Month: March 2015

Businesses need an “economic tsar” or a “tyrant” to succeed, says President Yameen

An “economic tsar” or a “tyrant” is essential for a business to succeed, President Abdulla Yameen said at a ceremony held last night to celebrate local investment company Alia’s 50th anniversary.

While business decisions are made in boardrooms after considering social factors, President Yameen said economic decisions should be taken by “someone with an economic mindset.”

“Success for a business is to have an economic tsar or an economic tyrant leading it,” said Yameen, addressing Alia’s senior management.

Alia Group has remained successful for so long because it is a “strong family business,” Yameen suggested.

“There cannot be many owners in a business. Businesses will get suggestions from the board, but when it comes to decisions, if there is one person who makes the decisions, it is more efficient,” he added.

Alia – founded by the late Ali Abdulla, father of former first lady Laila Ibrahim – started out in the early 1960s as Alia carpentry, before expanding into the construction industry.

Ten years later, the company reached an agreement with Yamaha, and introduced the Yamaha outboard engine to the Maldives, still being widely used in the transportation industry.

President Yameen praised Ali Abdulla for his vision and forward thinking, adding that under his management Alia had transformed the construction industry whilst revolutionising sea transportation with the introduction of the Yamaha engine.

Economy and investments

Yameen went on to say that the government is aiming toward increasing the rate of economic growth in the Maldives.

“The GDP growth this year is estimated at eight percent or higher,” he said.

“This growth, when compared to other countries and our close neighbour’s sluggish two to three percent growth, is a very vibrant economic situation.”

Last year, the government enacted its its flagship Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Act, which President Yameen’s administration insists would attract large scale foreign direct investments.

While the government forecasts it will receive US$ 100 million as acquisition fees for the SEZs by August 2015, the opposition has criticised the lack of significant foreign investments despite assurances from the government.

Last night, Yameen said peace and stability in the Maldives together with the government’s policies would spark interest from potential foreign investors.

“If we are able to grab the attention of the investors, and with the current direction of the economy, there will be big infrastructure projects in the future,” said Yameen.

Such investments would provide opportunities for local construction companies and create employment opportunities for the youth, he said.

“Sovereign guarantee”

President Yameen last night reiterated the government’s pledge to provide sovereign guarantees on loans to develop new resorts, noting that that the tourism industry offers “lucrative” employment opportunities for youth.

The economy does not benefit if resort development on islands leased by the government remains stalled for eight or 12 years, Yameen said.

“The rent for the islands might go into MIRA [Maldives Inland Revenue Authority],” he continued.

“However, the opportunity cost of the eight years is much higher. Imagine the amount of dollars which would cumulate and roll through the resort if it had been developed.”

Last year, the cabinet’s economic council announced plans to remove import duty on construction material needed for the refurbishments of resorts, in order to stimulate resort development.

Correction: This article previously identified Alia’s founder as Ali Ibrahim. This is incorrect. Alia was founded by Ali Abdulla.

Related to this story

Foreign investments worth MVR9.8 billion expected in five years, says President Yameen

Parliament approves state budget for 2015 with 60 votes in favour

PPM celebrates SEZ bill with fireworks

INIA capacity will increase threefold with new runway and terminal, says economic council

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Maldives introduces injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Maldives has introduced the injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) into its routine immunisation schedule, in a move to accelerate global eradication of polio.

The universal introduction of IPV is part of a global plan to eradicate polio and secure recent gains towards a polio-free world through stronger immunisation systems, a World health Organisation (WHO) statement explained.

“WHO and UNICEF have supported the Government of the Maldives to become the second country in South-East Asia to introduce IPV,” the statement read.

“The introduction of IPV to the routine immunisation schedule is a vital step in the journey to securing a polio-free world for all future generations to come,” Dr Akjemal Magtymova, WHO Representative to Maldives had said.

Maldives has been polio-free since 1981 with no indigenous cases detected since then. IPV introduction is the latest step by Maldives in its tremendous progress in improving child health and survival in the last decades, according to WHO.

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Adhaalth Party meets President Yameen to share concerns with political situation

Religious conservative Adhaalath Party met President Abdulla Yameen today to share the party’s concerns regarding the current political situation in the Maldives.

Speaking to reporters after the two-hour long meeting at the President’s Office, Adhaalath Party President Sheikh Imran Abdulla refused to reveal the concerns shared with the president at the meeting, where Adhaalath leadership members including Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem and the party’s Vice President Dr Mauroof Hussein also took part.

Imran has been critical of the government on social media regarding the criminal prosecutions of former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim.

In a tweet following today’s meeting, Imran assured that the Adhaalath Party would not make a “financial deal”.

“I am certain before and now as well that Nazim was framed,” he tweeted.

In previous tweets, Imran said former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom should be “ashamed” of the government’s treatment of Gasim Ibrahim as the Jumhooree Party (JP) leader decided to back President Yameen in the 2013 presidential election run-off after Gayoom “pleaded” with Gasim.

After yesterday’s presidential address – delivered in the face of protests by opposition MPs – Imran tweeted: “President Yameen is now feeling the bitterness of dissolving of the coalition that brought [him] to power.”

A day before Imran tweeted: “Adhaalath Party will come out to protest when there’s no other way.”

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MDA MP withdraws constitutional amendment on 65-year age limit to contest for presidency

Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) MP Mohamed Ismail has withdrawn an amendment to the constitution that would have barred Jumhooree Party (JP) Leader Gasim Ibrahim from contesting the presidency in 2018.

The move comes after Gasim met ‘Champa’ Mohamed Moosa ‘Uchchu’ and Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb at Moosa’s residence around 11pm last night.

The amendment proposed adding an age limit of 65 among the eligibility criteria for presidential candidates. Gasim would be 66 years of age in 2018.

“I withdrew the amendment today respecting the leaders of the ruling party’s request to remove the bill. I also thought that it would be in the best interest of the country at this time that I withdraw it,” Mohamed Ismail told Minivan News.

However, as a three quarters majority of the total membership of the People’s Majlis is required to amend the constitution, the votes of opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs or JPs would be needed to reach the required 63 votes.

Adeeb – also deputy leader of the PPM – has confirmed on social media that the meeting took place.

“My meeting with honorable Gasim and honorable Uchu is confidential, so no comments to what we agreed or discussed,” he tweeted.

After news of the meeting was reported by local media, a small group of protesters greeted Gasim when he emerged from the meeting. “President [Mohamed] Nasheed is in jail,” they screamed.

Gasim told reporters after the meeting that the discussion was “about the political environment.”

The JP issued a press release this morning stating that Gasim’s meeting with Champa Moosa was a meeting “between friends”.

“As the two are businessmen, discussions concerning business also took place,” the press release stated.

The JP claimed that Adeeb arrived at Champa’s residence while the meeting with Gasim was ongoing.

Gasim told Adeeb to ask President Abdulla Yameen to withdraw “politically motivated” charges against former President Nasheed and former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, the JP said.

Gasim’s JP formed an alliance with MDP in February and launched nightly protests against the government’s alleged breaches of the constitution. Since former President Nasheed’s arrest, Gasim has called on Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin to withdraw charges against the opposition leader and ex-defence minister in the interests of peace and stability.

The government has since seized several properties leased to Gasim’s Villa Group for alleged agreement violations. Last week, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) gave a 30-day notice to Villa Group to pay US$100 million allegedly owed as unpaid rent and fines.

Moreover, at the first hearing of Nazim’s trial last week, State Prosecutor Adam Arif said documents on a pen drive confiscated from the then-defence minister’s apartment showed he was planning individual and joint operations, financed by the Villa Group, to cause bodily harm to “senior honourable state officials.”

Despite the JP’s claims to the contrary, local media reported last night – citing confidential sources – that Gasim asked Adeeb to withdraw the constitutional amendment and the pair discussed MIRA’s 30-day notice to Villa Group.

Gasim was also criticised by opposition supporters when he failed to return to the Maldives as promised ahead the MDP-JP mass rally on February 27. Gasim went to Colombo to brief diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and claimed he could not return for the rally due to an appointment the following day with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

“As in the agreement between JP and MDP, Gasim will work to free former President Mohamed Nasheed and former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim,” the JP insisted in its press release.

Related to this story

Villa Group ordered to pay US$100 million in 30 days

JP Leader Gasim meets Sri Lankan President Sirisena

10,000 protest in Malé, call for President Yameen’s resignation

Allegations of conspiracy with Nazim “deliberate fabrication,” says Gasim

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Judges Didi and Yoosuf refuse to step down from Nasheed’s terrorism trial

A three-judge Criminal Court panel has ruled it has no conflict of interest in overseeing former President Mohamed Nasheed’s terrorism trial, despite two of the three judges having testified as witnesses in the case’s investigation.

Nasheed is accused of ordering the abduction of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012. If convicted under anti-terrorism laws, he faces a jail term between ten and 15 years.

The opposition leader’s lawyers tonight requested Judges Abdulla Didi and Abdul Bari Yoosuf step down from the bench.

Citing statements provided during a police and Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) investigation, lawyers said Judge Abdulla had first called Judge Yoosuf on receiving news of his impending arrest, while Didi had been present at the scene of the arrest.

But, Judges Didi, Bari and Sujau Usman unanimously ruled there were no legal barriers preventing them from passing judgment, stating legal norms allowed judges to choose between acting as a judge or a witness.

They subsequently prohibited either state prosecutors or Nasheed’s lawyers from naming them as witnesses in the ongoing trial.

The judges also overruled Nasheed’s second procedural issue, in which he contended Prosecutor General (PG) Muhthaz Muhsin’s decision to re-prosecute him—after withdrawing lesser charges of arbitrary detention in early February—was unlawful.

The third hearing in the terrorism trial concluded with state prosecutors and Nasheed naming witnesses and outlining key pieces of evidence.

Nasheed has named Muhsin as a defence witness. State prosecutors today assured the former president that Muhsin would step out from the trial if he is called to the witness stand.

Presiding Judge Didi also warned Nasheed’s lawyers against publicly implying the former president may not receive a free and fair trial, noting such comments amount to contempt of court.

Conflict of interest

Nasheed’s legal team contended judges must be free of bias and be perceived to be without a conflict of interest to ensure the former president a free and fair trial.

Didi and Yoosuf’s involvement in the investigations into Judge Abdulla’s arrest, and their long history of working together indicated a special relationship, lawyers argued.

Lawyers also questioned Muhsin’s motivation in re-prosecuting Nasheed, noting he too had worked with Judge Abdulla for years up until his appointment as Prosecutor General in July 2014. Muhsin had also testified during police and HRCM investigations, they said.

Noting Nasheed’s terrorism charges came after he had effectively been on trial for arbitrarily detaining Judge Abdulla for three years, lawyers said the PG‘s decision to file new and harsher charges on the same facts allows Muhsin to abuse the criminal justice system by depriving the accused of finality.

However, state prosecutors contended the PG’s power to withdraw, review and re-submit charges translated into authority to re-prosecute on new charges.

Muhsin had testified in his personal capacity, not as the Prosecutor General of the Maldives, they said.

Witnesses

After the judges overruled Nasheed’s procedural issues, the state presented a list of witnesses.

They include former Commissioner of Police Ahmed Faseeh, police officers Ismail Latheef, Ahmed Shakir, Mohamed Jamsheed and Abdul Mannan Yoosuf, Chief of Defense Forces Ahmed Shiyam, former Defense Minister Tholhath Ibrahim and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officers Ali Shahid and Aishath Zeena.

State prosecutors also plan to submit a video of Judge Abdulla’s arrest, speeches made by Nasheed at a cabinet meeting, a meeting with the police and in public during January 2012.

But Nasheed’s lawyers said the Criminal Court had failed to provide them with key evidence including the arrest video, and some transcripts of Nasheed’s speeches.

But Judge Didi ordered lawyers to name defense witnesses, assuring them the court would provide the items as soon as possible, and would allow them to name new witnesses to counter the new evidence if the court deems it necessary.

In addition to Muhsin, Nasheed’s witnesses include former head of police’s Drug Enforcement Department Mohamed Jinah, former Home Minister Hassan Afeef, and former Finance Secretary Ahmed Mausoom.

Nasheed’s lawyers requested 30 days to prepare his defence in light of new evidence that had not yet been provided, but judges said they would inform Nasheed of the date for a new hearing on Tuesday (March 3).

Judges also refused to revise an earlier decision to place Nasheed in custody until the trial concluded. The former president had been denied the right to legal counsel at the time.

Nasheed’s administration had justified Judge Abdulla’s military detention claiming he had had allowed “his judicial decisions to be determined by political and personal affiliations,” and repeatedly released then-opposition figures brought before the court on serious crimes.

Related to this story

Nasheed denies ordering Judge Abdulla arrest, granted three days to answer charges

Former President Nasheed arrives in court with arm in makeshift sling

Nasheed denied right to appoint lawyer and appeal “arbitrary” arrest warrant, contend lawyers

Police arrest former President Mohamed Nasheed ahead of terrorism trial

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Government celebrates presidential address with fireworks

The government has celebrated President Abdulla Yameen delivering the annual presidential address at parliament today amidst protests from opposition MPs with fireworks in Malé.

The fireworks display took place at the ‘raalhugadu’ (surf point) area on the southeastern corner of the capital around 8pm tonight.

After concluding the address, President Yameen gave two thumbs up to pro-government MPs and made a thumbs down gesture towards opposition MPs.

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MP Ibrahim Didi hospitalised

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, a retired brigadier general, was hospitalised at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

A family member told newspaper Haveeru that Didi was taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains, adding that he is being kept at the ICU for a heart test every six hours.

According to Didi’s family, he suffered a stroke in 1994. Didi’s family told Raajje TV today that the retired general was feeling better.

Didi is currently on trial on terrorism charges – along with former President Mohamed Nasheed and senior officers of the military – over the military’s detention of Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed in January 2012.

Didi was Malé Area Commander at the time of the controversial arrest. At the last hearing of his trial, the judge gave Didi three additional days to prepare his defence.

After the first hearing, Didi asked whether the terrorism trial was his reward for risking his life in defence of the nation during the November 3, 1988 failed coup attempt by a group of Maldivians and Tamil mercenaries.

Didi – a corporal and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s bodyguard at the time – played a pivotal role on November 3 by carrying the keys of the armoury from Machangoalhi Kinbigasdhoshuge to the besieged military headquarters before soldiers ran out of ammunition.

Politicians from both sides have meanwhile expressed well wishes for Didi on social media.

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Government submits three bills to parliament

The government has submitted to the People’s Majlis amendments to the Political Parties Act and the Family Act as well as legislation on establishing an Islamic University.

According to Vnews, the President’s Office proposed abolishing or amending clauses in the political parties law that the Supreme Court had ruled were unconstitutional.

Amendments proposed to the the Family Act meanwhile seek to provide temporary shelter to divorced women and their children and establish rules for equitable distribution of property in divorce cases.

The bill on creating the Maldives Islamic University outlines the powers and responsibilities of the envisioned higher education institution.

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President Yameen should apologise for thumbs down gesture, says MDP chairperson

President Abdulla Yameen should formally apologise for his thumbs down gesture at opposition MPs during today’s opening of the People’s Majlis, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Ali Waheed has said.

At a press conference this afternoon, Waheed contended that the gesture was intended to “mock” the opposition alliance, adding that it would not be acceptable to the public.

Waheed said the gesture showed Yameen’s loss of control over his emotions and that the government was “upside down.”

“I do not believe what we saw today should have been the message given to the people after delivering an address by a head of state,” said MDP parliamentary group leader, Ibrahim ‘Ibu’ Mohamed Solih.

After delivering his presidential address today amidst chants from opposition MPs calling for the release of former President Mohamed Nasheed, President Yameen gave two thumbs up to pro-government MPs and made a thumbs down gesture towards MDP and Jumhooree Party (JP) MPs.

President’s Office Spokesperson Ibrahim Muaz Ali has since defended the gesture, tweeting that it was “an advisory gesture” against obstructing constitutionally mandated duties.

“Today we saw [opposition MPs] attempting to obstruct the president’s from fulfilling his responsibility under Article 84 of [the constitution],”he tweeted.

Opposition MPs gathered in front of the secretariat desk carrying posters depicting police manhandling and dragging the opposition leader into court and called for Yameen’s resignation.

Nasheed was arrested last week and remains in police custody pending the outcome of a trial on charges of terrorism.

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MPs responded to the opposition MPs’ protest by chanting “Ganjabo” and Theyobidbo,” epithets referring to the former president’s alleged encouragement of drug use, and held up placards that read: “You cant hide from the law Nasheed” and “Nasheed deserves to be in prison.”

Several PPM MPs also snatched posters from MDP MPs and ripped some posters to pieces.

Opposition’s demands

Last night, the MDP and JP coalition revealed that the two parties have agreed to request a meeting with President Yameen to discuss 13 demands issued at last Friday’s mass demonstration.

At a joint press conference, Ali Waheed said the parties would request an appointment today, adding that the 13 demands would be formally submitted in writing.

The 13 demands are:

  1. Stop restricting fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms through amendments to either the constitution or laws.
  2. Release former President Mohamed Nasheed, former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, MDP MP Ali Azim and others arrested during anti-government protests.
  3. Repeal amendments brought to the Auditor General’s Act that saw the removal of former Auditor General Niyaz Ibrahim
  4. Withdraw political charges pressed against opposition politicians.
  5. Investigate alleged large scale corruption within the government.
  6. Continue providing the electricity subsidy and make electricity cheaper in Malé and other islands.
  7. Fulfil campaign pledges to provide subsidies to fishermen and farmers.
  8. Give back powers taken from local council, empower the councils, and enforce the Decentralisation Act.
  9. Enforce the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
  10. Increase wages for teachers, health workers and civil servants, ensuring equal pay to state employees.
  11. Reverse decision to impose import duty on fuel.
  12. Legally empowering independent institutions.
  13. Fulfil government pledges of providing unlimited health insurance.

Ali Waheed added that the alliance would meet relevant state institutions to discuss specific demands.

“Some of the demands are not just made to the President’s Office,” Waheed said.

“Some of the demands are made to specific institutions. We have agreed to hold meetings with all related institutions.”

Related to this story

President Yameen delivers presidential address amidst opposition protests

10,000 protest in Malé, call for President Yameen’s resignation

Police arrest former President Mohamed Nasheed ahead of terrorism trial

Nazim accused of conspiring with Villa group to harm state officials

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