I have nothing against Buruma Gasim. In fact I think it’s a good thing that he has resigned from DRP. That has divided DRP, which will help the opposition. But I do not believe that Gasim is a sincere person whose sole aim is to serve the people. All his so-called generosity and philanthropy has a long-term agenda. This is my personal belief of course. But I believe that Gasim and his cohort (Ilyas Ibrahim) have had presidential ambitions for the past fifteen years. We all remember the episode when Gayyoom and Ilyas had a bitter fight about Ilyas’ presidential ambitions about 15 years ago.
Ilyas is of course Gayyoom’s brother-in-law. It is an ominous sign that despite Gasim’s professed presidential candidacy, his friend Ilyas is remaining quiet. Most of the businessmen (including Gasim) who are the backbone of the newly formed Republican Party are those who gained most from Gayyoom’s lopsided economic policies. Why – one wonders – would these people now ‘oppose’ Gayyoom? It is an open secret that Gayyoom has plenty of secret ammunition that he could use against Gasim if Gayyoom so desires. So, why isn’t Gayyoom using those ammunitions to derail Gasim’s presidential bid?
My guess is that Gasim’s presidential bid has Gayyoom’s blessings. It’s all a drama setup by the old dictator to con the people of Maldives. Now, Gasim is distributing “gifts” to the willing people of Maldives, to acquire support for his presidential bid. Some are getting free cars while others are getting free motorcycles. Some are getting hundreds of thousands in cash while others may get even millions. Gasim may be the so-called “richest man” in the country but it is an open secret that his debts are now running at millions of dollars. He is flying on credit! So, how is he managing to find all these millions to fund his presidential bid?
We have to be very careful about Gayyoom’s actions towards Gasim and the actions of Ilyas and of course the drama that Gayyoom and Gasim and Ilyas and Yamin are playing. It’s all a game which is intended to con us – the unassuming people of this country.
If Gasim and his cohorts are spending as if money is disposable napkins, it is safe to assume that they would have to some how get that money back from the country. Whatever cars and millions that they are distributing for the campaign, they have to get their investment back. Where will that come from? Of course the presidency will make sure that it all doesn’t go to waste!
About four days ago three of the smaller parties - Adhaalath Party, Islamic Democratic Party and Maldives National Congress – held discussions to come to a consensus as to which candidate they will back. One of the candidates which they are considering is Dr. Hassan Saeed. They have not come to a final decision yet. I think MDP and Ibra’s Social Democratic Party and Dr. Hassan Saeed should join forces with the above mentioned three parties, to become a credible force against DRP and the Republican Party.
Gasim and his businessman-friends may say that they oppose Gayyoom but no sane person should believe them. It’s all a drama and the only way that this country can escape from the claws of this drama is to say “no” to Gayyoom and Gasim!
There are six leaders or potential-heroes who could save this country form the grip of Gayyoom (and Yamin) and Gasim (and Ilyas)! Who are those six leaders or potential-heroes?
It’s Dr. Hassan Saeed, Mohamed Nasheed (Anni), Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra), and Sheikh Hussain Rasheed of Adhaalath, Umar Naseer of IDP and Naeem of Maldives National Congress. These six opposition figures should unite around a common cause - which is to topple the autocracy of Gayyoom and prevent the elitist Republican Party from taking power. These six leaders and their respective parties or associations should stop vilifying each other. They should overcome their differences and unite for this common cause. Once this country is safely in a calm harbor – free from Gayyoom and his dramas – then we could go for a competitive and fair election, free from bribery and dramas.
The best service that these opposition figures could do to their mother nation would be to come to some sort of consensus, and unite to topple Gayyoom and show the dark side of Gayyoom and Gasim to the electorate.
Bushry, it is very difficult to read your blog because of the color scheme (black background, white letters). By the time I finish reading, I need eye drops.
ReplyDeleteAn insightful article. The logic speaks for itself.
ReplyDeleteThis is a point of view which I believe those rural communities in the islands need to be made aware of.
I agree, Gayoom & Gasim presents a formidable obstacle to the common man's right to have a representative authority in office.
"These six leaders and their respective parties or associations should stop vilifying each other. They should overcome their differences and unite for this common cause. Once this country is safely in a calm harbor – free from Gayyoom and his dramas – then we could go for a competitive and fair election, free from bribery and dramas.
The best service that these opposition figures could do to their mother nation would be to come to some sort of consensus, and unite to topple Gayyoom and show the dark side of Gayyoom and Gasim to the electorate."
Fair enough.
But I fear that, between them, these two may have already bought everyone. So effectively the opposition is in disarray now (both Adhalath & IDP receive campaign contributions from Gasim, and I suspect Social Liberal does as well), and this may very well be what was intended from the beginning itself.
I do not find it the least surprising that the leadership apparatus in MDP is being dismantled from within and selling off itself to the Republican Party. They may have already conceded to Gasim, and endorsed him as well; it's either him or Gayoom, so there is no contest on this. The grass root support base is no more consulted by the upper echelons in MDP than it is by DRP, and Anni & Zaki's autocratic ways would need to be dealt with by it's supporters, sooner rather than later.
But tomorrow our biggest concern as you say, remains this Business Party. I find it ironic that in their defense the best they could do was to say DRP also has 'business interests'. Then we might as well endorse DRP, if RP believes this quality to be an admirable one..
What the DRP and Gasim understands is that the deciding electorate lies within the Island communities still. Semi-illiterate common folk who can be swayed in any direction with mere ostentation..
Bushry. I don't usually have time to comment on blogs but I think I should spare some time on this. First of all, I agree with you that Gasim and Gayoom could be planning the whole thing. It is just one of the ploys of dividing the opposition. But I am really surprised that you picked Umar Naseer of IDP and Monaza Naeem of MNC as potential heroes or leaders. MNC does not have a wide membership. Umar Naseer's tough cop policies of death penalty and his past torture in NSS disqualifies him. IDP is just a party of Gasim. Doesn't it speak for itself when IDP proposed Republican Party member Ali Faiz as their nominee for Elections Commission? Adhalath is also having links with Gasim. Adhalath's Shaheem is studying in Malaysia under Gasim's funding. Now he is in Maldives to make sure that Adhalath endorses Gasim. The guy you support, Dr Hassan Saeed may not have links with Gasim. But he has links with Universal. I will not go as far as Himeyn Ingilaab and say that it is Koli Ali Manik's plan. But I will tell you somebody who has the intelligence to hatch such a plan. His name is Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain. Does that ring a bell? Is that name familiar to you? Don't you find it suspicious that Haveeru gives such a wide coverage to New Maldives, even when they were ministers and even after they resigned. Even now when they are opposing Gayoom, Haveeru is sympathetic to them. Don't you know that Dr Saeed and Dr Jameel studied in Malaysia at International Islamic University? Do you know who most Maldivian students put as a referee when they applied for IIU in 80s and 90s? Yes. Dr Zahir Hussain. The Malaysia connection is very visible. Now think. A few years ago Addu was the largest supporter base of MDP. There was no way Gayoom could have secured substantial votes from Addu. Now look at Addu. It is divided. Hassan Saeed supporters. Munavvar supporters. Anni supporters. There is no way any single opposition candidate can get a large chunk out of Addu votes. Who benefits? Gayoom who gets votes from Medhu Raajjethere. Now there is the Republican Party which will give Rf500 and destabilise the north and Male' votes. Dr Zahir knows how to do a good job. I think the game is being played without even Hassan Saeed realizing it. My vote goes for MDP.
ReplyDeleteI'll giv you the MNC and IDP thing.
ReplyDeleteBut Universal is behind Hassan Saeed?? what a load of bull!
"I think MDP and Ibra’s Social Democratic Party and Dr. Hassan Saeed"
ReplyDeletePlease correct the mistake.
It should read as
"I think MDP and Ibra’s Liberal Party and Dr. Hassan Saeed".
You cover a lot of ground in the article but you overlook a very important point - Ibra's connections to Illyas and Gasim. Do some investigating..
ReplyDeleteAlso your characterization of IDP and Maldives National Congress as political parties is stretching it somewhat..
IDP is a little side project funded by Gasim and Illyas. This is the improved and legitimized version of the Bimbi Force.
Politics...politics......and so confusing politics.....People are forgetting huge social issues getting lost in this politics..Hope who ever grabs the govt..solves the social issues in this detoriating society..Whos the most liable?
ReplyDeleteGod knows!!!!! No one seems to be the right one
all i can say is change is happening now, and change is always good. I really dont care which party wins as long as we can maintain a growing economy, stop the drugs, and open more resorts to create more jobs! who gives a shit to politics - the nation and its people is what matters. everything else will fit in place in time.
ReplyDeleteeveryone dont forget the military, if things get out of hand military is always ready to take over. bushry u missed the sleeping giant? i dont think we should worry who will come to power, i no one thing - whoever comes next will have one tough time. we need a strong leader
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ReplyDeleteAlmost a good analysis except for Hassan Saeed. First of all, Universal is not backing him. It is just Mr. Shaveed, who has every bit to loose if MDP comes to power. The 3A court case was turned toward Shaveed jointly by Dr. Hassan and Jameel. So even Dr. Hassan Saeed is not without ghosts to haunt him.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous on 20 August, 2008 02:59, made an interesting observation, and the thought of Zahir Hussain is particularly interesting.
ReplyDeleteAt the onset Zahir Hussain is not widely seen these days, but he is actively engaged in spreading propaganda and campaigning for Gayoom. A case in point, one thing that I know, he funds a "Smart Campaign" project in addu supporting Gayoom. It was launched right after Munnavaru's failure to win MDPs candidancey in the primary. Disgruntled Munnavaru loyalist were bought off for this project. They have their office in Feydhoo.
Shortly after the anonymous comment on 20 August, 2008 02:59, Zahir Hussain has come out of hiding and visited his native island of Fuvahmulah, where he started a campaign for Gayoom in his native district of Dhadimagu. Faroog Hassan, the Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Board, is also campaigning for Gayoom in Fuvahmulah, despite the fact that Faroog's portfolio requires a high level of impartiality. Zahir Hussain's true colours can now be seen.
ReplyDelete