Democracy is a system of government that is generally accepted to include four key elements:
1.A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair
elections.
2.The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.
3.Protection of the human rights of all citizens.
4.A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens.
Thirty eight years on, after Maldives established its second republic, we now find that our prevailing presidential system only manages to elect our leader but we are still struggling to replace government, protect human rights and maintain the rule of law.
Our nation has entered into another pit fight- a debate that forces the 100 per cent Muslim peace-loving citizens of this island state to choose the presidential system or the parliamentary form of government. The argument is that both systems have their advantages and weaknesses as no system is perfect.
Through out our history from the sultanate up to now, the Maldives system of government has kept power in the control of an elite class that has maintained a tight grip on every aspect of life. The result is that the resources of the country are being used to make the rich even richer while the poor remain poor still looking for handouts just to keep going.
The country does not have a social security system to take care of an aging population. For the last three years this nation has wasted valuable time and an enormous amount of money just to agree on the framework of changing a constitution that took 17 years to make.
For the capitalistic businessman under whose influence and wealth the current system works, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there. Making money by hook or crook seems to be the way forward for them, even when the nation is confronted to make a democracy by necessity.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Harvard seeks solutions to Indian mess
Harvard, America's premier research university is planning a study into the infrastructure deficiencies of Mumbai, and the ecological problems, especially concerning river-side development, in Delhi.
Based on the study, harvard will develop solutions to improve conditions in the two cities. It will also take up a study to develop housing for lower-income groups and to re-develop slums in other Indian cities.
India has no shortage of scientists and other experts to draw up excellent plans to solve its problems. India also has a Harvard 300-strong alumni base, which includes influential names like Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Sons, and Anand Mahindra, managing director, Mahindra and Mahindra. Hence there is no shortage of Indian talent to undertake the kind of initiative that harvard is taking on.
So what is the hindrance to Indian planners and engineers to carry out such a task themselves?
Harvard University's initiative gives an opportunity for both the Indian government and the private sector to get in to action and improve the situation in the country.
But India doesn't need and doesn't have to wait for a prestigious western university to come and clean up its slums and solve its problems. Problems become intractable when politicians at the national and state level do not have the will power to take necessary action and the bureaucracy gets bogged down in petty politicking and conflicting interests.
Based on the study, harvard will develop solutions to improve conditions in the two cities. It will also take up a study to develop housing for lower-income groups and to re-develop slums in other Indian cities.
India has no shortage of scientists and other experts to draw up excellent plans to solve its problems. India also has a Harvard 300-strong alumni base, which includes influential names like Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Sons, and Anand Mahindra, managing director, Mahindra and Mahindra. Hence there is no shortage of Indian talent to undertake the kind of initiative that harvard is taking on.
So what is the hindrance to Indian planners and engineers to carry out such a task themselves?
Harvard University's initiative gives an opportunity for both the Indian government and the private sector to get in to action and improve the situation in the country.
But India doesn't need and doesn't have to wait for a prestigious western university to come and clean up its slums and solve its problems. Problems become intractable when politicians at the national and state level do not have the will power to take necessary action and the bureaucracy gets bogged down in petty politicking and conflicting interests.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Maldives is on the path of failed states
Maldives is coalescing Islam and the values of secular liberal democracy aimed at governing its people. Maldives is also feeling the heat of pressure for greater transparency and human rights by a demanding west.
Maldives, therefore goes through the 'coalescing exercise', more for political expediency rather than having a genuine desire to reconcile its community to the tenets of Islam or to live by the traditions of a liberal democracy.
Maldives follows the example of authoritarian Arab countries that in the last several decades have failed their people economically, socially and politically and their rulers have also failed by not delivering democracy to their people.
These Arab countries have leaderships that demonstrate high levels of narcissistic tendencies. These narcissistic leaders act and feel morally superior. The narcissistic leadership encourages a personality cult, has a tenuous grasp of reality and enjoys extraordinary trappings of power. Narcissistic leadership is about theatre, not about life.
Unfortunately, such narcissistic leadership tendecies have atleast partly contributed to the emergence of what the west calls ' Islamofascists' who are an extreme radical minority group that have resorted to a violent struggle. Such groups are against what they believe as the corrupt and undemocratic order in many Muslim countries and the west, whose support is often necessary to maintain such opressive regimes.
According to Foriegn Policy, the problems that plague failing states are generally all too similar: rampant corruption, predatory elites who have long monopolized power, an absence of the rule of law, and severe ethnic or religious divisions.'
Over the last several decades Maldives has used 'divide and rule' as a political strategy to govern its people scattered over many small islands separated by the deep ocean.
Political leaders use religion to provide moral justification for making symbolic statements. Such statements are nothing but Islamic rhetoric aimed at providing a sense of empowerment to its people.
Such inapt politicians use the religion of peace as a tool to achieve their oppressive political objectives. Frustrated fanatics with twisted minds who are marginalised in their own societies are desparately turning to violence as a last resort to salvage some pride and dignity of life. This is a worrisome development and has to be stopped in the interest of peace.
Maldives, therefore goes through the 'coalescing exercise', more for political expediency rather than having a genuine desire to reconcile its community to the tenets of Islam or to live by the traditions of a liberal democracy.
Maldives follows the example of authoritarian Arab countries that in the last several decades have failed their people economically, socially and politically and their rulers have also failed by not delivering democracy to their people.
These Arab countries have leaderships that demonstrate high levels of narcissistic tendencies. These narcissistic leaders act and feel morally superior. The narcissistic leadership encourages a personality cult, has a tenuous grasp of reality and enjoys extraordinary trappings of power. Narcissistic leadership is about theatre, not about life.
Unfortunately, such narcissistic leadership tendecies have atleast partly contributed to the emergence of what the west calls ' Islamofascists' who are an extreme radical minority group that have resorted to a violent struggle. Such groups are against what they believe as the corrupt and undemocratic order in many Muslim countries and the west, whose support is often necessary to maintain such opressive regimes.
According to Foriegn Policy, the problems that plague failing states are generally all too similar: rampant corruption, predatory elites who have long monopolized power, an absence of the rule of law, and severe ethnic or religious divisions.'
Over the last several decades Maldives has used 'divide and rule' as a political strategy to govern its people scattered over many small islands separated by the deep ocean.
Political leaders use religion to provide moral justification for making symbolic statements. Such statements are nothing but Islamic rhetoric aimed at providing a sense of empowerment to its people.
Such inapt politicians use the religion of peace as a tool to achieve their oppressive political objectives. Frustrated fanatics with twisted minds who are marginalised in their own societies are desparately turning to violence as a last resort to salvage some pride and dignity of life. This is a worrisome development and has to be stopped in the interest of peace.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Medicare being misused in Australia
Medicare is Australia's publicly-funded universal health scheme, operated by the government authority Medicare Australia.
Medicare provides treatment by doctors and in public hospitals for all citizens and permanent residents.
Medicare is nominally funded by an income tax surcharge known as the Medicare levy, which is currently set at 1.5%. There is an additional levy of 1.0%, which is the Medicare Levy Surcharge, for those on high annual incomes ($50 000) who do not have adequate levels of private hospital coverage.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, an elaborate market has been created to service high income earners to enable people to avoid the surcharge.
Many private insurance companies have resorted to selling substandard polices to avoid the surcharge and gain a tax benefit to the policy holder. It has become widespread, with almost 220,000 families and couples, and 160,000 single taxpayers in the high income category obtaining private health insurance to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge or to gain some other government benefit in 2004/05.
The practice of using low-cost hospital insurance products to avoid the surcharge resulted in tax losses of between $110 million and $250 million in 2004/05, with a best estimate of $230 million.
The government loses when high earners take cheap insurance, don't claim against their insurance policies but claim from Medicare for their medical treatment and also get the benefit of evading tax.
To avoid such misuse, effective oversight by the government is essential. Businesses and individuals who want to evade paying taxes will always find a loophole to avoid paying tax, even though it is intended for public good.
Treatment in a public hospital as a public patient is fully subsidised by Medicare. Regardless of means, every Australian is entitled to attend a public hospital and receive medical treatment free of charge.
For private patients in public or private hospitals, Medicare covers 75 per cent of the Medicare Schedule fee for medical procedures.
Medicare provides treatment by doctors and in public hospitals for all citizens and permanent residents.
Medicare is nominally funded by an income tax surcharge known as the Medicare levy, which is currently set at 1.5%. There is an additional levy of 1.0%, which is the Medicare Levy Surcharge, for those on high annual incomes ($50 000) who do not have adequate levels of private hospital coverage.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, an elaborate market has been created to service high income earners to enable people to avoid the surcharge.
Many private insurance companies have resorted to selling substandard polices to avoid the surcharge and gain a tax benefit to the policy holder. It has become widespread, with almost 220,000 families and couples, and 160,000 single taxpayers in the high income category obtaining private health insurance to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge or to gain some other government benefit in 2004/05.
The practice of using low-cost hospital insurance products to avoid the surcharge resulted in tax losses of between $110 million and $250 million in 2004/05, with a best estimate of $230 million.
The government loses when high earners take cheap insurance, don't claim against their insurance policies but claim from Medicare for their medical treatment and also get the benefit of evading tax.
To avoid such misuse, effective oversight by the government is essential. Businesses and individuals who want to evade paying taxes will always find a loophole to avoid paying tax, even though it is intended for public good.
Treatment in a public hospital as a public patient is fully subsidised by Medicare. Regardless of means, every Australian is entitled to attend a public hospital and receive medical treatment free of charge.
For private patients in public or private hospitals, Medicare covers 75 per cent of the Medicare Schedule fee for medical procedures.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Egypt mufti's controversial fatwa: can Muslims change faith?
Egypt's official religious advisor has ruled that Muslims are free to change their faith as it is a matter between an individual and God.
"The essential question before us is can a person who is Muslim choose a religion other than Islam? The answer is yes, they can," Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa said in a posting on a Washington Post-Newsweek forum entitled 'Muslims Speak Out.".
Later this statement was refuted by the mufti in a statement carried by the official Egyptian news agency MENA.
"The act of abandoning one's religion is a sin punishable by God on the Day of Judgement. If the case in question is one of merely rejecting faith, then there is no worldly punishment," the forum wrote in quotes that were picked up by the Egyptian press.
However, according to the denial, "the mufti said that Islam forbids Muslims from renouncing their faith ... and that if a Muslim did they would be committing a mortal sin."
"Sheikh Ali Gomaa said apostasy is a kind of subversion and a sort of crime that requires punishment," the statement said, while also clarifying that Islam allows other religions to practise freely.
"The essential question before us is can a person who is Muslim choose a religion other than Islam? The answer is yes, they can," Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa said in a posting on a Washington Post-Newsweek forum entitled 'Muslims Speak Out.".
Later this statement was refuted by the mufti in a statement carried by the official Egyptian news agency MENA.
"The act of abandoning one's religion is a sin punishable by God on the Day of Judgement. If the case in question is one of merely rejecting faith, then there is no worldly punishment," the forum wrote in quotes that were picked up by the Egyptian press.
However, according to the denial, "the mufti said that Islam forbids Muslims from renouncing their faith ... and that if a Muslim did they would be committing a mortal sin."
"Sheikh Ali Gomaa said apostasy is a kind of subversion and a sort of crime that requires punishment," the statement said, while also clarifying that Islam allows other religions to practise freely.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Our parliament resembles a puppet show
What is happening in the special majlis of Maldives gives the semblance of a puppet show conducted in a puppet theatre.
Puppets have been used since the earliest times to animate and communicate the ideas and needs of human societies.
The modern day puppet shows have an important feature of interactive learning. This is especially useful for children. Children are not just passive observers and receivers of information during the performance—instead, they are active participants.
Through the puppet show, children can acquire new information and transform the information into permanent and sound knowledge. Games, music and verbal communication between the actor, puppet and child contribute largely to the interaction.
Different countries have different types of puppetry. The current farce of trying to amend a constitution for more than three years has plenty of puppetry. Finger puppetry and use of mouth to cajole, perform, ridicule and entertain is evident from the behaviour of some members.
At last our nation is learning a new art, rather belatedly; the ancient art of puppetry.
Puppets have been used since the earliest times to animate and communicate the ideas and needs of human societies.
The modern day puppet shows have an important feature of interactive learning. This is especially useful for children. Children are not just passive observers and receivers of information during the performance—instead, they are active participants.
Through the puppet show, children can acquire new information and transform the information into permanent and sound knowledge. Games, music and verbal communication between the actor, puppet and child contribute largely to the interaction.
Different countries have different types of puppetry. The current farce of trying to amend a constitution for more than three years has plenty of puppetry. Finger puppetry and use of mouth to cajole, perform, ridicule and entertain is evident from the behaviour of some members.
At last our nation is learning a new art, rather belatedly; the ancient art of puppetry.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Kalam leaves Palace with two small suitcases
The 75-year-old Indian Scientist-President A P J Abdul Kalam in an emotional address at the India Islamic Cultural Centre said that he will depart the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan with two small suitcases. The much loved president completes his term of office on the 25th July 2007.
The President went on to add that besides the two suitcases, he had a big reserve of books that he would be taking with him.
"I will take the books with me. They are my own books," said Kalam, who plans to teach at Anna University, Tamil Nadu, after his tenure is over.
"There are many economically developed nations that are not happy. Since we have a big value system and are blessed with a rich heritage, we can make our country a combination of economic development and moral values that are derived from our civilisation," he said.
"This is how we can build a happy, prosperous and safe India," Kalam said.
Kalam is an excellent example of the power of frugal living in an age when greed has become an accepted form of behaviour for the rich and powerful.
Indians of all races are expressing their profound gratitude and genuine satisfaction to the outstanding service of a great citizen. He is known as the people's president and has left an indelible mark on the Indian society.
The President went on to add that besides the two suitcases, he had a big reserve of books that he would be taking with him.
"I will take the books with me. They are my own books," said Kalam, who plans to teach at Anna University, Tamil Nadu, after his tenure is over.
"There are many economically developed nations that are not happy. Since we have a big value system and are blessed with a rich heritage, we can make our country a combination of economic development and moral values that are derived from our civilisation," he said.
"This is how we can build a happy, prosperous and safe India," Kalam said.
Kalam is an excellent example of the power of frugal living in an age when greed has become an accepted form of behaviour for the rich and powerful.
Indians of all races are expressing their profound gratitude and genuine satisfaction to the outstanding service of a great citizen. He is known as the people's president and has left an indelible mark on the Indian society.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Emerging political theatre
Maldivians are seeing for the first time an amazing new phenomenon; the political melodramas that are played in the parliament. Heightened public interest over the lethargic legislative proceedings is making this quite a spectacle. Our revered institution is made to look buffoonery.
The process of trying to pass a bill involves complex maneuvering, sometimes back stabbing and this makes it quite an intriguing experience. Judging by the squabbles that are going on, the impression is that members are engaging in senseless debate.
Beyond the chamber of the parliament, there is intense lobbying for change by various interest groups. The drumbeat of the political parties is to bring down the incumbent government. Nationalistic sentiments and populist propaganda are used to win the hearts and minds of a population that was unsuspecting up till now. Even the religious zealots who are not yet in the mainstream, are watching from the sidelines ready to pounce on every opportunity that comes their way.
A case on point; for this seemingly tolerant 100 percent Muslim nation, recently there was an incident involving the image of Buddha put up on a tourist resort. There was public fury and an outcry to save the motherland from religious impurity. Before the usual assault was launched fully, the general manager of the resort fled the country by taking the first flight out.
Recently one political party took to the street on a hunger strike protesting against the high retail prices of essential food commodities.
Our population is still not used to the plot lines of this kind of political play. Politicians and feuding personalities are changing sides not in keeping up with any ideology or conviction but merely for personal gains. Amidst the political wrangling, the country is sinking into deeper chaos.
Our nation has several issues that require immediate action, such as reducing poverty and providing equal justice, action against drug addiction and the drug trade, national health care and education, housing and perhaps every aspect of our life.
Instead of taking action on the real issues our parliament is virtually stuck, petty politicking over the last three years to change a constitution that took 17 years to make. Problems don't get solved just by making speeches. Decisive action has to be taken to achieve results.
Amidst all the chaos, the present reform process in Maldives is turning out to be a national soap opera heavily influenced by the business elites.
Freedom of press is one area where we have made significant progress within a short period of time. The free press which is an essential component of a democracy, is helping to increase public awareness of the individual rights and the political issues of the country.
With the new found freedom, journalists by the nature of their profession bear the heavy responsibility to disentangle the political jargon and inform the public accurately and without bias or favour. This will always remain an important challenge and the cornerstone of success in a democracy.
In the first democracy in Athens, the Greeks engaged in open-minded examination of controversial and critical issues in order to develop their society. We need intelligent people to do so for our society.
For a nation that takes pride as a 100 percent Muslim nation, Maldives is playing the game of democracy with unsettling zeal. For this Conservative-in-faith society, the road ahead towards democracy (a liberal one ?) is a treacherous journey.
In a national referendum in March 1968, Maldivians abolished the Sultanate and established a Republic for the second time, having earlier deposed the President of the First Republic through violent means which reflects a dark chapter in our history.
Now after a lapse of 38 years, we have realised that we are using an outdated presidential form of government. Once again we have begun the arduous task of educating a nation about the full version of presidency versus the parliamentary form of government.
For the most part, Maldivians don't care about what form it is. They were happy as long as they were able to have food on the table and live a peaceful life. But all that has changed now. They will no longer surrender their rights to the elites who have the priviledge to live opulent lives.
Now the people who remain at the bottom of the economic ladder will sell their votes only to the highest bidder- whatever the system that gets chosen. The real problem is not the system, but rather how the system has been used.
If a parliamentary system is chosen, we need to write our own Magna Carta that should enshrine the rights and responsibilities between parliament from whose majority the prime minister is appointed and a ceremonial president.
At best, the final outcome of this political play of choosing a political system can be considered a sad success.
The process of trying to pass a bill involves complex maneuvering, sometimes back stabbing and this makes it quite an intriguing experience. Judging by the squabbles that are going on, the impression is that members are engaging in senseless debate.
Beyond the chamber of the parliament, there is intense lobbying for change by various interest groups. The drumbeat of the political parties is to bring down the incumbent government. Nationalistic sentiments and populist propaganda are used to win the hearts and minds of a population that was unsuspecting up till now. Even the religious zealots who are not yet in the mainstream, are watching from the sidelines ready to pounce on every opportunity that comes their way.
A case on point; for this seemingly tolerant 100 percent Muslim nation, recently there was an incident involving the image of Buddha put up on a tourist resort. There was public fury and an outcry to save the motherland from religious impurity. Before the usual assault was launched fully, the general manager of the resort fled the country by taking the first flight out.
Recently one political party took to the street on a hunger strike protesting against the high retail prices of essential food commodities.
Our population is still not used to the plot lines of this kind of political play. Politicians and feuding personalities are changing sides not in keeping up with any ideology or conviction but merely for personal gains. Amidst the political wrangling, the country is sinking into deeper chaos.
Our nation has several issues that require immediate action, such as reducing poverty and providing equal justice, action against drug addiction and the drug trade, national health care and education, housing and perhaps every aspect of our life.
Instead of taking action on the real issues our parliament is virtually stuck, petty politicking over the last three years to change a constitution that took 17 years to make. Problems don't get solved just by making speeches. Decisive action has to be taken to achieve results.
Amidst all the chaos, the present reform process in Maldives is turning out to be a national soap opera heavily influenced by the business elites.
Freedom of press is one area where we have made significant progress within a short period of time. The free press which is an essential component of a democracy, is helping to increase public awareness of the individual rights and the political issues of the country.
With the new found freedom, journalists by the nature of their profession bear the heavy responsibility to disentangle the political jargon and inform the public accurately and without bias or favour. This will always remain an important challenge and the cornerstone of success in a democracy.
In the first democracy in Athens, the Greeks engaged in open-minded examination of controversial and critical issues in order to develop their society. We need intelligent people to do so for our society.
For a nation that takes pride as a 100 percent Muslim nation, Maldives is playing the game of democracy with unsettling zeal. For this Conservative-in-faith society, the road ahead towards democracy (a liberal one ?) is a treacherous journey.
In a national referendum in March 1968, Maldivians abolished the Sultanate and established a Republic for the second time, having earlier deposed the President of the First Republic through violent means which reflects a dark chapter in our history.
Now after a lapse of 38 years, we have realised that we are using an outdated presidential form of government. Once again we have begun the arduous task of educating a nation about the full version of presidency versus the parliamentary form of government.
For the most part, Maldivians don't care about what form it is. They were happy as long as they were able to have food on the table and live a peaceful life. But all that has changed now. They will no longer surrender their rights to the elites who have the priviledge to live opulent lives.
Now the people who remain at the bottom of the economic ladder will sell their votes only to the highest bidder- whatever the system that gets chosen. The real problem is not the system, but rather how the system has been used.
If a parliamentary system is chosen, we need to write our own Magna Carta that should enshrine the rights and responsibilities between parliament from whose majority the prime minister is appointed and a ceremonial president.
At best, the final outcome of this political play of choosing a political system can be considered a sad success.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
American health care system is broken
According to New York Times, nearly 47 million people in the United States, or more than 15 percent of the population, do not have health insurance, up 6.8 million since 2000. They don't have health insurance because they can't afford to pay the premium to take the insurance policy.
While there are many critics of the Oscar winning director Michael Moore's film SICKO, this YouTube talk by Moore on the Capitol Hill does highlight the issues of the American health care system, mainly in the hands of the insurance companies. These insurance companies who provide the health insurance policies are primarily interested in making a profit rather than paying for health care. The less claims they pay (against the insurance policy) the more money they make.
This is a disaster for the world's richest nation- the only super power.
While there are many critics of the Oscar winning director Michael Moore's film SICKO, this YouTube talk by Moore on the Capitol Hill does highlight the issues of the American health care system, mainly in the hands of the insurance companies. These insurance companies who provide the health insurance policies are primarily interested in making a profit rather than paying for health care. The less claims they pay (against the insurance policy) the more money they make.
This is a disaster for the world's richest nation- the only super power.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
How will surging oil price impact Maldives?
Maldives is a net importer of oil and therefore heavily dependent on oil to run our tourist resorts, different modes of our transportation, our businesses including the construction industry and our daily life.
Any sharp increases or upward fluctuation of oil price has an impact on our industries and our life.
With the onset of European summer, oil prices have rallied for almost three weeks, triggering increased interest from investment funds looking to cash in on the surge.
The latest surge in the oil price is naturally leading to renewed concerns that it'll lead to global recession, higher inflation or both.
Brent crude prices rose to 78.40 usd yesterday, just 25 cents short of last summer's all time high. Bullish sentiment dominates the market amid anticipation of a significant increase from US refineries in crude demand.
Emerging economic giants India and China are thirsty for oil to drive their industries forward.
Oil consumers worry over the West's lingering dispute with Iran over their nuclear programme. If the West imposes tough sanctions, Iran may use oil as a bargaining tool.
Oil traders have said that in the hurricane season across the Gulf of Mexico, all it takes is one nasty hurricane to get the crude prices soaring.
Some analysts have predicted that oil prices may surge above $90+ a barrel rather quickly if such fears are realised.
Any sharp increases or upward fluctuation of oil price has an impact on our industries and our life.
With the onset of European summer, oil prices have rallied for almost three weeks, triggering increased interest from investment funds looking to cash in on the surge.
The latest surge in the oil price is naturally leading to renewed concerns that it'll lead to global recession, higher inflation or both.
Brent crude prices rose to 78.40 usd yesterday, just 25 cents short of last summer's all time high. Bullish sentiment dominates the market amid anticipation of a significant increase from US refineries in crude demand.
Emerging economic giants India and China are thirsty for oil to drive their industries forward.
Oil consumers worry over the West's lingering dispute with Iran over their nuclear programme. If the West imposes tough sanctions, Iran may use oil as a bargaining tool.
Oil traders have said that in the hurricane season across the Gulf of Mexico, all it takes is one nasty hurricane to get the crude prices soaring.
Some analysts have predicted that oil prices may surge above $90+ a barrel rather quickly if such fears are realised.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Spiteful culture is becoming epidemic
After a prolonged hiatus, Maldives is on the road to democratic reform, strenghtening public institutions and enforcing good governance. Unfortunately, this is happening on a socially destructive path.
Amidst the new found freedom of expression in Maldives, what is emerging is a spiteful and negative culture.
Instead of addressing serious issues and seeking speedy solutions, political contenders are playing gutter politics in the name advancing ideological differences.
Rather than blaming authorities endlessly, more effort should be made to solve the nation's problems without wasting time needlessly over trivial matters or even over archaic rules that have long served their time.
We need to create strong family bonds, provide a citizens healthcare system, and a path of excellence in education and sports.
We also need to embrace and promote an economic model- whether the Anglo-Saxon capitalistic model or any other model- that promotes economic growth, eliminates poverty and allows for a fulfilling life.
Just like in tourism, we need to inspire growth of the other sectors of the economy in order to create more opportunities and better jobs over a diverse range of activities.
Amidst the new found freedom of expression in Maldives, what is emerging is a spiteful and negative culture.
Instead of addressing serious issues and seeking speedy solutions, political contenders are playing gutter politics in the name advancing ideological differences.
Rather than blaming authorities endlessly, more effort should be made to solve the nation's problems without wasting time needlessly over trivial matters or even over archaic rules that have long served their time.
We need to create strong family bonds, provide a citizens healthcare system, and a path of excellence in education and sports.
We also need to embrace and promote an economic model- whether the Anglo-Saxon capitalistic model or any other model- that promotes economic growth, eliminates poverty and allows for a fulfilling life.
Just like in tourism, we need to inspire growth of the other sectors of the economy in order to create more opportunities and better jobs over a diverse range of activities.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
A prosperity model goes beyond the GDP
In most countries, development or progress of the nation is reflected in the Gross Domestic Product or GDP which is one of the commonly used measures of the total output (or income) of an economy. It measures the total annual value of goods and services produced by a country.
Per capita income is often used as a measure of the wealth of the population of a nation, particularly in comparison to other nations. Per capita income gives no indication of the distribution of that income within the country, so a small wealthy class can increase the measured per-capita income far above that of the majority of the population.
The 2007 Legatum Prosperity Index goes beyond the GDP by introducing a new measure of national prosperity combining the latest life satisfaction measures with material wealth indicators. Based on the analyses of 40 years worth of economic data, this index is a global study of the factors that drive and restrain national prosperity across more than 50 countries.
The researchers looked at material wealth drivers as well as life satisfaction drivers. The rankings of countries in different categories gives a useful analysis to understand the areas that need action for improvement.
Though Maldives is not on this list, a considerable income disparity exists between the rich and poor. As the country's GDP grows, so does the gap between the rich and poor. The poor remain poor not because they are lazy and don't work as hard as the rich (in economic terms low productivity), but because they are trapped in a system that favours the rich in terms of opportunities, access to resources and education.
Per capita income is often used as a measure of the wealth of the population of a nation, particularly in comparison to other nations. Per capita income gives no indication of the distribution of that income within the country, so a small wealthy class can increase the measured per-capita income far above that of the majority of the population.
The 2007 Legatum Prosperity Index goes beyond the GDP by introducing a new measure of national prosperity combining the latest life satisfaction measures with material wealth indicators. Based on the analyses of 40 years worth of economic data, this index is a global study of the factors that drive and restrain national prosperity across more than 50 countries.
The researchers looked at material wealth drivers as well as life satisfaction drivers. The rankings of countries in different categories gives a useful analysis to understand the areas that need action for improvement.
Though Maldives is not on this list, a considerable income disparity exists between the rich and poor. As the country's GDP grows, so does the gap between the rich and poor. The poor remain poor not because they are lazy and don't work as hard as the rich (in economic terms low productivity), but because they are trapped in a system that favours the rich in terms of opportunities, access to resources and education.
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