:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Qasim Ibrahim is the future of Maldives

by A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe') , 27th August 2004, Male'

'You must be honest and maintain integrity in your responsibilities; the authorities that you receive must reflect the duties you owe. I have no doubt that by adhering to these values, freed from the tyranny of poverty, ignorance and fear, we will all be able to pave the way to live in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect'

Qasim Ibrahim - Founder
Villa Foundation
Inaugural Speech March 2003

Profile of Qasim Ibrahim
www.villahotels.com

Qasim Ibrahim at the 1st Reform Debate - 29th June

Qasim Ibrahim speaking in the reform debate - 13th July

Hon. Qasim Ibrahim, Special Majlis Member, supports the separation of powers; he is also a regular at these debates - 13th July

Qasim Ibrahim and other MPs requesting the public to show restraint and let democracy take its course peacefully - 19th July

Qasim Ibrahim and other MPs requesting the public to show restraint and let democracy take its course peacefully - 13th August

Maumoon Gayyoom's attempts to destroy the reputation of Qasim Ibrahim, the most respected and loved person in Maldives, will ultimately bring about the demise of Gayyoom's regime.

Qasim is popularly known among Maldivians as Buruma Qasim. He is a friend of the elite, as well as the poor. Despite his heavy schedule of work, each day Qasim personally reads and replies to all the letters he receives from Maldivians. Most of these letters are from destitute or middle-class Maldivians asking for assistance with their medical, education and housing problems. Qasim is the biggest employer in Maldives. He has the largest investments in tourism, fishing and shipping. He is the Chairman of Villa Group of Companies [ www.villahotels.com ].

Many believe that Qasim was given business opportunities and millions of dollars by Ilyas Ibrahim (Gayyoom's powerful brother-in-law), but anyone who knows Qasim will agree that nothing but sheer hard work and self-discipline has made him who he is today.

Qasim has an absolute commitment to clean government. He has always been a pro-democracy activist and very vocal in his support for reform when the opportunities arise. In the aftermath of Gayyoom's 'Reform Speech', many Maldivians organised reform debates in Male', and Qasim was a regular at these debate forums where he expressed his commitment to democracy and freedom. Qasim is also one of the founding members of the Maldivian Democratic Party, when it initially applied for registration in 2001. Despite his attempts to clean up the government, he has always been careful not to step over the line, because he was always sure that Gayyoom would try to destroy him. As usual, Qasim was right! He now faces false accusations and is behind bars. Associates of the ruling family of Maldives assured that many of Mrs. Gayyoom's relatives are very unhappy with the dictator for taking this harsh action against Qasim.

Qasim Ibrahim initially settled in Male' as a servant boy at Mrs. Gayyoom's house. He went on to become the wealthiest and most powerful businessman in Maldives, but he always paid due respect to the family and helped them whenever he could. When it comes to holding on to power, Gayyoom does not hesitate to destroy even his own family; the 'Ilyas Ibrahim Saga' in 1993 is a clear example.

Can Gayyoom keep Qasim behind bars indefinitely? Will Maldivians listen to the lies of Gayyoom and ignore the truth being told around the world?

Qasim is a man of integrity and high moral acumen. He is determined to bring democracy to Maldives and many are waiting for the day, courageously and patiently. Qasim wants to change this regime democratically, not using a coup or an uprising. Hence his numerous attempts to disperse the crowd on Black Friday 13 August 2004.

For many years, Gayyoom has been the undisputed leader, and he hates being challenged. A half page article on democracy and the importance of the rule of law can result in a life sentence in Maldives, and calling for Gayyoom's resignation is a sin. Qasim may eventually be the next President of Maldives, but Gayyoom will use every trick in the book to destroy him and preserve Gayyoom's family rule. We can take satisfaction in knowing that 'good' will always win over 'evil' if people work hard enough. So let us not loose hope; we must strive peacefully towards this common goal.