The party of the President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, has claimed victory in a referendum on a new constitutional system; [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6953606.stm] the BBC has reported. Haveeru sums it up by saying, "President declares victory in referendum, calls for national reconciliation: [http://www.haveeru.com.mv/english/?page=details&id=17708] displaying the picture of the president smiling like never before, flanked by the first lady and with a young man in dark sun glasses in the background. Haveeru also reported that,
"Election observers have said that the elections held yesterday was largely free and fair, and was brisk and peaceful. It was observed closely by Commonwealth monitors."
I went to Alfresco for a coffee after office around six and was confronted by a person who said he has been deeply angered by my support of the dictator who has taken innocent lives in this country. He knew me more than I did and was adamant that it was culprits like me who kept this regime up and running. He also blamed the people of Maldives who had voted for the presidential form of government as ignorant and arrogant. His reaction was cause by a statement that I made to the effet that MDP leadership needs to adopt a more inclusive strategy than a confrontational strategy; and they could have swinged this referendum to their cause had they done so.
As my usual self, I did not argue with him and only made a casual remark so as not to be rude. But then walking back to the office; I realized that people like me have no place in our society today. We have to be vulgar and all-knowing to be worthy of citizenship.
If a nobody like me were to be even suspected of having goodwill to an ounce of the regime, we were traitors. But the many who belonged to certain families and cliques, however much they benefit from a corrupt and ruthless regime could be excused; when they are responsible for the upkeep of the regime. I felt sad for this nation and what we have become!
Smile and Let Smile 
Mohamed
August 20, 2007 at 10:31 am
Yes Hassan. I believe it is possible. Look at yourself and a lot of other young people who love this nation and willing to go the extra mile to go the extra mile to build a bright future for all. We need to empower the dynamic enthusiasts and create a culture which can synergize and absorb the potential in them. And I believe the day is coming our way! I feel angry, but I have a lot of hope and faith it would happen.
Hassan Shahid
August 20, 2007 at 7:42 am
Is a near perfect society possible? It seems we missed the opportunity on 18/08. The sad
truth is that some people takes pleasure in seeing himself above others. Power
corrupts even the most well intentioned individual. Wealth opens up
shallow-goal opportunities – the opportunity to expand wealth and buy
little trinkets which provide instant, but momentary gratification, all
of which will no longer exist when a they dies. This is SELFISHNESS.
Unknown
August 20, 2007 at 6:44 am
I fully agree with you. "I feel sad for this nation and what we have become!"