Month: February 2010

Employment Tribunal Regulation published in government Gazette

The Employment Tribunal Regulation was published in the Government Gazette yesterday.

The Employment Tribunal Regulation states procedures of revising and adjudicating employment matters, and other matters to do with the functioning of the Employment Tribunal under the Employment Act.

The Employment Tribunal aims to examine and adjudicate legal matters which might arise in the workplace between employers and employees, as well as other matters ascribed to the Tribunal, in an expeditious and simple manner.

The Tribunal has full authority to review and adjudicate employment matters as it deems fit in observance of the Employment Act.

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President of Timor-Leste says farewell to the Maldives

José Ramos-Horta President of Timor-Leste (East Timor) said his goodbyes to President Nasheed and the Maldives yesterday evening.

Just after 10 pm, a press conference was held in the VVIP lounge at Malé International Airport.

President Ramos-Horta arrived in the country on the evening of 13 February on a state visit. He described the Maldives as “paradise islands” and thanked the “president, government and people of Maldives for welcoming us with open arms.”

New avenues of cooperation

President Nasheed said Dr Ramos-Horta’s visit is a good beginning to strengthen bilateral relations and has opened up “new avenues of cooperation between both nations”.

He added the two men compared notes and were “very easily able to come to a number of understandings” as they “share similar personal lives, conditions [and] situations”.

During President Ramos-Horta’s visit, agreements of education, culture, tourism and visa arrangements have been signed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. These agreements are purposed to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties between the countries.

President Ramos-Horta said he was “feeling at home” and “learning about [the] enormous progress that this country has made since independence in spite of extraordinary odds of geography and environment”.

He also said that he hoped the Maldives would “be able to assist advice on how we can build up our own…maritime security” and to “develop our own tourism strategy…in the years to come.”

Dr Ramos-Horta said he had learned a lot from his visit to the Maldives and would be taking this knowledge home.

“[I] will tell my compatriots and colleagues in leadership to learn from this country, [where] in true adversity, they [have] managed to build a prosperous society, with imagination, with vision, with hard work. So that is one inspiration I take from my visit,” he said.

Climate change

The two leaders discussed climate change, sustainable development and poverty eradication, and hoped to encourage other Asian leaders to join them in seeking practical solutions to these pressing issues.

“One of the issues of common concern to us is the issue of climate change. As vulnerable island states we will make every effort to work together…[and] to take further steps beyond Copenhagen”, said Dr. Ramos-Horta.

He added that although he didn’t show up in Copenhagen, and “I was probably the only president who didn’t show up,” through “wise leadership and determination” and by mobilising other Asian leaders, the next round of climate change summit, COP 16 Mexico 2010, could be reached with a “commitment by all”.

He also commended President Nasheed for his hard work and good results at COP15, saying that “…not many small island nations, not many developing countries, had this impact” and he will “look forward to work[ing] on a regular basis with His Excellency, the president”.

Joint statement

Additionally, the Presidents issued a joint statement which was read during the press conference.

Nasheed said they came up with a statement that “would indicate how we may be able to proceed in the work that both countries can jointly achieve.”

The statement spoke of implementing innovative, practical and pragmatic approaches to the problems of climate change, poverty eradication and sustainable development. President Nasheed added that they hoped to achieve bigger targets for cutting carbon emissions for COP16.

The joint statement reads: “Asia is undoubtedly the most affluent, dynamic and promising region in the world [but] is also one that faces the greatest challenges ranging from demographic pressure to extreme poverty and environmental degradation.”

President Ramos-Horta finalised his visit by addressing President Nasheed and saying, “I hope I will be able to reciprocate in my humble home in Timor-Leste your generosity, your hospitality and we hope you can visit us soon. I thank you and may God bless you.”

President Nasheed responded by saying “Spending time with the president of East Timor is well worth it and I certainly treasure the moments.”

President Ramos-Horta was led to a Singapore Airlines airplane on a red carpet where soldiers, generals, ministers and other senior members of government wished him farewell .

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Protesting feminists send underwear to Sheikh

A group of self-styled “underground feminists” calling themselves the ‘Rehendhi’ movement claim to have bombarded Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed with women’s underwear on Valentine’s Day, in protest “against misogyny in Maldivian society.”

A statement from the group was accompanied by pictures of underwear scrawled with statements such as “Make love not war”, “Undies for Fundies”, and “Happy Valentine’s Day Sheikh Fareed”.

The statement condemned the speech ‘With Loved Ones’ given by Sheikh Fareed at the artificial beach in Male’ on 12 January, and stated that “while we do not necessarily promote Valentine’s Day, we will not tolerate messages that [infringe] on our right to celebrate the good things in life like love.”

“We especially will not tolerate the unnecessary framing of women as inherently evil. For example, in his speech Sheikh Fareed criticised men contributing to household chores by ‘running home to buy a fish every time a woman calls’ and implicated them of loving their women more than God.”

The group claimed it wished to remain anonymous “not because we are cowards, but because at the end of the day, we live in a society where the majority is not ready to accept equality between the sexes” and “because we want to be criticised for the issues we take rather than the length of our hijabs.”

undies2The group estimated that between 10-12 women participated in the protest campaign, and said they would continue to “fight the erosion of already scarce liberal attitudes towards women in our society” and “reject overarching and untrue labels such as ‘Americansed’ or ‘Westernised’.”

“We look at our own society and deduce that the suffering of women is directly linked to the strong patriarchal system that breeds harmful prejudices against women, such as their inferiority and servitude to men,” the statement said.

“Sometimes, due to upbringing, formal education and mainstream predominant societal views, women themselves internalise such unfounded and unjustified views of inequality and ‘inherent inferiority’ of women compared to men. We refuse to tolerate any discrimination against women based on Islam and diffuse concepts such as ‘culture.’”

“Our goal is not to negate Quran, Hadith or Islamic principles, but to find women’s rightful place in society in which they can flourish and realise their true potential. We emphasise the fact that many feminists are Muslim women. Working for women’s rights does not mean that one is not a pious and good Muslim.”

Spokesperson for the Islamic Ministry Sheikh Ahmadulla said he would not comment on the issue, as he did not have the authority to give religious advice, but noted that ”according to the law, people have the right to express their opinion.”

undies3President of religious NGO Jamiyyath-al-Salaf, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Ibrahim, also said he did not wish to comment as he had not heard Fareed’s speech, but emphasised that Muslims were not allowed to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

”Valentine’s Day is celebrated by Christians,” he said. ”It is a day connected to a god of Christians named cupid.”

Sheikh Abdullah Jameel also said he did not want to comment on the issue directly because he had not heard Sheikh Fareed’s speech.

”Women and men are not equal if you look how they are created,” he said. ”[For instance] only a few women go fishing or do construction work.”

He emphasised that celebrating Valentine’s Day is prohibited under Islam “even if some group tries to deny it.”

Sheikh Ilyas Hussein said he had not heard of the group or their press statement, but also explained that ”celebrating Valentine’s Day is not part of Islamic culture.”

“It’s a day Christians celebrate saying it was the birthday of someone named Valentine,” Sheikh Ilyas said.

Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed declined to comment.

Correction: An earlier version of this article mistakenly attributed comments made by Sheikh Abdullah Jameel to Sheikh Azmath Jameel. Minivan News has rectified the error and apologises for any confusion caused.

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Thasmeen endorsed as DRP leader and presidential candidate

Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has been endorsed as leader of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and its presidential candidate, during the party’s third annual congress.

841 delegates out of 882 attending voted for the proposal by the party’s council to automatically make the DRP’s leader its presidential candidate. A further proposal put forward by Umar Naseer and Aneesa Ahmed calling for a primary election was overruled as it was contradictory.

Yesterday evening, during a dinner for DRP supporters, former party leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said the party “must unite and work in the spirit of democracy.”

”The DRP should be a party that does not fear to debate democratically,” he said. ”It should be a party that believes having different minds and different thoughts is democratic, and should work united.”

Gayoom said the party had to realise that “obeying the will of the majority is the spirit of democracy.”

Gayoom previously endorsed Thasmeen as his successor during his announcement that he was retiring from politics. Thasmeen was then elected leader by default as no other member of the party stood against him.

However Naseer, former president of the Islamic Democratic Party (IDP) and DRP member, said that Thasmeen “must not [automatically] be the DRP’s candidate for the presidential election; it has to be taken by a vote.”

Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed told newspaper Miadhu that the DRP would not be democratic or successful if it continued its “clan-style” decision making, noting that the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has “by far the best internal democracy in the country”.

MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including MP Ahmed Easa, had criticised Thasmeen’s automatic election as “undemocratic”, particularly after Gayoom’s public endorsement.

“It’s unbelievable that nobody else stood up for the DRP leadership,” Easa commented.

Two days after Thasmeen’s election as leader, president of coalition party People’s Alliance (PA) Abdullah Yameen, widely believed to have leadership ambitions, sued Thasmeen for debts of US$100,000 in the civil court. The DRP however quashed speculation that the DRP-PA coalition was under strain.

DRP spokesperson Ibrahim Shareef confirmed that Yaameen was invited to the congress but did not attend.

Last night Gayoom rallied the party, telling the assembled congress that the party should remain united, “even though I am no longer the party’s leader.”

”DRP is a national tree growing up from a seed we buried, and to water and provide food for the tree is a responsibility of all the members,” he said.

The DRP should boost the role of its MPs in parliament and ensure the party continued to have wide appeal, he suggested, while pursuing the goal of winning the next presidential election.

DRP MP Ali Waheed said Gayoom’s words were still in his ears.

”He showed us the example, we all will follow him,” he said. ”We will do our best to work united and reach our goals.”

After the congress the DRP would start its journey to win the next presidential election, he said.

DRP MP Ahmed Ilham said the party was encouraged by Gayoom’s words.

”We will reach our targets within the next leadership,” he said, ” and walk on the path Gayoom showed us. Gayoom is the founder of DRP, 98 per cent of it belongs to him.”

Umar Naseer, a candidate for DRP’s vice presidency, said he was very encouraged by the speech, and if elected “would give all my will to follow Gayoom’s advice.”

”Even if I lose, I will not stop our work,” he said.

Ibrahim Shareef said the party would work as much as it could to follow Gayoom’s advice.

”Without a doubt we would win the next presidential election,” he said. “Half of the people who voted for MDP are now against them.”

He responded to Shaheed’s description of the party as “clan-like” by calling him a ”political prostitute”, with ”words that do not have any political weight.”

MDP spokesman Ahmed Haleem said the MDP had closely watched the DRP congress and noted that ”Gayoom’s brother Yameen was missing.”

That meant the DRP was now in control of Thasmeen, he said.

”I think the next leadership of DRP will be great,” Haleem said, ” Thasmeen is a very talented person and he is very democratic.”

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Uz Adam Mohamed Abdulla appointed as a Judicial Service Commission member

The President appointed Uz Adam Mohamed Abdulla as a member of the Judicial Service Commission yesterday. He was elected by other judges of the High Court to serve as a Judicial Service Commission member.

There was a special ceremony at the President’s Office yesterday, where President Nasheed presented Uz Adam the letter of appointment for his new position.

President Nasheed urged Uz Adam to fulfill the member’s responsibilities in establishing justice.

Uz Adam said he would try his best to fulfill the responsibilities and to strengthen the work of the Judicial Service Commission within the boundaries of law.

Uz Adam took the oath of office before the Supreme Court Judge Abdulla Areef.

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Pakistan to support Maldivian agriculture

Pakistan has offered to support the development of agriculture in the Maldives by offering agriculture courses to students and expressing interest in the import of rice, fruit and garments to Pakistan.

Miadhu reports that Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, met with the Maldives High Commissioner Shehenaz Adam and proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the potential for trade between the two countries.

The Maldives is keen to diversify its economy, as it is almost exclusively dependent on the tourism and fishing industries

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Cabinet discusses establishing permanent quarantine facilities and international airports and sea ports

At a meeting yesterday, the Cabinet discussed the importance of establishing permanent quarantine facilities that measure up to international standards at international airports and sea ports in the country.

The Ministry of Health and Family presented a paper on the matter, which highlighted the importance of establishing permanent quarantine facilities.

In a situation of a pandemic disease, infected passengers could be more effectively quarantined, said cabinet members. They agreed that having a permanent facility would eliminate the need for temporary facilities every time there is a pandemic outbreak.

The Ministry of Health and Family, along with the National Disaster Management Centre, are now in charge of producing a paper on how to set up these facilities, and to make the necessary arrangements to establish them.

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Vice President says improving standard of education is top priority

Vice President Mohamed Waheed said improving the standard of education was a top priority for the government, speaking at the 25th anniversary assembly of Jamaluddin School yesterday morning.

Speaking to the students, he urged them to be obedient and strive for excellence, assuring them that the government is working to improve the standards of education.

He spoke of the importance of good behaviour and social discipline, and said the school environment should facilitate extracurricular activities.

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‘State dowry’ for Maldivians who marry foreigners

A new rule requires Maldivians who wish to marry foreigners to seek permission from the Ministry of Immigration and Emmigration, and pay a deposit.

According to the new law, instituted today, the Maldivian would-be spouse must pay the deposit money to the ministry as per existing requirements for work visas.

Prior to that, a specific form designed for mixed marriages has to be completed and submitted to the immigration department for approval.

Resident permits for foreigners married to Maldivians will also be renewed only upon the payment of the deposit, meaning those already married must also pay.

“It’s horrible, it makes me feel like a worker in Maldives and not part of this country,” was the reaction of Sasha, a British woman married to a Maldivian for the past six years.

Tightening regulations

“We are not the ones giving approval, a form has to be filled out and once the family court has approved and stamped it, we will give the go ahead,” says Controller of Immigration, Ilyas Hussain Ibrahim.

Ilyas signed off on the contentious rule, but says it was on the request of the family court.

“Too many Maldivians are getting married to foreigners,” he said, adding that it was mostly done for “bad purposes.”

He cites the case of contract marriages: “Mostly it’s Bangladeshi men who get the girl to marry him, and then she is paid a monthly sum,” he said.

He also says there have been cases of Nigerian men hooking up with Maldivian girls through the internet, then coming to the country and getting married “and after a few months he doesn’t even have enough money to cover his expenses.”

Ilyas said people had been returned to their home countries after a divorce “on the government’s expense.”

The registrar of the family court Ahmed Abdulla agreed with Ilyas, saying too many false marriages were occurring “mostly for visas or other purposes.”

He said the new ruled was intended to protect Maldivian women, as ”men get married here, and just take off without divorcing the woman, or paying her living expenses.”

130 mixed marriages were registered in the Maldives last year, mostly to natives of neighboring countries like India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Ahmed says a few extreme cases also have occurred, where Maldivian kids have been taken abroad by the foreign partner.

“Recently a Maldivian woman was divorced and sent back, while the man kept their kids and to this day she has not been able to get any news of them.”

Abdullah refuses to name the country, saying simply its located “near the Middle East”.

The deposit scheme was not “a total solution” but it was “a necessary step”, he said.

“When bad things happen we have to react.”

The family court has also brought changes to existing criteria for approving mixed marriages.

“Before a foreigner had to earn a monthly minimum of Rf5000 (US$380) to get married. Now the earnings have to be Rf15,000 (US$1150),” he said.

Such criteria were necessary, he said, “as a lot of Bangladeshi men don’t earn enough to take care of their families and this gives rise to social problems.”

Lack of Rights

Sasha’s husband says the new rule “disgusts” him.

“I did not bring her here to work for me,” he says.

Despite his unhappiness with the new rule, he acknowledges that it does offer some protection to foreign women stranded in the Maldives.

“Girls who face abuse and are victimised one way or the other in their marriages; at least they will be able to leave the country if they want to now.”

But, he believes, another way should be found to tackle the issue.

Interestingly enough, the person who implemented the rule, Ilyas, is also married to a foreigner.

“For the rights of the foreign partner one should turn towards the Majlis, there are no regulations that give them any rights on this soil,” he says.

He refers to an existing regulation whereby a foreigner can apply for citizenship after 12 years, if he or she is well versed in Dhivehi, in the religion, and supplies certificates for other criteria.

“But even with all these requirements, it still depends on the mood of the president if a person can be given citizenship.”

Ilyas cites the name of a well known doctor, among the four people who have been granted this privilege by the previous government.

“You can be married for 25 to 60 years and still live here on a resident permit.”

His wife is not eligible for health insurance, and everywhere they go they have to queue separately.

“I can’t even get her registered as a member of my household,” he notes.

However he says this rule would offer her a degree of protection, if they ever divorced.

“It’s not the status of a worker, but that of a foreigner. Here you remain a foreigner forever; the regulations don’t give them even half the rights of a Maldivian.”

Sacha’s resident permit must to be renewed in four years.

“If I remain here forever, the money will remain locked in a deposit in the ministry. Is this a way to generate interest from funds?” she questions.

She says her friends who are in mixed marriages will be furious.

“I have a baby, would I have to pay a 50 per cent deposit for him also since he is half-foreign?”

Her business is also registered in the name of her husband: “I can’t even own anything here, I have no rights and now I have the status of a foreign worker.”

Sasha’s name changed on her request.

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