosted
by the fact that people are just feeling quite
joyous. Rapturous applauds were heard every time
a speaker said that the Dictator is no more.
Also tonight, funds were collected to help those
that the Dictator arrested from Dhidhdhoo prior
to his visit last week.
view photo album
Press Release MDP
calls on the government to begin talks with
National Unity Alliance to facilitate smooth
transition to amended Constitution
The Maldivian Democratic Party congratulates
members of the Peoples Special Majlis
(Constitutional Assembly) for adopting on 14
January 2008 the amendment to Clause (1) of
Article 2 in the Chapter on the President of the
Republic stipulating the term of the Presidency
thus: "A Presidential term shall be five years.
No person elected under this Constitution, shall
fill the post of President of the Republic,
whether consecutively or not, for more than two
terms".
more
Minivan News
Apparent
Opposition Retreat On Interim Government
In an apparent change of tactics, members of the
opposition Alliance in the Special Majlis
(constitutional assembly) today retreated from
proposals for an interim government which would
in effect have required President Gayoom to
stand down. As debate finally began on the
contentious chapter dealing with transitional
arrangements, opposition members emphasised the
need for independent commissions and a "bottom
up" sequence of elections, despite extensive
campaigning by the Alliance on a more radical
interim government platform.
more
Cricket U-19 Challenge Cup Maldives
get third place
Maldives beat China in the 3rd and 4th Playoff
at Chiang Mai Gymkhana to clinch third place in
the ACC U-19 Challenge Cup. Maldives dominated
the match, winning by 155 runs. China were
disciplined in the field but ultimately their
fallibility against spin-bowling was again
exposed.
more
Mr.
Bajaj or the Dictator - Who would you vote for?
According to the
Chairperson of the MDP, Mohamed Nasheed (Anni),
if the incumbent President, Dictator Maumoon
Abdul Gayoom stands for re-election in the up
coming Presidential elections, then the MDP can
put forward Mr. Bajaj, the popular TV character
from the hit Indian series Kasauti Zindagi Ki,
as their Presidential candidate, if they wished
to do so.
more
Video Song - You Tube Dear
Mr. President, come take a walk with me....
Open your eyes to our reality, to the Maldivian
reality... let's pretend we are just two people
and, you're not beter than me, I'd like to ask
you some questions and... we can speak
honestly.. what do u feel when you see all the
homeless on the street?
Watch the video
Fametastic News Lily
Allen's boyfriend Ed Simons whisks her away on a
£42,000 luxury holiday
As if being waited on hand and foot by her
family wasn't enough, Lily Allen has been
whisked away on a £3000-a-night holiday by
boyfriend, Chemical Brothers star Ed Simons.The
parents to be flew out to a luxury resort in the
Maldives earlier in the week and are expected to
stay on the secluded island for a fortnight. A
source close to the couple told the Sun:
"Ed wanted to treat
Lily with a holiday she would never forget."more
BBC Breaking News Airliner
crash lands at Heathrow
An international passenger plane has crash
landed short of the south runway at Heathrow
Airport. All 136 passengers and 16 crew escaped
down the emergency chutes after British Airways
flight BA038 from Beijing lost its rear
undercarriage and came down. Six people have
been taken to hospital suffering minor injuries,
reports say.
more
Local News Dictator's
Attorney General hospitalised after anxiety
attack
Male' – A reliable source confirmed that the
Maldives Dictator's Attorney General, Azima
Shukoor remains in hospital after she was
admitted last night, suffering from stress
related anxiety attack. According to the source,
she has been under much pressure and criticism
from the cronies and even the Dictator himself,
after the clause which she help compose, passed
at the special Majlis, virtually banning the
Dictator from standing in the coming
presidential election.
more
News Review
Environment
minister and his partner begin media campaign to
halt the construction of Holiday Inn
Male' - The Environment Minister, Ahmed Abdulla
and his business partner, owner of Amin
Construction, Abdulla Mohamed, have begun a mass
campaign to halt the construction of the
15-storey Holiday Inn hotel at Athireege Male'.
Reliable sources told DO that the minister, a
long term crony of the regime, and the owner of
Amin Constructions are planning to build a hotel
of their own, near the customs area, where
Abdulla Mohamed bought 10,000 sqft last year.
more
ACHR Weekly Review Back
to the bad old days: Thailand slips back into a
cycle of coup and military domination
On 18 January 2008, the Supreme Court is
scheduled to deliver its verdict on whether the
People Power Party (PPP) is a proxy of ousted
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and hence
should be banned like its predecessor the Thai
Rak Thai party. The decision will indicate
whether Thailand’s Supreme Court is independent
or if it belongs to the Military junta. A ruling
against the PPP will have implications that have
much wider consequences for Thailand’s enjoyment
of human rights, democracy and long term
stability. But even a ruling for the PPP is
unlikely to reverse the poor prospects for
democracy in Thailand.
more
Golhaabo
Doing a Benazir without the dead body
Maldivians are right to respond to the story of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's attempted
assassination with skepticism. Long an object of ridicule, the senile dictator
only drew guffaws when he recently appeared on TV to thank the Almighty, and a
boy scout, for saving his life. On 8th January, Gayoom's election campaign in
Haa Alif was dramatically brought to a halt when a local youth reportedly lunged
at the dictator with a sloppy knife. But a brave boy scout thwarted the
"assassination attempt", receiving minor injuries for his trouble.
more
Minivan News Gayoom
Ruled out as Presidential Candidate, Say MDP
President Gayoom will be constitutionally barred
from running again as a presidential candidate,
according to the Chairman of opposition
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Mohamed
Nasheed (Anni) was speaking after the Special
Majlis (constitutional assembly) voted yesterday
to limit the presidential term to two terms.
President Gayoom has served six terms already.
But both ruling DRP and MDP members have claimed
the vote as a victory.
more
Bloomberg Revieq
Maldives Takes Steps to Curb Islamic Extremism,
Minister Says
Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) - An assassination attempt on the president of the Maldives
and a bomb attack targeting tourists prompted the government to take steps to
prevent Islamic extremism increasing in the archipelago, a minister said.
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the president of the Indian Ocean nation, escaped an
assassination attempt on Jan. 8 when a boy scout grabbed the attacker's knife. A
homemade bomb exploded in the capital, Male, on Sept. 29, in what Gayoom said
was the country's first terrorist attack.
more
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The
Dream
By the strength of our
common endeavour, to achieve what we cannot do alone, to grant each of
us the power to realize our full potential, and the means to create for
this and future generations a community in which power, wealth and
opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few, where the respect
we receive reflect the duties we owe, so that freed from the tyranny of
poverty, ignorance and fear, we could live together in spirit of
solidarity tolerance and respect.
[Clause 4 - Labour
Party - UK]
Quotes
"Verily never will God change
the condition of a people until they change it themselves."
Holy Qur'an 13:11
The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good
men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke
Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the
power to make you commit atrocities. - Voltaire
The past
half-century provides ample proof that democracy is more
than just another form of government; it is also a
powerful generator of international security,
prosperity, and peace. — Madeleine K. Albright, NDI
Chairman
Live Broadcast The
meeting of the National Unity Alliance held in
Fuahmulaku island is now live on Capital Radio.
Pls visit
www.capital956.fm
We are
currently compiling DO 'Name
& Shame' list 2007 and
we would like to hear your
thoughts on who should be
Leader of the Year 2007, as
well as your suggestions for
other categories in the
list. Please
send us an email with
your suggestions.
Click here to
view 2006 list
British Council Chevening
Scholarship - Applications now open
Chevening Scholarship Scheme, UK's most
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students in now open. Scholarships will be
made available to young professionals at the
early to mid career stage in any field,
although applicants should be able to
demonstrate that their studies will benefit
their countries' Economic, Social, Political
or Environmental development. Visit
British Chevening Scholarships for details
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Clause 25. Every citizen shall have the freedom to express his conscience and
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Dhivehi Observer
Gandhi's
ashes scattered at sea 
"Maldives'
Top Drug Dealer" Appears In Court
High
Court Banishes Child Sex Offenders
Smooth
transfer in SriLankan 
Internally
Displaced People in India: An unequal share of the scraps?
chWx
cnWx
Magnitude
5 earthquake near Male'
Paedophile
rapists sentenced to a 2-year holiday in the Maldives
New
"New Maldives" Registers To Outcry From Former Ministers
ގައްލީށިގަޑި
ދޮންބެއްޔާ
Major
drug dealer's assets being seized by the state
National
Unity Alliance Southern Tour Concludes
Pakistan
poll 'must be credible'
ސިޔާސަ
ބަޚަބަރު
Maldives
Dictator should learn from the Indonesian
Dictator's Legacy
European
Commission To Monitor Presidential Elections
New
Freedom Of Assembly "Without Permission" For
Maldivians
India
looks to ramp up presence in Maldives
އަތޮޅު
ރިޕޯޓު
ދ.
ދާއިރާ ނޫސް ބަޔާނ
The
Role of the Internet in the Demolition of the Maldives
Dictatorship
Indonesia
ex-leader Suharto
dies
The
lasting legacy of
Suharto
Jaisham
: Presidents Tale of Made up hero?? 
Japan
Funds to improve S. Hithadhoo Regional Hospital in Addu Atoll
WTF.....
A New Constitution?
Muaviath
Case Dismissed But HRCM To Fight On
Calls
for FIFA to stand by Maldives Football
Orientalism's
'Bhutto delusion' - Was Bhutto really the first
ever female head of an Islamic State?
Support
for opposition increases in Laamu Atoll
NUA
Welcome Video - Langiri
Dance in Kimbidhoo
National
Unity Alliance Southern Tour
Kudahuvadhoo
Island
Aviation to begin flights to India this week
Overseas
militants and security concerns 
Kuoni
Long-haul Report Sees Maldives Hold Onto Number One Place For 2007 As Tailor
Made Business Grows
Living
With Addiction
ގދ.
National Unity Alliance Southern Tour begins
National Unity Alliance Southern Tour arrives in
Magoodhoo
MATI
Chairman M U Manik warns the Dictator not to sacrifice the tourism industry for
short-term political gains
EIA
Regulations Flouted: Corrupt Minister colludes with his business partner
ޚަބަރު
މުރާޖައާ
ޚަބަރު
މުރާޖައާ
Dictator's
appointee to parliament sacked
JKH
confident of excellent returns from refurbished Maldivian resorts
އަތޮޅު
ރިޕޯޓު
"Fortunately,
dictatorships carry with them the seeds of their
own destruction" says Dr. Shaheed
Corrupt
Minister has no respect for our Islamic Heritage
Self-medicating
on Pethidine; an anaesthetist's story
އައްޑުވަސް
ރިޕޯޓް
MDP
rally in Imaadhudeen reminiscence of the old
days
Apparent
Opposition Retreat On Interim Government
Maldives
get third place
Mr.
Bajaj or the Dictator - Who would you vote for?
Lily
Allen's boyfriend Ed Simons whisks her away on a
£42,000 luxury holiday
މަޖްލިސް
ޖަލްސާ - ޔޫޓިއުބް ވީޑިއޯ
ހަވީރު
ރިޕޯޓް
ވައިކަރަދޫލައިވް.ކޮމް
ވައިކަރަދޫލައިވް.ކޮމް
Airliner
crash lands at Heathrow
Back
to the bad old days: Thailand slips back into a
cycle of coup and military domination
ކަރާޝިބު
ޚަބަރު 
Golhaabo
Doing a Benazir without the dead body
Gayoom
Ruled out as Presidential Candidate, Say MDP
Maldives Takes Steps to Curb Islamic Extremism,
Minister Says 
Chevening
Scholarship - Applications now open.jpg)
