Dear Editor,
I would like to refer to the article titled “Former Hill & Knowlton employee now working for government” by Laura Restrepo Ortega dated 23 March 2010.
One of the objectives of the MDP manifesto on Foreign Policy is to “Replace foreign nationals appointed to diplomatic posts in all Maldivian missions abroad by local carrier Foreign Service Officials.”
It is very ironic and inconsistent that when the foreign policy is clearly stated in black and white in the MDP manifesto, just recently their contracts have been renewed to two ex-H&K persons based in Geneva and Brussels.
Well, none should be surprised by this move by Dr Shaheed, as first of all they have been appointed by Dr Shaheed as Foreign Minister in Gayoom’s regime. Now their contracts have been renewed by Dr Shaeed as Foreign Minister in MDP’s government.
One could say only Dr Shaheed’s colour may have changed, but not his policies and his cronies.
When Dr Shaheed says that these ex-H&K persons were being paid “competitive rates, comparable to that of an ambassador”, one could question the capacity and the roles of Maldivian Ambassadors based in Geneva and Brussels paid with competitive and comparable rates as ex-H&K officials.
Moreover, employing these foreign ex-H&K persons in the Maldivian missions’ abroad one could question the sovereignty of the state, and state secrecy.
Best regards,
Ibrahim
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Some good points there, Ibrahim.
I wonder what exactly are these H&K personnel doing at there respective offices?
Secretary for the President’s Office Mohamed Zuhair said it seems "Cancelling the contract was more expensive than continuing it.”
Does anyone have any idea when their contracts will be over? I hope it does not mean we can never get rid of these H&K guys?
Dr Shaheed is still white washing previous regime blood..and the current government consist of "fools", opportunitist, arrogant elites who doesn't want to accept the fact that many mistakes are been made.specially Dr.Shaheed as foreign minister and Mariya as MDP chair..and some other minister who openly say to their staff that "why work hard to make this government successful?" I hope Anni and some key people wakeup soon!
Dear Editor,
I agree with Ibrahim's comments. Whilst Dr.Shaheed's colour has changed his policies and cronies have definitely not changed. Look at our missions abroad. You see more or less the same staff and heads of missions as during Gayoom's time. These people owe their allegiance to Gayoom and whatever show they may put on outward, deep down they are Gayoom loyalists.
How does President Nasheed expect to achieve any success in the foreign policy field whilst employing such hypocrites. Dr.Shaheed is only interested in one thing only and that is to keep his job and if this means changing his colours to suit the day, well that is quite fine by him. The question is, does the President of Maldives also desire such people and if so, I am sure there are plenty to go around.
Regards.