When Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed appeared as the first-ever guest on VTV’s new show Hoonu Gondi (Hot Seat) on 12 April, he took the opportunity to say he was “not completely satisfied” with his job.
The aftermath of the Vice President’s interview has brought his comments to television shows, newspapers and blogs, with headlines exploiting his words as criticisms directed to President Mohamed Nasheed and his leadership.
Speaking to Minivan News, Dr Waheed said although he usually does not do interviews, but in a small community like Malé “people know when someone is not happy” and he felt he needed to speak out.
“I made a fairly measured response [to the question], careful not to be too critical of the government,” Dr Waheed said. “It is time to get rid of that fear of speaking out.”
He said people had been waiting for him to say something about his role as the country’s first elected vice president, and felt he needed to express “what is good, and what is not working” in the current government.
“This is also my government. Clearly there are ways it could be stronger,” he said.
Dr Waheed said he felt the government should be “shaped in the spirit of democracy and good governance,” adding that “we still have a lot to learn.”
He said he held the responsibility to tell the people who elected him how he felt about the government, their over-all performance and his role in it. “It’s my responsibility to express my feelings,” he said, “I think people in power should express themselves.”
Dr Waheed’s feelings were that the “way we function in [this] government is not too different to what it used to be. It’s still one man running the show,” he said, but assured he was “not picking issues” with the government, but “talking about democratic process.”
One of the main reasons for his dissatisfaction was that he doesn’t feel he is sufficiently involved in the decision-making process. “I don’t feel I am able to contribute, that consultation is not there.”
He said that while it was the president’s privilege not to consult him on everything, he thought the core of a democratic government should be “more inclusive and participative.”
“The people of the Maldives didn’t elect me to sleep for five years. I believe I am part of the leadership of this country and it is necessary for me to be involved,” Dr Waheed said. He added “the government will be stronger if the president consults with us.”
He also expressed concern over the fact that the current government won the 2008 elections on a coalition-party platform, but is now being run by a single party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
However Dr Waheed said this was “nothing that can’t be fixed”, as the government “is going through a learning process.”
He also believes the government is doing a good job in delivering their promises to the people.
“For any government, the first few months have to go into planning,” Dr Waheed said. “There has been a lot of work laying those foundations and results will be seen shortly.”
As the Maldives has not yet celebrated its second year under a democratic government, the vice president is sure these issues can still be resolved.
He said the government must be “much more consultative. We need to be more clear on what is being assigned and how that can be achieved.”
Dr Waheed defended his statements on ‘Hot Seat’ by reiterating that “I don’t see why we should be hiding our feelings now. We did not bring about this change to work in despair.”
He noted that despite the headlines today, “everything is OK” between him and the president.
Press Secretary for the President’s Office Mohamed Zuhair said the vice president’s interview “was not in an official capacity [as vice president], but as a party leader.”
“If he was going in official capacity we would get a notice, but this time it did not happen,” Zuhair said.
Dr Mohamed Jameel, president of the Dhivehi Qaumy Party (DQP), one of the parties that joined the MDP-led coalition that elected President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration in the 2008 elections, said he “agrees with Vice President Waheed completely.”
“I think [lack of consultation] is the very reason why many politicians from the coalition went away,” he said, adding “this is the final blow in the coffin.”
He said the problem was the government’s attitude: “Ever since they were elected, they have been saying it was a win for the MDP only.”
Dr Jameel said he thought the MDP had been “hijacked at gun point by their activists” and now the government was “conveniently giving into their demands.”
President of the Adhaalath party Sheikh Hussain Rasheed Ahmed, another coalition partner, said all the coalition parties had been having problems for a while “due mainly to political competition.”
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Vice President Waheed is quite correct to say that the government still is “one man show”.
In a presidential system of government like the Maldives all the executive power is vested in one man, the president in accordance to the Constitution.
The president of the Maldives functions in many capacities: The president is also head of the government, ruling as well as reigning. As head of government, the president is chief executive, chief diplomat, commander in chief, and chief policymaker. In another word elected monarch.
I am quite sympathetic with the Vice- President, as his role is being limited in the Constitution only to assist the President, that is also only if President requires.
People like Waheed should be more responsible must learn to was the dirty laundry at home instead of public places, besides he is the one whose employing all the relatives in the family... and he stands for Democracy what a joke?
I can't agree more with the vice president..ALL COALITION PARTIES..(MDP, GAUMEE ITHIHAAD, GAUMEE PARTY, ADAALATH PARTY, GASIM PARTY) must remember this was a victory against a DICTATOR! And must work together not to allow the DICTATOR (whether Yamin or Thasmeen a puppet of dictator)come back from the coffin! Also MDP raw activits such Aslam Shakir, Zuhair and many others need to tone down a bit and get busy with promises that government made..and focus on how to work together with others instead of buzzing around Anni like houseflies! ALSO VICE PRESIDENT AND PARTY MEMBERS and SAWAD need to work harder instead of feeling like OUTSIDERS..and SHOW COMMITEMENT!! This government is a government of REFORMERS..not of any party..NEXT ROUND WILL BE THE TRUE COMPETITIVE ROUND IF DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IS COMPLETE AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE IS SERVED! YOU ALL CAN STILL DO IT!!! ANNI PLS get away from those ATHESITS AROUND YOU AND SHOW BIT OF BALANCE OF ISLAM AND SO CALLED LIBERLISM! IF PEOPLE WANT ISLAMIC STATE..THEN FACILITATE A PROGRESSIVE ISLAMIC STATE..WITH INCLUSIVENESS OF ISLAMIC ACADAMICS INSTEAD OF MOCKING THEM! YOU ARE STILL THE BEST HOPE!
Vice President Waheed is quite correct to say that the government still is “one man show”.
In a presidential system of government like the Maldives all the executive power is vested in one man, the president in accordance to the Constitution.
The president of the Maldives has got many functions in many capacities: The president is also head of the government, ruling as well as reigning.
As head of government, the president is chief executive, chief diplomat, commander in chief, and chief policymaker. In another word elected monarch.
I am quite sympathetic with the Vice- President, as his role is being limited in the Constitution only to assist the President, that is also only if President requires. No wonder a frustating job.
I felt sorry for Waheed after listening to the interview. He sounded sincere unlike most other politicians. But some of his answers made him look more like a clown than a Vice President. I'm referring to his total ignorance about the MOU signed at a function at which he was present to represent the government. I can understand why Nasheed does not consult him more.
Waheed should know that coalition governments are not a feature of presidential systems. The public did not vote for a party or a coalition but Nasheed as President and Waheed as Vice. The President does not even have to consult MDP let alone Waheed's party. It is silly to expect our government to function like that in a parliamentary system. Grow up and accept reality.
i think vice president is like a bench refree, no body knows his name until the refree is injured. In this case the president seem to be still quite fit.
also like to remind him Waheed has no political stake in this country. his party is yet to mature. and for him its time to stick around for change instead of taking demoting jobs in UN.and running away from the problems of the counrty...no wonder on 15% maldivians for wanna pay for the phony..
The VPs, Qasim and Hassan Saeeds grivances shows that the original 'Ithihaadhu or watan edhey' model is no longer in use. In fact no one talks about it.
The question is whether this change would strengthen or weaken everything? Would be interesting to find out..
When we campaigned for the first round of elections, MDP Itthihaad was a joint effort between MDP and GIP (Gaumee Itthihaad Party).
We had agreed at that point that all decisions would be made through consultation, including cabinet appointments and any decision that affected the nation. Yes it does not necessarily say this in the constitution, however - that is why we had a separate understanding.
We also promoted and conveyed this understanding to the public. Everyone believed that when we joined government the vast experience that key GIP members possessed would be utilized. Everyone believed that the Vice President and his 16 years of international development, organization, and management would be consulted when decisions affecting the national wellbeing were made. Everyone believed that what was being done in the government was being done with our views being incorporated.
This interview shows that this is not really the case and calls for greater adherence to the image that we promoted while campaigning. This not some petty squabble. This is not random complaining. It is a plea to be allowed to help his nation and to guide our future development without being constantly undermined.
He has dedicated his life to helping humanity, and to not be able to fulfill the role that he earned during the campaign to help his people is something that naturally eats away at his soul. That is why he gave his honest appraisal of his current role.
He was careful not to be critical of the President, with whom he enjoys a relationship based on mutual respect since the late 1980s.
No other single person in the country has more relevant development and management experience. There is no political gain that could be achieved through this interview. No maneuvering that would be beneficial. Just the desire to be utilized and serve the people who elected him.
Dr. Waheed should carefully read the constitution. There are no powers to him. There is nothing which has to be discussed with him. This is what the constitution, the very piece of paper which created his post, says. Its the same in most Presidential systems including the US. If he wanted a more active role, he should never run for vice president!
I also rarely disagree with Zuhair, but his argument that the Vice President was speaking in an unofficial capacity is a cop out - a refusal to deal with the Vice President's criticisms instead of incorporating them. This is the very problem that the VP was trying to address.
The fact is that anything the President and the Vice President does is done in an official capacity by the weight of their office. Even when they are not in the office or an official function, what they do is being done in an official capacity, because there is no time at which they are not this country's heads of state. Everywhere they go, they represent our nation. This is the responsibility of their office. There is no time in which the President or Vice President can do anything which tarnishes the dignity of their office or is unbecoming of their stations or brings shame to our nation. All these are grounds for impeachment.
To say otherwise is dangerous precedent.
I'm keen to know how many days Vice President Waheed spent visiting his family members in the US during the visit mentioned in the interview? Did the President's office staff accompany the VP from New York to the city where he met his family members? If so who paid for the accommodation, travel and stay of the President's office staff who accompanied the VP on his family visit?
I would also like to know how much public money was spent on this trip and is this expenditure justified when our government coffers are empty, civil servants are being made redundant and we don't have the funds to provide basic necessities to the public. I hope Minivannews of someone else will get us this information.
Oh! very nice coming this from u Mr. Salim Waheed. Bravo! We only here of this enormous managerial experience, but this country has not fared a bit of it.
This is nothing but utter selfishness and the impatience to come to power. If there are failures in the system he is also accountable for that. It's sad to see his party members as key ministers and his family members at other govt posts such as immigration and youth ministry. What more consultations u need when u r part of the cabinet portfolio! Its nothing but a bloody joke!
Oh! very nice coming this from u Mr. Salim Waheed. Bravo! We only here of this enormous managerial experience, but this country has not fared a bit of it.
This is nothing but utter selfishness and the impatience to come to power. If there are failures in the system he is also accountable for that. It’s sad to see his party members as key ministers and his family members at other govt posts such as immigration and youth ministry. What more consultations u need when u r part of the cabinet portfolio! Its nothing but a joke!
vice president, my dear wake up .. if you ask 1000 maldivians who is USA's vice president i bet only 2 or three people can answer, and even in USA the same will happen cause the sole responsiblity is with HEP not the vise, dr waheed you should be happy that you are on a benz car with security because of MDP and the president with the help of people, your wife's whole family is on government expense, immigration illiyas, biggey youth and sports, naushaad, etc .. the list goes on i think you should first of learn to be greatful ..
Salim, when it came to your further you changed the tone, but when adaalath critised govt policy and told public that their view is not heard or used. you came up and said they should be fired intermediately for doing so. Trust me, Dr. Waheed have and will never be part of MDP lead govt, and he will never find him comfortable with bunch of activists and criminals surrounding him in president;s office. joking, talking about girls, smoking every 10 mins, even sometimes sitting on his chair. All male' is aware of these things. non of MDP member, MDP activists, its leadership believe that Dr. Waheed contributed to the wining of Nasheed's candidacy. Because they believe when Anni without a choice found someone to promote a coalition which was already a big promise by him on MDP primary. Anni himself do not believe Dr. Waheed deserve this post. I have every reason to believe Anni will damage Dr. Waheed's character beyond comprehension so that he will never be a competitor in 2013. And trust me Anni hate Dr. Waheed long before due to his infamous speach on US university.
In my humble opinion, it was not MDP that won the last presidential elections. But it was the MDP Iththihaad coalition that won the elections. In other words, the elections were won by MDP and Qaumee Iththihaad Party combined together. As individual parties, neither MDP nor QIP would probably have won and we would most likely see Gayyoom as the leader still.
The Maldivians voted for a coalition where Nasheed will be the president and Waheed will be the Vice President. This was the winning team and so we expect the team to work together as a team.
As per the Maldivian constitution, the vice president has no defined role except to assist the president. So the VP can technically be a ‘sleeping person’ should the president wish.
But, the MDP Iththihaad was elected not because the Maldivians thought Waheed will be made to sleep for five years. But because we thought his experience and capability will be made use of to the fullest in running the country. So, to know (once again) that the government is not run as a team effort and that it is a “one man show” is disheartening.
I think most Maldivians believe that Waheed is a capable man with great international experience – excellent qualities to have in a leader. So, leaving Waheed to himself and running the government as a “one man show” is, in my mind, an act that can produce negative implications to MDP. At the same time, it saves Waheed from all the messiness of our infantile democracy and projects him as the ‘good guy’ who was not consulted nor involved even though he was concerned.
We know that Waheed is not giving a false picture and that he is right in saying that it is a “one man show” because we have seen others complaining and even resigning due to the same problem.
If anything, the “one man show” is making QIP win any votes MDP may be losing. So, if MDP wants to win another election, I think it needs to stick to the image the MDP Iththihaad portrayed during elections and work as a coalition. Why exclude Waheed from all the bad rap the government is getting?
I seriously believe that the messiness of our infantile democracy can be minimised if the government is run as an MDP Iththihaad coalition and not as a “one man show.” This can make the end result better for the country, MDP and QIP.
Waheed should realise he is only appointed to ride bicycles at some functions, do some function inaugurations, sign some MoUs. After all what more can he do? Again, he has a car, a family looked after by the tax payers money. So please shut up. Otherwise you might loose all these things
Those who do not understand how party politics work please raise your hands. There is no need whinging about it in public unless you have exausted all internal avenues to resolve the dispute. If you don't want to be another Hassan Saeed (who chose to advise the president via press releases) then you need to workout how to infiltrate the inner circles of the government. If you want to wait until you are consulted, then you might be waiting for a long time.
Another question that needs to be asked is has Anni changed after winning presidency. Most people would say no. So Waheed should have analysed the sort of person he will be working with before jumping into a marriage of convenience.
So while consultation is academically highly desirable, what you see infront is political reality. Democracy is about electing a leader. How the leader carries out his daily duties is not a democratic process.
It's understandable to be angry at the style of leadership, but what is annoying about this particular tirade of the VP is that there is nothing constructively critical said about the content of the mdp policy. For example does the vp have a problem with decentralization, privatization, civil service paycuts, or even the emphasis on environmental protection. Without such a criticism, this starts to look a little childish, or worse still political opportunism of kicking your own partners when they are down.
Though i have some sympathies for Waheed, i still think he should have taken it up more with the people in question than airing it in public and making the government (his government) look weak. VP should stick around, try to be more assertive and have a more can do attitude then 'oh he is not letting me in'. He is a leader a VP he should grow more of a backbone and bite his teeth into the job.
Participatory government hardly has its place in the realpolitik of any democratic country.
Like Rini said above, a coalition government is a feature of a parliamentary system of governance. I think the MDP's gameplan was never to deceive party leaders, who are all astute politicians, regarding the possibility of including coalition members in an MDP-led government. It was just a simple and effective ploy to garner enough votes to oust Maumoon. The DRP's new leadership makes one relieved that they did not win the presidential election.
However, on certain key issues the MDP-led government might actually benefit from displaying to the general public that other political parties have a stake in deciding the future of the country. For e.g.:- while deciding on the number and constitution of provinces, reduction of civil servant's salaries etc. The MDP may want to reserve credit for making these moves for itself but and that is understandable.
Dr. Hussain Manik may be signalling his intention to once again try and become a politician in his own right rather than latch onto the more popular choice at the last minute like he did in 2008.
Regardless of what the VP said, or his ambitions, it seems he is also expressing the view that most people in this country hold today. The way forward for this nation at this critical juncture is not by limiting resources to a party line or by taking hardline stances on issues, be it within government or majlis, or elsewhere. We all need to accept the realities of the moment and the national situation, and work our way forward with dialogue, inclusion and tolerance.
make Anni dissapear so u cud be the president..
salim its sad u have to be the mouth peice of ur dad .. I
Everyone! it sounds like time once again FORRRRR... Waheed GO.
Waheed come and waheed go
Waheed come from kotanayejoe!
In my opinion it was very wrong for Dr.Waheed to take his frustration to the media. His interview has changed the way I think about him. It has somewhat diminished his respectability. He can criticize the government but only after resigning.
It is a known fact that coalition has failed from day one. It is useless for coalition to claim their dividend when in practice it doesn't work. That will only complicate an already shaky government.
The incident will only aggravate his association with the President and will remain a black mark in his relation with the President.
Dear Dr. Phil (aka fili Waheedh)
It is becoming almost one and half years since YOU people came into power. Maybe YOU should stop pointing your fingers at others and do something about it. You have a responsibility in fulfilling the pledges too, among other things. With all due respect stop basking in the glory of being the countries first elected vice president, get off your lazy ass and do something constructive before your term is up.
Warmest regards
J
wonder which vice president of earth has ever criticised his own government. May Waheed wants to run away again and come back for the next presidential election.
In 2013, in the country of islands
There will be a presidential election
Two leaders torn apart
By the "one man show" the country saw
Will appear neck to neck
The great leader will succumb
The second in command will succeed
Nostradamus
When Nasheed requested Dr. Waheed for his running- mate, there was no coalition, Dr. Waheed agreed as running mate with 15% of political posts from the Nasheed Administration.
Now, Dr. Waheed has got his political posts and they are in the cabinet too. Dr. Waheed' party also requested to change the MDP manifesto to suite for them, that also done.
When Waheed's party members hold important cabinet and political posts and others. How could Dr. Waheed accuse that the President do not consult.
Can the Cabinet function without discussion, if there are discussions in the Cabinet, then Dr. Waheed's party is consulted.
Dr. Waheed, is undoubtedly an honourable, polished and learned member of our country but rather lacking leadership quality!
He could have and should have learned a lot from President Nasheed who may not be the perfect leader everyone expect from him. But one can proudly say and believe that Nasheed is a leader!
So 'fili' Waheed becomes 'feeling' Waheed?
If Dr.Waheed has got even an iota of sincerity in him he should resign rather than earning a fat salary and having a house etc fully paid by the state.He is not contributing in any constructive manner to the people of this country.It is not morally right for him to critisize the government. Further more the constitution has not given him any powers or authority other than what the President at his discretion deligates.So the VP cannot complain even if the President asks him to stay at home.The post of VP is not required here in a small country like the Maldives. MPs should consider amending the constitution and abolishing the post of VP.This will save a lot of money. If the good doctor feels he can win the next election let him come forward and contest.
Dr.Waheed's Gaumee Itthihaad (GIP) never formed a coalition with MDP.
Dr. Waheed became the running mate of MDP Presidential Candidate on MDP banner as a individual not on his capacity as the leader of the GIP.
Why all the fuss about the coalition and it consultation.
Miss Restrepo Ortega, please inform your Vice President that on 1 January 1953 Ibrahim Mohamed Didi was sworn in as the first elected Vice President of the Maldives.
At least Dr Waheed can be sure that he will not be jailed for what he said. Had he said this three years ago, God only knows what would have happened to him.
But Zuhair said something that I did not understand:
“If he was going in official capacity we would get a notice, but this time it did not happen,” Zuhair said.
Can anyone explain to me what this means?
One more thing, Miss Restrepo Ortega. I’m not sure if the concept of collective government responsibility applies in such a unique “democracy” as the Maldives. I live in an old democracy with currently applicable statutes in its laws that go back to AD 1275. Collective government responsibility is understood here to mean that no member of the Executive Council (in the context of the Maldives this would mean the President of the Republic, the Vice President of the Republic and ministers within cabinet) shall criticise the government in public without first resigning from office. Again in the context of the Maldives where you have several outstanding personalities in government who have selflessly sacrificed their entire careers at an international level for the betterment of humanity, such niceties may be trivial. For that reason I admit that an insignificant concept such as collective government responsibility may not be relevant in an exemplary “democracy” such as the Maldives.
Doctor Waheed has been given 15% of the election promises to fulfill. that is, promise to rid the country of Drugs. why doesn't he focus on this instead of publicizing his attention deficiency syndrom on tv.
So there are a lot of comments here, and I don't like to shy away from baseless accusations - so I'll do my best to satisfy you.
Saleem - Visiting Family in US
Dr. Waheed did have a State Visit to the United States. During that time he had meetings in New York, Washington DC, and California. Among those meetings was the one with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - which was the highest level meeting our nation has ever had. This is what paved the way for all our World Bank and IMF loans and grants - and has now resulted in Millions of dollars for us. In California, he met with Governor Schwarzenegger and arranged the terms for an MOU for between Maldives and California - which happens to be the world's 7th largest economy. (This is a pretty big deal) He also met with the California EPA which is the largest most experienced government Environment agency in the world as well as the Alcohol and Drugs Department which deals with more addicts than any other government agency on Earth. During that time, he took time off to spend with me and my sisters. For the meetings in California he stayed with my Sister so there was a significantly reduced expense even though most of the trip was official.
We have absolutely nothing to hide. And while my father does not like to deal with baseless accusations, I will not stand for it.
Family in Government
GIP has not endorsed any direct or indirect family member of Dr. Waheed except for his wife's brother: Ali Rasheed - Deputy Minister for Economic Development. Ali was the head of the Chamber of Commerce of the Maldives and received his Masters from Nottingham University. He is extremely capable, well liked in his Ministry and one of the most efficient political appointees in government. I will personally condemn anyone from my party (GIP) who suggests his appointment was a mistake.
My family has been part of the opposition movement since the 1980s. As a result every party has members, and everyone who ever worked against Gayoom has worked with them. Some of these amazing people are:
Ilyas Hussain, who was appointed by Gasim. GIP was against the appointment because we wanted him to run for Parliament. He graduated from Medina University and has the title of "Sheikh." He has served in Parliament, ran companies, and was a Deputy Director under Gayoom. He is an extremely capable administrator and adamant about following the rules to the letter.
Bigey has been one of MDP's biggest supporters from the very beginning. GIP has no say in this appointment and was done completely by MDP. He has run large business enterprises, is extremely capable and able to manage people well and is respected across partisan lines.
Naushad is well known across Maldives. The President offered him this position without support from GIP. Next to the President, Naushad is probably the most famous prisoner of conscience. However, he never even supported GIP, so the Vice President was not in favor of this relatively minor appointment.
These men have all sacrificed. They have ALL been thrown into prison for trying to promote democracy. Their lives have all been severely affected as a result of their desire to try and help our people. And everyone of them were tortured in jail. Between them they spent almost 15 years in Jail. I am immensely proud of each of them, as well as the President, and the work they've done to bring us where we are today. But make no mistake - we did not support these appointments.
The Constitution
Once again, yes the constitution does not give him direct authority, power or responsibility - but this is why we had a separate agreement. Jumhooree Party, New Maldives, and MDP all approached us. GIP signed with MDP because of this agreement and our faith in MDP's leadership. A continued faith, i might add.
Patriot - Adhaalath - Democracy
I have never changed my tone. I believe profoundly in democratic values and principles. GIP supports this government. But we would never lead a demonstration against it without resigning first. There is a difference about discussing how things are run - and being HONEST with the public - and orchestrating a demonstration against the government. Of threatening to topple them if they do not do as you say! This is completely unacceptable while sitting in a Ministry. Furthermore, in the article you are referring to, I made very clear distinctions between MDP and GIP policy and the tension between the two groups. I pointed out that even though we have disagreements, we support the national development framework and the manifesto that we promoted.
All of this is about keeping true to our word. And it is ignorant to thing otherwise.
Aicha - Addressing Things Internally
Of course this has been addressed internally. Tension does not just disappear because you try to address it. But to say that he is not being included is by no means "Attacking" the government. It is merely stating fact, and asking that we abide by the rhetoric we used when campaigning.
Perpetually Calm
In all my life, I have only once seen my father lose his temper. I remember when I was younger, we had to go buy a TV. So we drove for over an hour to this electronics store. Walked around looking and finally chose one. We chose the floor model because it was on Sale, and asked the salesman to check the TV just to make sure it worked. He said: "no, no don't worry. It works." But my father told him that he would be more comfortable if the salesman could check it. But again he said: "no no, don't worry - I promise you that the TV works." My father, ever willing to trust people acquiesced, and we took the TV home driving another hour to get there.
We got home, plugged it in - and low and behold - It did not work. My father looked positively annoyed. On the hour's drive back to the store he got madder and madder thinking about it. By the time we got there he was furious. He went up to the guy and went off on him. He did not raise his voice - but his tone was seething. He gave the man a 30 minute lecture in front of the entire store on honestly, ethics, values, and just plain decency. That salesman was a shadow of a man by the time my father was through with him. And in all my life this is the most anger I have ever seen him direct at another human being.
My point with this story is that it takes a lot to upset him. He will exhaust every moderate and calm avenue of resolving a situation. This interview was not his first attempt to resolve the situation. It was not some thoughtless account, but rather the calm and HONEST explanation of what is going on in government for the people who elected him.
Side Notes:
- He is the first ELECTED Vice President
- Everything the President and Vice President do is in an official capacity. I don't agree with the explanation that because the Press Department did not get a notice, his interview was not official. This is ludicrous.
Finally, do NOT think that we do not support this government. GIP supports this administration wholly. We support the national development framework and will continue to support it. Being honest about what is going on is not the same thing as taking action against it.
Democracy is active citizenship. Honesty, accountability, and honor. We will do whatever we can to help the people of the Maldives.
@Editor of MRFW
"I live in an old democracy with currently applicable statutes in its laws that go back to AD 1275."
I could not ignore the sarcasm in your comment but ...
I think it is childish to compare such an old democracy with a country like ours -- which have not even been able to stand up on its democratic feet yet.
On my desk I have the the book "Divehi Jumhooriyya.... Marhabaa!" published by Mulee-Aage under the signature of Al-Amir Mohamed Amin, President of the Republic, on 1 January 1953, open to page 73. According to that, Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Didi was elected (repeat ELECTED) as the Vice President of the Republic. The breakdown of the votes is also on that page.
P.S.: Just in case I am accused of self-aggrandising my dad, let me add that Vice President of the Republic Ibrahim Mohamed Didi was not my dad nor was he a blood-relative of mine. He was, however, a distant in-law.
Miss Restrepo Ortega, one of the comments in the feedback here reads: “Everything the President and Vice President do is in an official capacity”. That is such a ridiculous statement, Madam. I hope when the two esteemed gentleman drop their excrement in their respective lavatories, they are not acting in an official capacity. Would that also mean that the republic would now be asked to reimburse personal expenditure accrued by both these gentleman? I should hope not.
Well well....look whats happening,one by one who was not from MDP is getting kicked out. All these were in Anni's master plan. Mr VP my advice to you is keep your eyes n ears shut and keep it going. Anni cannot sack you without first him out. So hang on till 2013.
Salim u talk bulls, your Dad had plan the US trip just to coincide wiyh your graduation. You have written to Ms Clinton for an appointment. Yr dad's original trip was to go around the world so after yr graduation you can have an Europen trip. The budget was over USD 250K finally Govt refuse for such huge budget and finally somehow VP got thru some stupid meeting with so so.
salim i need some answer's please?
from what did your brother in law economic minster got the degree?
and illyas hussen, what is he doing in immigration other than filling the form of his party, what does he know about immigration if you need further ask the top brass in immigration ?
and biggey good for nothing? when did he go to jail? for what ? is it for the crooked businesses he dealt in reethi rah, in muliti million tree's ?
and the artisit who never was a real artisit with the help of nasreena he ruined most of the young artist's future in maldives? and what experiences he's got in dipolmatic area's other than to waste our money?
Wow.. Radhun - Your ridiculous lies don't deserve an answer. But just so there is no confusion. Though I am an official member of the Vice President's Residence, NO GOVERNMENT MONEY HAS EVER BEEN SPENT ON ME.
The Vice President is one of the heads of government, and no trip has ever been refused him based on budgetary constraints. In fact, we've gotten international donor agencies to pay for most of the President's and Vice President's trips whenever money was short.
There is not one thing you said that is based in truth. Utterly ridiculous. A trip around Europe?! I don't even like Europe that much.
Here is the DRP twist on this: http://www.haamadaily.com/index.php?news=16684
Dear Salim Waheed (Dr.Waheed ge Son)
Please understand your family political appointments are dame useless except Dr.Waheed himself ! I agree his an asset for this nation. But ask any one if someone knows the hell Ali Rasheed or Bigey or any other is doing at their respective ministries? What have they added value to this nation in the last 1.8 years? Does their fat salaries justify their role?? Ask your self..you got your egoistic Stamford Degree..think man!!
Salim,
Its all cleared, the President spokesman Mr Juha came out and clarified things for us, "Mr Waheed's dissatisfaction is towards the people of Maldives NOT with the President or the Government". (Now, what did we the people do so wrong, that he is so dissatisfied with us? Can you ask your dad and give a reply?
I dont see any issue in the VP combining a trip to attend his son's graduation.. Wouldn't any father do this?? He was honest about the explanation, the Government would have had to spent on his security and protocol costs even if he had made a personal trip, so why make 2 separate trips and add more costs??
Salim-wait till truth comes out.
Athifa - the reason is very clear. Such kind trip planing will lead for corruption and this govt says will will not give way for corruption.