The Real Deal

Let the market forces decide the economy, and our future. This is the cry of capitalism, with a minimal or no intervention by the authorities. Monopolization, inflation, credit-crunch, are words commonly used these days.

If you take a look at the situation in Maldives, it is quite simple. All you can see is the 'Dark Side' of capitalism. The public is exploited in the name of a 'free market' governed by a 'democracy'. Apparently, the beneficiaries are a selected few. We have seen that 'free market' is anything but free, with all kind of influences on it.

Everything about Maldives is unique. Likewise, the Maldives is dependent on a Import Tariff as the main taxing system. Which means that the businessmen who import the goods will be taxed, and they will sell the goods to the public with inclusion of this tax in the price, and at the end of the day the public is indirectly taxed. This means that even if you earn a billion or earn in mere hundred, you end up paying these indirect taxes, which is absolutely why Maldives is a safe haven for investments in a certain perspective. It is established that Maldives is run by a clan of entrepreneur factions, who have infiltrated into the political avenues, deciding their own fate today. This is the main picture in the Majlis, and the government. Politician Businessmen, who decide what is best for their businesses. Isn't this the reason why, there is no firm discussion about an Income Tax system yet.

So the poor keeps paying indirect taxes (fixed), taking a huge portion out of the low income class, while scraping the surface of the higher income class. Disparity between income classes become more and more profound. The poor bank their money in the only Maldivian bank, and they are loaned (minute) amounts at a high interest rate, while the high class reap the benefit of huge loans (even at times of crisis) at the lowest available interest rates. Another avenue of exploitation. The rich invest this, and become even more rich.

There aren't any Anit-Trust laws (and there might never be), no security for new enterprises, or anyone from the low class to do any sort of business. Today, you see the top factions in exploiting all ranges of business, with understandings among the factions (of this top clan). Shipping lanes, ISPs & Media, Travel, Tourism, Import of common goods, Tobacco and everything is controlled by a few of this so called 'elite' with the rest at their mercy, since they are in control of themselves as they are also the government today. Over the past, the National Treasury had been divided amongst themselves, and they have secured investments abroad becoming self sufficient, even if they are to be exiled from Maldives (which is quite unlikely, given today's situation). So, if you want to import onions or eggs, they'd make sure that you remain at he end of the qeue at MPA (Maldives Port Authority), making every possible delay for you vessel to dock and load the shipment to be transported to you store. At the end of the day, you'd end up with a wastage of a shipment, whatever can be salvaged has to be sold at a extremly high price or you'd run the risk of getting in to debt ( think of the loan with high interest you have to pay the bank). The elite who imports and controls these goods, is enjoying a nice meal and laughing it off, another mere adversary slaughtered for him.

The government itself has instituted some companies (apparently for the public benefit) with actual interests of these elites. One day they decided to go public, for a company to exploit tourism in Maldives, the apparent justification being equal distribution of income (especially that from tourism in Maldives). When everything leveled up, it was evident that the elite had (illegally) bought off majority of the shares, which was brushed off without any action by any authority. Dividends were paid, with improper accounting principles, to show off high profit and lure in more and more scape goats. This scandal cannot be anymore clearer.

Another, single shared company, is the Maldives Airports Company Limited. This is a place where the roots of corruption run above the soil, but ignored for some unknown fact. For years, foreign aid came in as staple food, which was meant to be distributed for free (or maybe even at a low price), but the government decided to sell it at the usual price. The money accumulated from such sales were meant to be used in a much more 'meaningful' area of development. This might have been for some Turkish carpets used in the presidential palace. It is also inconceivable that in a span of 25 years, the capacity of MIFCO storage vessels remained the same while those of the local fishermen surpassed those of MIFCO vessels. In the 20 years of business, MIFCO could not afford to increase its fleet, nor upgrade them, but it seems that certain elite have reaped off a good portion from it. Dhiraagu, is another company which has benefited from exploitation of the public.

At the end of everything, the interest is that of a few, who are sitting at the top.

Bank fo Thieves

Bank of Maldives (BoM) has announced profits in excess of Rf 20 Million for the first quarter of 2009, while increasing its basic services at the other end.

A close examination at the bank could reveal that, only a very few banks would charge for withdrawals on their own ATM, or have an annual fee for internet banking services. Most of the banks who provide internet banking services, also provide numerous services like account to account transfer, internet payments, bill payments for free. Deposits are done by cash deposit or cheque deposit machines, 24 hours. This is done to reduce the amount of customers acquiring services at their offices everyday. If you have tried to make a deposit or clear a cheque at BoM, one would understand the frustration behind this, and would prefer to do it online, at their own desk given that these services are promoted free.

What the bank can gain from such services given free, is reducing their operational costs via reduction in tellers and cashiers, as less and less number of customers attend the bank to deposit only large sums of cash or special services. Right now the bank is charging Rf 2 per any transaction on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and Rf 1800 for internet banking services with account to account transfer services (apparently targeted for businesses alone).

It is true that most Maldivians aren't online folks, but taking a fee on such basic services are inappropriate and kills the future of such services. The Bank can always argue that implementing such services incurr a huge cost, but then it does not neccesarily mean to tax on that same services to cover up its expenditure. While other avenues can be explored, such as reduction in operational costs, the bank has failed to take any such measures indicating their reluctance in providing proper services.

It is extremely difficult to borrow a loan, for the middle class or lower class, while those at the helm of the financial ladder have been enjoying the benefits of the bank in full. While the small loans are sanctioned at a compounding interest of 11%, it is a big burden which people take with lack of choices to make in this sector. It is a fact that the bank has loaned money to the top tycoons of Maldives with a very low interest rates, and at times of financial crisis. This makes it evident, that the agenda behind its operation is not public, nor share holders interests but those of a few and mostly obscure. The directors of this bank have been working hand in hand with several business avenues, which can be deemed as corruption. This was quite clear during the issuance of bank guarantees for most of the resort biddings.

Serious thought has to be given on the ventures and actions of this bank, and their method of operation. If given a choice, I would prefer not make this my bank.

Melancholy

Political and Social mayhem is the only potential issue in Maldives. One might ask, why the power struggle by the aristocratic factions has indulged the average person to follow the path? The numerous reasons are evident, but denied by almost anyone involved in this spectacle.

At the beginning, it was an autocrat. His disposal required drastic measures, which never removed the cancer, but left it to be spread. To live and try to forget those atrocities, in its shade is next to impossible. Accomplice of this treacherous snake are as atrocious as him, with his hand bestowed on them at the moment, the fruits seems to be falling on to seeds we sow. Despair and melancholy amongst us today is the deceptive veil put before us, by those traitors to the country.

This is not an attack on any political idea /philosophy or faction, but merely a reflection in right and wrong. Cascading events, have unveiled in the past few days, which has infuriated these traitors to an extent at which they are crying ‘foul play’, ‘terrorism’. What more can a traitor, fraudster cry out in such dire situation?

It was only yesterday, when people protesting on the streets (for justice) were dragged, cuffed, beaten, gassed, hung upside down. This was without consent of the courts, without any kind of warrant. This was outside the legal circles and the constitution. Mobsters like Yaameen and Naazim were enjoying their moment when today justice has become bitter medicine for them. It is not only essential, but inevitable, that these criminal are to be brought to justice if the constitution of Maldives is to prevail. The actions of the Police are not only appropriate, but a requirement in such cases, and was quite within the legal boundaries and upheld the rights bestowed by constitution. The fallacy which is retched out of Yaameen and Naazim (and Mavota) seems to be quite desperate in nature.

Careful examination of the situation can lead to only the prosecution of these criminals, which is going to be a milestone for the Maldives (meaningful justice).

The Brigand's Heir.

Qassan Maumoon (heir to the stolen wealth of the renown brigand Maumoon Abdul Qayoom), seems to be dissatisfied with his inheritance that he has shoved his head in to Maldivian politics. This guy has no shame, after what his family has put us through. And the people of Maldives (especially Thimarafushi) are goons, as they have seriously considered this clown. The guy was educated in the top brass educational system of the United Kingdom, at the expense of our blood and sweat, illegally. He has enjoyed the luxury of a limitless presidential budget, and lived like a prince, as if the whole treasury of the Republic was his inheritence. Yet he has no shame, when he walks into the highcourt to demand justice in a feeble matter in comparision to the atrocities caused by his family, especially his father Maumoon Abdul Qayoom, whom we consider a tyrant.

The matter of Thimarafushi, and the whole situation arising because of it, is a circus act. The evidence produced in to court is quite unsubstantiated and inapporpriate in many aspects. Like the pictures shown, which just expressed of an unrestful atmosphere did not justify illegal procedures? Unrest in a multi-party election is common face. The clowns who are acting as legal counsel, are watching to much of soap operas! Who do they think they are? I guess this happens only in a democracy!

Arithmetics for Elections

It does not take 2-3 days to announce the results of a parliamentary elections, in a country like Maldives. There is no more complicated mathematics in this, but the simple arithmetical additions. The simplicity of this task is such that:

• The ballot papers are color coded. Assuming a ballot box had 900 papers and 10 candidates competed in the constituency, those 900 paper need to go into 11 slots (the additional slot is for 'canceled votes'). Then you verify the same 11 categories. Count the sum for each category. Verify the count again. Verify these subtotals against the totals. Then you send it via fax or electronically to EC head-quarters.
  
• Once the provisional results are in, EC can announce the result for that box. As simple as that.

The lack of transparency in this elections is a sign of foul play. The reasons which EC have given in the press conference, are beyond logic. This is not anything requiring so much calculations and measuring. This is a simple addition. Even if the EC headquarters decided to verify those counts by themselves, and withheld announcement before the actual box arrived, it would not take this long. Unfortunately, the people of Maldives are not stupid.

Parliamentary Elections a Failure

Once again, the Elections Commission has shown its incapacity to manage and run a simple elections in the Maldives, despite the adequate time given. Today, it is evident, that the parliamentary elections has become a complete failure. The most concerning thing is that counting and verification became a 'behind closed doors' event. Somethings, unless they are transparent to the public, become meaningless. The media was requested to stop reporting and halt their live coverages, due to differences in reporting. Why should it be difficult to report a simple amount and why should there be differences, unless the agenda is to cause unrest.

At the moment, all media are respecting the EC's orders and refraining from informing the public. We have voted, and we deserve to know how it is going. The EC can't be above the public or law. This is exactly the kind of dysfunction caused by allowing Maumoon's roots in these influential positions.

The Elections Commission, since the last Presidential Elections, could not strengthen their administrative capabilities nor their logistic capacity. Voter registration is a simple concept, simple database management, but it has turned out to be a complete mess in their hands. The security of their documents, and information is in question. Their website is being hacked every now and then! Since the last election, only a face lift was given to the website and no security measures have been taken in to account, or whatever has been done seems to be insufficient. Their preparation to count 350+ ballot boxes, seems to be drastically inadequate. If they are unable to perform certain tasks, they should perhaps outsource it to more capable and trained professionals. There have been incidents in this election, where voting station's electricity was cut-off. What happened in the black out is uncertain, but the reason of the black out seems to be unsatisfied voters. Certain constituency's ballot boxes were being counted while a few ballot boxes of the same constituency were still in voting. When logic and reason fail to prevail, there is corruption, mismanagement and failure.

This election, and everything related to it, is a failure and beyond the acceptance of a voter. It is huge waste of money, from public funds. This current EC is incapable of handling anything beyond a press conference.

Grave Issue, Lack of Picnic Islands?

Hamid Abdul Gafoor (at MDP Rally, release of their 65 bill legislative agenda):

"legislation would establish laws on sea travel and enable new ferry services, create more jobs and provide greater mobility between islands."

“I’ve been telling my constituents that if we had such laws, apart from just Kuda Bandos, we could go to other islands in the atoll for picnics, stay in a guesthouse, and come back after the weekend,” he said.

Source: Minivan News

Nice way of putting things, eh? Try and find a competing moron for this fellow, because what the people need is more 'Picnics', and there is no greater issue than 'Kuda bandos' being the only picnic island.