Entering its 6th year, the IFN 2011 Issuers & Investors Asia Forum,(previously known as the Malaysian Islamic Finance Forum) has emerged as the industry’s leading and largest annual event.
Europe can learn and gain from Islamic finance, given that financial institutions under it, have remained stable against the backdrop of the eurozone debt crisis.
Luxembourg's Minister of Finance, Luc Frieden, in a keynote address at the IFN 2011 Issuers & Investors Asia Forum noted that despite the credit crunch that has impacted Europe's banks, Islamic financial institutions had weathered the global crisis and emerged to be the most well managed.
"Therefore, we can learn a lot from Islamic finance and from Asia, as we have much in common.
"The key elements in Islamic finance that we need in the world today, particularly in Europe, are stability, financial partnership, provision of excessive risk and speculation as well as ethical principles," he added.
He said in Islamic finance, the financial relationship between the lender and borrower, had assured the "partnership mentality", which was found to lead to certain stability.
Explaining the need to avoid excessive risk taking place, Frieden said this is among the key goals of Europe and is an important feature found in Islamic finance.
"The provision against speculation and gambling which is prohibited in Islamic finance, is what we can concentrate on," he added.
He also said the element of ethical principles should not be limited to the Islamic finance industry alone. Frieden gave an assurance that Europe would find a solution to the debt-crisis that had led to volatility in the global economy.
"There's no one easy solution and one meeting can't solve the crisis. We have embarked on a step-by-step process to solve the problems.
"We will find a solution to the Greek issue. The Euro will be a currency you can count on in the future and see growth," he said.
He said Asia and Europe must join forces for the development and prosperity of the global economy.
"Therefore, Asian investors should look at Europe for trade and investment purposes, going forward," he added. Link the star
Showing posts with label Commentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commentary. Show all posts
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Another "Black Swan" Approaching
According to a forecast from the Economic Cycle Research Institute(ECRI) as reported on CNN Money the US economy is heading for another double dip recession. "It's either just begun, or it's right in front of us," said Lakshman Achuthan, the managing director of ECRI. "But at this point that's a detail. The critical news is there's no turning back. We are going to have a new recession."
This new crisis comes just three years after the global financial and economic crisis. As opposed to the 2008 crisis that started in the US with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, this time Europe is at the centre of the crisis- the Euro Zone in particular has rocked the financial markets because their sovereign debt crisis.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of the best-selling book “The Black Swan,” said he’s more concerned about prospects for the U.S. than Europe because the country lacks awareness of its fiscal woes.
“The difference between Europe and the U.S. is the consciousness of the problem,” Taleb, a New York University professor, said at a news conference in Tokyo organized by Bank of America Corp. “There’s no consciousness in the U.S.” about the fiscal deficit, he said.
Global financial-market turmoil intensified this quarter as Europe’s sovereign debt crisis deepened and the U.S. economy showed signs of slowing. Standard & Poor’s cut the U.S.’s credit rating for the first time in August, criticizing lawmakers for failing to cut spending or raise revenue enough to reduce record budget shortfalls.
Demonstrations have been taking place in Greece, Spain and Portugal against austerity measures and joblessness since early this year. Now the Wall Street of the US has also been hit by the waves of protest- the protesting issues include the 2008 bank bailouts, and high unemployment. Wall Street protesters carried posters which read “Protesters have rights defend 'Occupy Wall Street'” and chanted slogans including, "Stand up. Fight back," "We got sold out. Banks got bailed out" and "We are the 99 percent."
The term “Black Swan,” popularized by Mr. Taleb refers to a statement of impossibility, or to an event so unlikely that it defies comprehension.
In the past decade, there are quite a few examples of financial “Black Swan” events. Among them are the housing bubble and sub-prime mortgage crisis that derailed the banking system, the demise of Lehman Brothers in 2008, the BP oil spill and the Dow Jones flash crash, which had the Dow reeling with a 1000 point move on May 6, 2010.
Since events of these magnitudes are all previously unheard of in history, their repercussions ripple for years to come.
Now we need to heed to the warning that another Black Swan is unfolding.
As Nassim Nicholas Taleb,the author of The Black Swan wrote:
“We have never lived before under the threat of a global collapse. The financial ecology is swelling into gigantic, incestuous, bureaucratic banks — when one fails, they all fall. We have moved from a diversified ecology of small banks, with varied lending policies, to a more homogeneous framework of firms that all resemble one another. True, we now have fewer failures, but when they occur . . . I shiver at the thought.”
America's laissez-fare ideology of capitalism practised during the subprime crisis and the European state welfare model that has gone so wrong in Greece are under pressure to redefine and create a new social compact. Capitalism is the system that has created the extraordinary wealth and enabled the modern development of the western civilisation. But the free market has also created the biggest wealth gap between the rich and poor. If states have to intervene to bail out banks deemed too-big-to-fail and save countries from bankruptcy as in the case of Greece, then a new balance between the state and market is needed.
Q&A: Greek debt crisis. link
Late -2000s financial crisis. wikepedia
This new crisis comes just three years after the global financial and economic crisis. As opposed to the 2008 crisis that started in the US with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, this time Europe is at the centre of the crisis- the Euro Zone in particular has rocked the financial markets because their sovereign debt crisis.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, author of the best-selling book “The Black Swan,” said he’s more concerned about prospects for the U.S. than Europe because the country lacks awareness of its fiscal woes.
“The difference between Europe and the U.S. is the consciousness of the problem,” Taleb, a New York University professor, said at a news conference in Tokyo organized by Bank of America Corp. “There’s no consciousness in the U.S.” about the fiscal deficit, he said.
Global financial-market turmoil intensified this quarter as Europe’s sovereign debt crisis deepened and the U.S. economy showed signs of slowing. Standard & Poor’s cut the U.S.’s credit rating for the first time in August, criticizing lawmakers for failing to cut spending or raise revenue enough to reduce record budget shortfalls.
Demonstrations have been taking place in Greece, Spain and Portugal against austerity measures and joblessness since early this year. Now the Wall Street of the US has also been hit by the waves of protest- the protesting issues include the 2008 bank bailouts, and high unemployment. Wall Street protesters carried posters which read “Protesters have rights defend 'Occupy Wall Street'” and chanted slogans including, "Stand up. Fight back," "We got sold out. Banks got bailed out" and "We are the 99 percent."
The term “Black Swan,” popularized by Mr. Taleb refers to a statement of impossibility, or to an event so unlikely that it defies comprehension.
In the past decade, there are quite a few examples of financial “Black Swan” events. Among them are the housing bubble and sub-prime mortgage crisis that derailed the banking system, the demise of Lehman Brothers in 2008, the BP oil spill and the Dow Jones flash crash, which had the Dow reeling with a 1000 point move on May 6, 2010.
Since events of these magnitudes are all previously unheard of in history, their repercussions ripple for years to come.
Now we need to heed to the warning that another Black Swan is unfolding.
As Nassim Nicholas Taleb,the author of The Black Swan wrote:
“We have never lived before under the threat of a global collapse. The financial ecology is swelling into gigantic, incestuous, bureaucratic banks — when one fails, they all fall. We have moved from a diversified ecology of small banks, with varied lending policies, to a more homogeneous framework of firms that all resemble one another. True, we now have fewer failures, but when they occur . . . I shiver at the thought.”
America's laissez-fare ideology of capitalism practised during the subprime crisis and the European state welfare model that has gone so wrong in Greece are under pressure to redefine and create a new social compact. Capitalism is the system that has created the extraordinary wealth and enabled the modern development of the western civilisation. But the free market has also created the biggest wealth gap between the rich and poor. If states have to intervene to bail out banks deemed too-big-to-fail and save countries from bankruptcy as in the case of Greece, then a new balance between the state and market is needed.
Q&A: Greek debt crisis. link
Late -2000s financial crisis. wikepedia
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Cartoon Network aims to create growth in Arabic
In Oct 2010, the American children's channel Cartoon Network launched a Cartoon Network Arabic channel- a free-to-air children's channel hoping to reach 35 million homes in the Middle East and North Africa. The free alternative to the subscription based Cartoon-Network is operated by the Turner Broadcasting offices in Dubai.
The world's first Cartoon Network Academy(CNA) in Abu Dhabi has now rolled out its inaugral batch of 12 graduates. The Academy is central to the development of local talent needed for the animation industry. The animation and gaming industry still in its nascent stage is one of the fastest growing industry in the region.
Turner’s ambition to expand the network in the Middle East and invest in local talent is necessary in order to grow the business. The diversity of the spoken Arabic dilects across the region poses challenges and creates opportunities for the animation industry.
According to a statement from Turner, Cartoon Network is available in 22 languages, across 27 separate feeds, in 166 countries and in 248 million homes worldwide.
This is not the first time that an American children' s TV show has been traslated to Arabic. Thirty years ago a local version of Sesame Street was braodcasted.
The world's first Cartoon Network Academy(CNA) in Abu Dhabi has now rolled out its inaugral batch of 12 graduates. The Academy is central to the development of local talent needed for the animation industry. The animation and gaming industry still in its nascent stage is one of the fastest growing industry in the region.
Turner’s ambition to expand the network in the Middle East and invest in local talent is necessary in order to grow the business. The diversity of the spoken Arabic dilects across the region poses challenges and creates opportunities for the animation industry.
According to a statement from Turner, Cartoon Network is available in 22 languages, across 27 separate feeds, in 166 countries and in 248 million homes worldwide.
This is not the first time that an American children' s TV show has been traslated to Arabic. Thirty years ago a local version of Sesame Street was braodcasted.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Einstein's Law of Physics May Change
This is the cornerstone of physics since Albert Einstein dreamed up his theory of relativity.
Einstein's Law of Relativity is one of the few scientific equations most people know -- and it's a pillar of modern physics and fundamental to the way that the universe works.
The equation states that nothing is faster than the speed of light, but one of the world's foremost laboratories says they've found subatomic particles called neutrinos that travel even faster. If their findings are proven true, it may alter our understanding of the universe.
In Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2, the constant "c" is the speed of light, which is the same everywhere in the universe: c = 186 thousand miles per second, and there is nothing faster. The constant been accepted for more than a century.
Scientists were baffled by the research findings.
As the international team which conducted the experiments puzzled over what is potentially one of the biggest upsets in history, less rigorous minds turned their attention to the possibility of time travel and visiting distant planets.
Even Professor Alvaro De Rujula, a theoretical physicist at CERN, was not immune to the excitement.
He acknowledged that if the readings proved correct, and were not the result of some human error, it created unlimited possibilities.
The average person, said Professor De Rujula, "could, in principle, travel to the past and kill their mother before they were born".
Yesterday, the scientists whose findings have force a rethink on the make-up of the universe, officially informed colleagues and asked them for help in uncovering any flaws. Link
Einstein's Law of Relativity is one of the few scientific equations most people know -- and it's a pillar of modern physics and fundamental to the way that the universe works.
The equation states that nothing is faster than the speed of light, but one of the world's foremost laboratories says they've found subatomic particles called neutrinos that travel even faster. If their findings are proven true, it may alter our understanding of the universe.
In Einstein's famous equation, E=mc2, the constant "c" is the speed of light, which is the same everywhere in the universe: c = 186 thousand miles per second, and there is nothing faster. The constant been accepted for more than a century.
Scientists were baffled by the research findings.
As the international team which conducted the experiments puzzled over what is potentially one of the biggest upsets in history, less rigorous minds turned their attention to the possibility of time travel and visiting distant planets.
Even Professor Alvaro De Rujula, a theoretical physicist at CERN, was not immune to the excitement.
He acknowledged that if the readings proved correct, and were not the result of some human error, it created unlimited possibilities.
The average person, said Professor De Rujula, "could, in principle, travel to the past and kill their mother before they were born".
Yesterday, the scientists whose findings have force a rethink on the make-up of the universe, officially informed colleagues and asked them for help in uncovering any flaws. Link
Friday, September 23, 2011
India's Last Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Patudi Passes Away
He was the Nawab of Pataudi, an inspirational cricket captain, especially considering that he overcame the loss of an eye to forge a successful career- an illustrious life came to an end Thursday marking end of an era for Indian cricket.
He was born into royalty, educated in England, transformed the Indian cricket and became it's youngest caption at the age of 21. He was India's first cricket superstar.
He is survived by his wife Sharmila Tagore, his actor son Saif Ali Khan and his two daughters Soha and Saba Ali Khan. His entire family was at his bedside when the end came at 5.55pm this evening. "He passed away around 5.55pm. His condition had deteriorated since yesterday. He was suffering from interstitial lung disease (interstitial pneumonitis) which worsens rapidly inspite of the best treatment available," Dr S. P. Byotra, Department of medicine in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where Pataudi was admitted, said. (Link)
"He was unable to maintain his oxygen level in spite of maximal treatment. He continued to remain in the ICU for nearly a month. He had this disease, which had been static since the last three months and worsened very acutely over the last four weeks,” the doctor said.
Tributes to Patudi on ESPN cricinfo
He was born into royalty, educated in England, transformed the Indian cricket and became it's youngest caption at the age of 21. He was India's first cricket superstar.
He is survived by his wife Sharmila Tagore, his actor son Saif Ali Khan and his two daughters Soha and Saba Ali Khan. His entire family was at his bedside when the end came at 5.55pm this evening. "He passed away around 5.55pm. His condition had deteriorated since yesterday. He was suffering from interstitial lung disease (interstitial pneumonitis) which worsens rapidly inspite of the best treatment available," Dr S. P. Byotra, Department of medicine in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where Pataudi was admitted, said. (Link)
"He was unable to maintain his oxygen level in spite of maximal treatment. He continued to remain in the ICU for nearly a month. He had this disease, which had been static since the last three months and worsened very acutely over the last four weeks,” the doctor said.
Tributes to Patudi on ESPN cricinfo
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Nation Mourns Death of Hiriyaa Principal and four students
It is shocking and deeply sad to learn of the tragic deaths of Hiriyaa School principal Ali Nazim and students Aishath Saeed of Meenaz Gaaf Alif atoll Dhehvadhoo, Mariyam Naaz of Suvaasaage Haa Alif atoll Hoarafushi (Galolhu Oivaali), Aishath Shaaniha of Handhuvary Villa Raa Rasmaadhoo and Mariyam Shaiha of Maafannu Moisha.
It is reported that Principal Ali Nazim lost his own life while trying to save drowning students who had gone on a fisheries science field trip to Kaafu atoll Huraa.
May Allah grant His blessing on the departed souls. May Allah grant families of the deceased the strength to bear such loss.
This incident is a stark reminder of the perils of the sea.
It is reported that Principal Ali Nazim lost his own life while trying to save drowning students who had gone on a fisheries science field trip to Kaafu atoll Huraa.
May Allah grant His blessing on the departed souls. May Allah grant families of the deceased the strength to bear such loss.
This incident is a stark reminder of the perils of the sea.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
When Politics Gets In The Way of Reform
Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to fight the “the wrong-headed ideas, bureaucratic nonsense and destructive culture” that led to riots across England earlier this month. David Cameron said a sense of personal responsibility had been eroded over many years by a welfare system that reduces incentive to work and “the twisting and misrepresentation of human rights.”
“The former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair responded saying the “muddled-head analysis” of the riots risks producing the wrong policy prescriptions. He dismissed the argument that Britain is in the grip of a “moral decline,” saying that problems lie with individuals and communities rather than society as a whole.
Critics of the Cameron Conservative coalition government argue that they want to introduce policies to reverse the welfare system.
Geoffrey Wheatcroft, a British journalist and author wrote:
"For the left, and for liberal papers like Guardian, the culprit was the Tory-led government and its “cuts,” the program of rigorous reduction in public spending in response to unprecedented public debt. But it’s hard to see what effect these cuts can really have made in the little more than 15 months since the coalition government took office under David Cameron.
A more telling (if not quite logical) response is the good old tu quoque: look who’s talking. How can the poor be condemned for looting household goods while bankers and financiers have been looting from the public on a far vaster scale than any teenage gangsta could dream of? This is a variant of Brecht’s “What is the crime of robbing a bank compared with the crime of owning one?” and it must be admitted that in the age of AIG, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Madoff, most of us have our Brechtian moments. And all of us here bridle when anyone is upbraided for greed and dishonesty by our Members of Parliament, who turn out to have been pilfering the taxpayer for years with their fraudulent expenses. "
The state has to punish those who break the law- whether they are looters on the street or greedy officials who robbed public finance or made money out of decisions which have had a profoundly damaging impact on innocent people.
The IPPR, the Institute for Public Policy Research, - the UK’s leading progressive thinktank gives an analysis of the ideological differences and outlines the case of the present coalition government's assault to cut the universal benefits and services.
“The former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair responded saying the “muddled-head analysis” of the riots risks producing the wrong policy prescriptions. He dismissed the argument that Britain is in the grip of a “moral decline,” saying that problems lie with individuals and communities rather than society as a whole.
Critics of the Cameron Conservative coalition government argue that they want to introduce policies to reverse the welfare system.
Geoffrey Wheatcroft, a British journalist and author wrote:
"For the left, and for liberal papers like Guardian, the culprit was the Tory-led government and its “cuts,” the program of rigorous reduction in public spending in response to unprecedented public debt. But it’s hard to see what effect these cuts can really have made in the little more than 15 months since the coalition government took office under David Cameron.
A more telling (if not quite logical) response is the good old tu quoque: look who’s talking. How can the poor be condemned for looting household goods while bankers and financiers have been looting from the public on a far vaster scale than any teenage gangsta could dream of? This is a variant of Brecht’s “What is the crime of robbing a bank compared with the crime of owning one?” and it must be admitted that in the age of AIG, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Madoff, most of us have our Brechtian moments. And all of us here bridle when anyone is upbraided for greed and dishonesty by our Members of Parliament, who turn out to have been pilfering the taxpayer for years with their fraudulent expenses. "
The state has to punish those who break the law- whether they are looters on the street or greedy officials who robbed public finance or made money out of decisions which have had a profoundly damaging impact on innocent people.
The IPPR, the Institute for Public Policy Research, - the UK’s leading progressive thinktank gives an analysis of the ideological differences and outlines the case of the present coalition government's assault to cut the universal benefits and services.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Indian High Court Judge Impeached for Corruption
Fighting corruption in India has been a monumental task.
BBC correspondent Soutik Bishwas explores the question. "Is India serious about fighting corruption? Going by some striking data put together by the country's respected, independent watchdog PRS Legislative Research, it doesn't appear so.
India's government officials charged with corruption can be prosecuted only after an approval by the federal or state government. However, by simply sitting on requests from prosecuting agencies, governments can easily slow down prosecutions or make sure that the offenders are never prosecuted."
The revolution in communication – with the 24×7 news channels and instant information sharing on the Internet has liberated content from the control of media houses and governments. The power of civil movements led by activists like Anna Hazare whose hunger strike is turning out to be a hunger fest. In the world's largest democracy, action against political and bureaucratic corruption is painfully slow.
India's upper house of parliament- the Rajya Sabha impeached a High Court justice on corruption charges on Thursday, against a backdrop of mass anti-graft protests across the country.
As reported in India Times, In a first, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday impeached Calcutta high court judge Justice Soumitra Sen on charges of corruption. Justice Sen could go down in history as the first judge to be removed if Lok Sabha gives its consent next week to the motion for his impeachment.
This is first time a sitting judge was found guilty by parliament's upper house of 'misappropriating' large sums of public funds in an abuse of his position as a justice of the Kolkata High Court.
BBC correspondent Soutik Bishwas explores the question. "Is India serious about fighting corruption? Going by some striking data put together by the country's respected, independent watchdog PRS Legislative Research, it doesn't appear so.
India's government officials charged with corruption can be prosecuted only after an approval by the federal or state government. However, by simply sitting on requests from prosecuting agencies, governments can easily slow down prosecutions or make sure that the offenders are never prosecuted."
The revolution in communication – with the 24×7 news channels and instant information sharing on the Internet has liberated content from the control of media houses and governments. The power of civil movements led by activists like Anna Hazare whose hunger strike is turning out to be a hunger fest. In the world's largest democracy, action against political and bureaucratic corruption is painfully slow.
India's upper house of parliament- the Rajya Sabha impeached a High Court justice on corruption charges on Thursday, against a backdrop of mass anti-graft protests across the country.
As reported in India Times, In a first, the Rajya Sabha on Thursday impeached Calcutta high court judge Justice Soumitra Sen on charges of corruption. Justice Sen could go down in history as the first judge to be removed if Lok Sabha gives its consent next week to the motion for his impeachment.
This is first time a sitting judge was found guilty by parliament's upper house of 'misappropriating' large sums of public funds in an abuse of his position as a justice of the Kolkata High Court.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Do Beggars Reflect the Plight of the Poor?
The picture on Haveeru yesterday shows a line of people, who assemble in Male' for the month of Ramadan hoping to increase their begging income. This is a very sensitive issue. Most of them are elderly persons. Regardless of whether one agrees with their behaviour or not, they deserve sympathy. That is the goodness in human decency. Most of them may have raised families and contributed to society. In their sunset years, this is a very sad state for them.
While their individual difficulties are not known, nothing suggests that they do it do to sustain a serious drug habit- a deadly addiction widespread in our country. Also it appears that the social welfare monthly payment of rf 2000 for seniors above 65 may not be adequate to sustain a decent living.
Their families, the community and the government will have to step up to help these people in a more effective manner. Government can develop various skills programmes, just like the 'second chance programme' recently introduced, to help these people take up meaningful work that can pay them adequate compensation. That increases their self esteem and gives a sense of pride in belonging to a community. Stronger family bonds will need to be maintained to avoid people having to resort to begging as a means for survival or as a profession to earn money.
While their individual difficulties are not known, nothing suggests that they do it do to sustain a serious drug habit- a deadly addiction widespread in our country. Also it appears that the social welfare monthly payment of rf 2000 for seniors above 65 may not be adequate to sustain a decent living.
Their families, the community and the government will have to step up to help these people in a more effective manner. Government can develop various skills programmes, just like the 'second chance programme' recently introduced, to help these people take up meaningful work that can pay them adequate compensation. That increases their self esteem and gives a sense of pride in belonging to a community. Stronger family bonds will need to be maintained to avoid people having to resort to begging as a means for survival or as a profession to earn money.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Gangs and Looters to Blame
Britain has begun to pick up the pieces of the violent anarchy that took hold of their cities. Terrified communities experienced unprecedented scenes of mob violence, with homes and businesses going up in flames. Senseless looting and theft carried out mostly by young people with no specific demands defies logic and every social value. An 11-year-old girl is among the 1,500 arrested in four days of rioting and violence in Britain, police said Thursday.
Britain is an advanced nation and has a strong tradition of welfare culture. Prime Minister David Cameroon cut short his vacation and recalled parliament from recess. Looking for the root cause of the mayhem, the prime minister told the parliament: "There are pockets of our society that are not just broken but, frankly, sick. For me, the root cause of this mindless selfishness is the same thing that I have spoken about for years. It is a complete lack of responsibility in parts of our society, people allowed to feel that the world owes something, that their rights outweigh their responsibilities, and that their actions do not have consequences."
As reported in VOA News, Geography Professor Chris Hamnett, of King’s College, lives in North London, not far from some of the worst rioting. He said:
"Essentially, what we've seen is rioting for fun and profit. This is not people expressing their anger against an oppressive state," said Hamnett. This is people thinking it would be nice to get a slice of the action.”
In other words, the looters set fire to buildings just to see how it looked like. It seems these youth live in a different world from law abiding citizens. They have no regard for other people's property. It is repulsive to see criminals robbing from and injured person while lying on the road needing help.
The breakdown of the traditional family unit has made it difficult for many single parents to provide the love and discipline children need growing up. These children grow up believing they can do whatever they wish to do without any consequence. This is the result of physical and emotional chaos at dysfunctional homes. On top of the chaos from broken homes, when governments are unwilling or when they fail to take stern action against drug traffickers, drug abusers and criminals gangs who thrive on such chaos- the result is in the words of prime minister David Cameroon, pockets of not just broken but sick society.
A social segment of this first world economy has gone morally bankrupt.
Britain is an advanced nation and has a strong tradition of welfare culture. Prime Minister David Cameroon cut short his vacation and recalled parliament from recess. Looking for the root cause of the mayhem, the prime minister told the parliament: "There are pockets of our society that are not just broken but, frankly, sick. For me, the root cause of this mindless selfishness is the same thing that I have spoken about for years. It is a complete lack of responsibility in parts of our society, people allowed to feel that the world owes something, that their rights outweigh their responsibilities, and that their actions do not have consequences."
As reported in VOA News, Geography Professor Chris Hamnett, of King’s College, lives in North London, not far from some of the worst rioting. He said:
"Essentially, what we've seen is rioting for fun and profit. This is not people expressing their anger against an oppressive state," said Hamnett. This is people thinking it would be nice to get a slice of the action.”
In other words, the looters set fire to buildings just to see how it looked like. It seems these youth live in a different world from law abiding citizens. They have no regard for other people's property. It is repulsive to see criminals robbing from and injured person while lying on the road needing help.
The breakdown of the traditional family unit has made it difficult for many single parents to provide the love and discipline children need growing up. These children grow up believing they can do whatever they wish to do without any consequence. This is the result of physical and emotional chaos at dysfunctional homes. On top of the chaos from broken homes, when governments are unwilling or when they fail to take stern action against drug traffickers, drug abusers and criminals gangs who thrive on such chaos- the result is in the words of prime minister David Cameroon, pockets of not just broken but sick society.
A social segment of this first world economy has gone morally bankrupt.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Burning with Rage in Britain
A peaceful protest that was staged in Tottenham Saturday by supporters of Mark Duggan, who was shot and killed last week, has now blown into a violent rampage of looting and burning across several cities.
Across the Atlantic in 1992, a similar situation of violence broke out in Los Angeles, in the case of the excessive force used by police on the African American Rodney King.
In each incident, violence that shocked these cities broke out just from the starting point of a single incident. Social media- facebook, twitter and instant communication of the Internet helped flame the passions and gather people.
The use of social media helped to gather and rally people in Egypt, ushered in the Arab Spring and brought down Husni Mubarak's dictatorship of 30 years.
In a commentary about the rioting in Britain, the Christian Science Monitor writes:
'Whether it is rooted in the ills of urban poverty (20 percent or more unemployment among youths 16-24) or represents simple criminal lawlessness is just one of the soul-searching debates now under way. Like many nations Britain has undertaken austerity measures that will cut welfare payments and thousands of government jobs in coming years. Job prospects for most urban youths are bleak.
Two girls who took part in the rioting Monday night boasted to a BBC journalist that they were showing police and “the rich” that “we can do what we want.”
As is often the case with urban riots, the poor neighborhoods themselves are taking the worst hit. “Tottenham [where Mr. Duggan died] didn’t have much, now [it’s] got a lot less,” said a British journalist who lives in that mixed-race neighborhood.
The rioting also provides yet another referendum on social media. Hooded and masked vandals are using social networks – Twitter and Facebook but especially Blackberry messages, which can’t be traced by police – to coordinate looting of a street. They then are tipped off by message if police are about to arrive and they vanish.
But honest Britons have been using social media for good, too. The Twitter hashtag #PrayForLondon asks people to “Please Pray for the protection of lives and properties in London, and Peace in the UK.” And #riotcleanup has become a rallying point for those who want to help. It has motivated people to take to the streets with trash bags and brooms to tidy up the mess the looters leave behind. '
Across the Atlantic in 1992, a similar situation of violence broke out in Los Angeles, in the case of the excessive force used by police on the African American Rodney King.
In each incident, violence that shocked these cities broke out just from the starting point of a single incident. Social media- facebook, twitter and instant communication of the Internet helped flame the passions and gather people.
The use of social media helped to gather and rally people in Egypt, ushered in the Arab Spring and brought down Husni Mubarak's dictatorship of 30 years.
In a commentary about the rioting in Britain, the Christian Science Monitor writes:
'Whether it is rooted in the ills of urban poverty (20 percent or more unemployment among youths 16-24) or represents simple criminal lawlessness is just one of the soul-searching debates now under way. Like many nations Britain has undertaken austerity measures that will cut welfare payments and thousands of government jobs in coming years. Job prospects for most urban youths are bleak.
Two girls who took part in the rioting Monday night boasted to a BBC journalist that they were showing police and “the rich” that “we can do what we want.”
As is often the case with urban riots, the poor neighborhoods themselves are taking the worst hit. “Tottenham [where Mr. Duggan died] didn’t have much, now [it’s] got a lot less,” said a British journalist who lives in that mixed-race neighborhood.
The rioting also provides yet another referendum on social media. Hooded and masked vandals are using social networks – Twitter and Facebook but especially Blackberry messages, which can’t be traced by police – to coordinate looting of a street. They then are tipped off by message if police are about to arrive and they vanish.
But honest Britons have been using social media for good, too. The Twitter hashtag #PrayForLondon asks people to “Please Pray for the protection of lives and properties in London, and Peace in the UK.” And #riotcleanup has become a rallying point for those who want to help. It has motivated people to take to the streets with trash bags and brooms to tidy up the mess the looters leave behind. '
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Mubarak's trial: A Victory for Democracy
A CNN Global public square report on this stunning humiliation for the the former president who was Egypt's military dictator for nearly 30 years.
The sight of Egypt's one-time most powerful man brought on a hospital bed into defendants' cage, made of iron bars and metal mesh was quite a spectacle. With him in the cage were his nine co-defendants, including his two sons — one-time heir apparent Gamal and wealthy businessman Alaa — his former interior minister Habib el-Adly, and six top former police officials.
There is no doubt that these proceedings will be closely watched by the Arab world where there is no tradition of democracy.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Hate Speech does have Tragic Consequences
All too often, we hear about gun violence in the United States of America.
The American nation is shocked in horror yet again. Today, a lone gunman opened fire in front of a supermarket called Safeway in the Arizona city of Tuscon. The gunman killed six people (including a nine-year-old girl) and wounded a United States Congresswoman.
It is not clear why the gunman went on this terrifying rampage.
But whatever his reasons, the local sheriff - who is coordinating the investigation with the FBI - believes it is time for America to do some soul-searching.
Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, speaking about Arizona: (Link)
"When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And, unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the Mecca for prejudice and bigotry.
"It's not unusual for all public officials to get threats constantly, myself included. And that's the sad thing of what's going on in America. Pretty soon, we're not going to be able to find reasonable, decent people who are willing to subject themselves to serve in public office."
He later added:
DUPNIK: Let me just say one thing, because people tend to poo-poo this business about all the vitriol that we hear inflaming the American public by people who make a living off of doing that. That may be free speech. But it's not without consequences."
Freedom of speech is a sacred right guaranteed by the First amendment of the US constitution.
For countries that follow this model of the freedom of speech, should hate speech be criminalised in order to deter such horrible crimes?
The American nation is shocked in horror yet again. Today, a lone gunman opened fire in front of a supermarket called Safeway in the Arizona city of Tuscon. The gunman killed six people (including a nine-year-old girl) and wounded a United States Congresswoman.
It is not clear why the gunman went on this terrifying rampage.
But whatever his reasons, the local sheriff - who is coordinating the investigation with the FBI - believes it is time for America to do some soul-searching.
Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, speaking about Arizona: (Link)
"When you look at unbalanced people, how they respond to the vitriol that comes out of certain mouths about tearing down the government. The anger, the hatred, the bigotry that goes on in this country is getting to be outrageous. And, unfortunately, Arizona I think has become sort of the capital. We have become the Mecca for prejudice and bigotry.
"It's not unusual for all public officials to get threats constantly, myself included. And that's the sad thing of what's going on in America. Pretty soon, we're not going to be able to find reasonable, decent people who are willing to subject themselves to serve in public office."
He later added:
DUPNIK: Let me just say one thing, because people tend to poo-poo this business about all the vitriol that we hear inflaming the American public by people who make a living off of doing that. That may be free speech. But it's not without consequences."
Freedom of speech is a sacred right guaranteed by the First amendment of the US constitution.
For countries that follow this model of the freedom of speech, should hate speech be criminalised in order to deter such horrible crimes?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Gandhi's Seven Deadly Sins
Mahatma Gandhi said that seven things will destroy a society. (Link)
1)Wealth without work
2)Pleasure without conscience
3)Knowledge without character
4)Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)
5)Science without humanity
6)Religion without sacrifice
7)Politics without principle
All of these conditions are evident in the social and political fabric of our society today.
Now we have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We have the separation of powers and we have independent institutions, still in the early stages of the democratic process. With the new found freedoms our society is on the brink of anarchy.
What is the price to pay for a free society?
Parents can no longer raise their children with sound values. Illegal drugs and violence have become rampant in our society. Personal morality is in a state of flux, with social pressures causing individuals to define "good" and "bad" as they deem fit. This is having a profound negative effect on our culture regarding the individual character development of our younger generation.
Now we want security and freedom from fear. We want a civil society to live in. We need the enforcement of law and order. We want our elected officials and politicians to be honourable in their words and conduct.
That would be a good starting point to restore honour into our community.
1)Wealth without work
2)Pleasure without conscience
3)Knowledge without character
4)Commerce (business) without morality (ethics)
5)Science without humanity
6)Religion without sacrifice
7)Politics without principle
All of these conditions are evident in the social and political fabric of our society today.
Now we have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We have the separation of powers and we have independent institutions, still in the early stages of the democratic process. With the new found freedoms our society is on the brink of anarchy.
What is the price to pay for a free society?
Parents can no longer raise their children with sound values. Illegal drugs and violence have become rampant in our society. Personal morality is in a state of flux, with social pressures causing individuals to define "good" and "bad" as they deem fit. This is having a profound negative effect on our culture regarding the individual character development of our younger generation.
Now we want security and freedom from fear. We want a civil society to live in. We need the enforcement of law and order. We want our elected officials and politicians to be honourable in their words and conduct.
That would be a good starting point to restore honour into our community.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Saudi clerics battle over fatwas
Saudi's ultra-conservatives hold on to old views as Islamic progressives push for modern fatwas.
"Clerics have opened up a pitched battle in Saudi Arabia over who can issue fatwas, or religious edicts, as hardline and progressive religious scholars, judges and clerics have taken the fight public.
Much of the fight in the past week has focused on a fatwa endorsing music issued by Adel al-Kalbani, a Riyadh cleric famed as the first black imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Kalbani, popular for his soulful baritone delivery of Koranic readings, said he found nothing in Islamic scripture that makes music "haram", or forbidden.
But, aside from some folk music, public music performance is banned in Saudi Arabia, and some ultra-conservatives say it is forbidden even in the home.
"There is no clear text or ruling in Islam that singing and music are haram," Kalbani said.
Also in recent weeks, a much more senior cleric, Sheikh Abdul Mohsen al-Obeikan, raised hackles with two of his opinions.
First, he endorsed the idea that a grown man could be considered like a son of a woman if she breast-feeds him.
The issue is seen by some as a way of getting around the Saudi religious ban on mixing by unrelated men and women.
It brought ridicule and condemnation from women activists and Saudi critics around the world.
But Obeikan, a top advisor in the court of King Abdullah, who is believed to be supportive of less severe rules in his kingdom, also angered ultra-conservatives when he said the compulsory midday and mid-afternoon prayer sessions could be combined to help worshippers skirt the intense heat of summer.
While the choice is allowed for individuals in certain circumstances, conservatives say such a broad ruling for everyone is wrong.
The comments by Obeikan and Kalbani brought rebukes from top-level clerics in a debate that has erupted into freewheeling public discussions in the media and on the Internet. " More of this article on Middle East Online
"Clerics have opened up a pitched battle in Saudi Arabia over who can issue fatwas, or religious edicts, as hardline and progressive religious scholars, judges and clerics have taken the fight public.
Much of the fight in the past week has focused on a fatwa endorsing music issued by Adel al-Kalbani, a Riyadh cleric famed as the first black imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam's holiest city.
Kalbani, popular for his soulful baritone delivery of Koranic readings, said he found nothing in Islamic scripture that makes music "haram", or forbidden.
But, aside from some folk music, public music performance is banned in Saudi Arabia, and some ultra-conservatives say it is forbidden even in the home.
"There is no clear text or ruling in Islam that singing and music are haram," Kalbani said.
Also in recent weeks, a much more senior cleric, Sheikh Abdul Mohsen al-Obeikan, raised hackles with two of his opinions.
First, he endorsed the idea that a grown man could be considered like a son of a woman if she breast-feeds him.
The issue is seen by some as a way of getting around the Saudi religious ban on mixing by unrelated men and women.
It brought ridicule and condemnation from women activists and Saudi critics around the world.
But Obeikan, a top advisor in the court of King Abdullah, who is believed to be supportive of less severe rules in his kingdom, also angered ultra-conservatives when he said the compulsory midday and mid-afternoon prayer sessions could be combined to help worshippers skirt the intense heat of summer.
While the choice is allowed for individuals in certain circumstances, conservatives say such a broad ruling for everyone is wrong.
The comments by Obeikan and Kalbani brought rebukes from top-level clerics in a debate that has erupted into freewheeling public discussions in the media and on the Internet. " More of this article on Middle East Online
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Back to basics: Going on Naked Foot
What a better way to celebrate the barefoot walking and running of our ancestors than by going barefoot?
Is this barefooting another fitness craze?
Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman has done the research. He suggests that the bare human foot is better able to withstand the impact of running than fancy cushioned sneakers can. He has already converted to barefoot running. Listen to him on the video.
Another study which appeared in the journal Nature, describes the mechanics of running barefoot, or with minimal footwear, and how it can actually help prevent injury.
Many people think modern running shoes are necessary in order to run safely and comfortably, but they were invented only in the 1970s. Before then, running shoes were just simple running flats that had little cushioning, no arch support, and no built-up heel. Humans were running for millions of years, apparently safely, in thin sandals, or in no shoes at all. The research indicates that they may have been able to do so by forefoot or midfoot striking.
There was a time when barefoot walking was considered to be immodest and was frowned upon by people. Not any longer. In the ultra modern age we live in, this situation has changed. Although barefoot walking is still more commonly seen in the poorer countries, the barefoot craze has hit the developed countries too. Today, there is a complete society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the cause of walking barefoot.
In Singapore, Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Barclays has organised a 5 km Barefoot Charity Walk, "Bare Your Sole 2010 on 5 June 2010" to build lives, homes and fight poverty.
Barefoot walking has come full circle. What goes around comes around and the human beings seem to be turning to its roots.
Link Home Barefoot Walking
Is this barefooting another fitness craze?
Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman has done the research. He suggests that the bare human foot is better able to withstand the impact of running than fancy cushioned sneakers can. He has already converted to barefoot running. Listen to him on the video.
Another study which appeared in the journal Nature, describes the mechanics of running barefoot, or with minimal footwear, and how it can actually help prevent injury.
Many people think modern running shoes are necessary in order to run safely and comfortably, but they were invented only in the 1970s. Before then, running shoes were just simple running flats that had little cushioning, no arch support, and no built-up heel. Humans were running for millions of years, apparently safely, in thin sandals, or in no shoes at all. The research indicates that they may have been able to do so by forefoot or midfoot striking.
There was a time when barefoot walking was considered to be immodest and was frowned upon by people. Not any longer. In the ultra modern age we live in, this situation has changed. Although barefoot walking is still more commonly seen in the poorer countries, the barefoot craze has hit the developed countries too. Today, there is a complete society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the cause of walking barefoot.
In Singapore, Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Barclays has organised a 5 km Barefoot Charity Walk, "Bare Your Sole 2010 on 5 June 2010" to build lives, homes and fight poverty.
Barefoot walking has come full circle. What goes around comes around and the human beings seem to be turning to its roots.
Link Home Barefoot Walking
Monday, April 05, 2010
A Gripping Love Saga
There is a feeding frenzy in the celebrity-hungry media of India and Pakistan over the Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik who is set to marry Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza next week.
Shoaib Malik is facing an investigation in his fiancee's home country over allegations he harassed a woman who has claimed to be his wife, police said Monday.
Malik is currently in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad for his wedding to Mirza. Police commissioner A.K. Khan told CNN that officials have launched a probe into a complaint filed on behalf of Ayesha Siddiqui, who is Indian.
Siddiqui has accused Malik of "harassment, cheating and criminal intimidation," Khan said. Immigration authorities will be alerted to the investigation, as Malik is a foreigner, he said. Officials have taken a statement from the former Pakistan captain, police said.
Siddiqui claims Malik married her by telephone eight years ago and is seeking a divorce. Malik maintains he was deceived and the marriage is invalid, saying the agreement was based on a series of photos sent to him -- photos he claims were not of Siddiqui.
Malik and Mirza, in a joint news conference Monday in Hyderabad, said their April 15 wedding will be held as scheduled. Malik vowed to cooperate fully with Indian investigators and said he would stay in India until the probe is complete. (Link)
Shoaib Malik is facing an investigation in his fiancee's home country over allegations he harassed a woman who has claimed to be his wife, police said Monday.
Malik is currently in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad for his wedding to Mirza. Police commissioner A.K. Khan told CNN that officials have launched a probe into a complaint filed on behalf of Ayesha Siddiqui, who is Indian.
Siddiqui has accused Malik of "harassment, cheating and criminal intimidation," Khan said. Immigration authorities will be alerted to the investigation, as Malik is a foreigner, he said. Officials have taken a statement from the former Pakistan captain, police said.
Siddiqui claims Malik married her by telephone eight years ago and is seeking a divorce. Malik maintains he was deceived and the marriage is invalid, saying the agreement was based on a series of photos sent to him -- photos he claims were not of Siddiqui.
Malik and Mirza, in a joint news conference Monday in Hyderabad, said their April 15 wedding will be held as scheduled. Malik vowed to cooperate fully with Indian investigators and said he would stay in India until the probe is complete. (Link)
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Freedom of Speech and Hate Speech
Maldives has embraced freedom of speech as espoused by the democracies of the western Europe and the United States of America. For the citizens of these countries, this type of democracy- the liberal democratic model requires effective guarantees of freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, petition and of equality before the law.
The First Amendment of the United States constitution prohibits the government from regulating the content of speech, subject to a few recognized exceptions such as defamation and incitement to riot. Even in cases where speech encourages illegal violence, instances of incitement qualify as criminal only if the threat of violence is imminent. In Canada, Europe and other countries, hate speech is, outside the law, any communication which disparages a person or a group on the basis of some characteristic such as race or sexual orientation. In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group.
In Maldives, those who pushed for the multi-party system for political governance did so because of the popular revulsion against the previous all-encompassing domination by the same government that remained in power for 30 years.
Now we have political parties and we do have freedom of speech. Political parties and their politicians are the catalytic agents that make democracies workable.
The two main political parties in Maldives, the ruling MDP and the opposition DRP and their allies disagree about nearly every issue, just for the sake of disagreement. The parliament is in gridlock and no beneficial work gets done. It polarizes the public who are supporters of these political parties. As we saw recently, the country was on the verge of erupting into violence consequent to the fist fighting inside the parliament. Cynics claim that every speech, every vote, every single thing these politicians do is for the sake of political posturing to help them get elected the next term, or help their party motives.
Journalists of the free media have an important responsibility to educate the public about various issues from all sides, using logic, reason and analysis to determine the different points of view. The public can then make informed decisions about the policies of the different political parties. The opposition political party should compete by offering better ideas and solutions rather than just becoming the party of saying 'no' to everything that the government does.
Maldives needs to find a way stop the the hate speech mostly driven by politics between the political parties. One way to do this is by the enforcement of legislation against hate speech. Our members of the parliament in the interest of the public good need to legislate to determine the acceptable boundaries of free speech. Also what kinds of speech should be considered out of bounds subject to prosecution.
Read this article "When free speech means hate speech" to understand how bad this situation is in the United States of America. There are hate-mongers both on the left and the right of the political divide in America who make a living by spewing hatred in the name of free speech.
The First Amendment of the United States constitution prohibits the government from regulating the content of speech, subject to a few recognized exceptions such as defamation and incitement to riot. Even in cases where speech encourages illegal violence, instances of incitement qualify as criminal only if the threat of violence is imminent. In Canada, Europe and other countries, hate speech is, outside the law, any communication which disparages a person or a group on the basis of some characteristic such as race or sexual orientation. In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group.
In Maldives, those who pushed for the multi-party system for political governance did so because of the popular revulsion against the previous all-encompassing domination by the same government that remained in power for 30 years.
Now we have political parties and we do have freedom of speech. Political parties and their politicians are the catalytic agents that make democracies workable.
The two main political parties in Maldives, the ruling MDP and the opposition DRP and their allies disagree about nearly every issue, just for the sake of disagreement. The parliament is in gridlock and no beneficial work gets done. It polarizes the public who are supporters of these political parties. As we saw recently, the country was on the verge of erupting into violence consequent to the fist fighting inside the parliament. Cynics claim that every speech, every vote, every single thing these politicians do is for the sake of political posturing to help them get elected the next term, or help their party motives.
Journalists of the free media have an important responsibility to educate the public about various issues from all sides, using logic, reason and analysis to determine the different points of view. The public can then make informed decisions about the policies of the different political parties. The opposition political party should compete by offering better ideas and solutions rather than just becoming the party of saying 'no' to everything that the government does.
Maldives needs to find a way stop the the hate speech mostly driven by politics between the political parties. One way to do this is by the enforcement of legislation against hate speech. Our members of the parliament in the interest of the public good need to legislate to determine the acceptable boundaries of free speech. Also what kinds of speech should be considered out of bounds subject to prosecution.
Read this article "When free speech means hate speech" to understand how bad this situation is in the United States of America. There are hate-mongers both on the left and the right of the political divide in America who make a living by spewing hatred in the name of free speech.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
British couple kiss goodbye to freedom in Dubai
This was a kiss worth prison time. A Dubai Misdemeanours Court has sentenced the Brits to one month in jail followed by deportation for kissing and touching at a restaurant in Jumeirah Beach Residence- the luxury waterfront homes complex that offers retail outlets, restaurants, sports and health clubs.
Marketing executive Ayman Najafi,24 claimed that all he did was peck the cheek of the British tourist Charlotte Lewis,25. The judge handed out the sentence after hearing the written evidence of a local woman who called the cops alleging she saw them kissing on the lips.
The couple will appear in the appeal court today to contest the verdict.(Link)
Marketing executive Ayman Najafi,24 claimed that all he did was peck the cheek of the British tourist Charlotte Lewis,25. The judge handed out the sentence after hearing the written evidence of a local woman who called the cops alleging she saw them kissing on the lips.
The couple will appear in the appeal court today to contest the verdict.(Link)
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Democracy is not enough
Looking at the problems we face in Maldives today, it now seems that getting to the democracy is the easy part. This is only the beginning of the democratization process, i.e., the separation of powers and the building of independent institutions that reinforce democratic values. We now have the separate powers, but each power has more than sufficient to still cause tyranny to the people who gave them the power.
Reducing the civil servants pay while the commissioners of the independent commissions decided to increase their wages and while the elected members of the parliament refused to even consider to take a pay cut stands out as a glaring injustice forced out on the ordinary civil servants.
Recently the Ministry of Economic Development pushed to permit sale of alcohol in inhabited islands against strong opposition from the Islamic Ministry and several civil society organisations and many members of the public who petitioned the government against such permit because of the widespread problems of drug abuse, violence and killings that even the president has acknowledged. Granted that we are on a learning curve of the multi-party pluralistic system of governance, what we saw in this case is still an appalling level of incoherent behaviour between two ministries of the same government. Under pressure from the mass public protest, the government had to heed the battle cry against the sale of alcohol in inhabited islands and was forced to change policy.
Today, civil servants are back on the street protesting to restore their pay cut, hoping that the government would take cue from them and heed their call as well.
To be a democratic country, a country has to choose its leaders through fair and competitive elections, ensure basic civil liberties, and respect the rule of law.
After a free and fair election of the country's first multi-party presidential contest, we have had a peaceful transition in 2008. Rewind 30 years back, in 1978 we also had a peaceful transition in the nation's top job. We have since learnt that everything good in a democracy does not come just by changing the political guard in a peaceful transition. Disingenuous politicians, their ignorance and careful evasion of issues have left behind for future generations a host of intractable challenges. On top of the social list, an illegal drug epidemic affecting more than 30,000 youth most of whom are addicted to drugs. The present government needs to do more to provide care and rehabilitation to the addicts. In order to tackle the illegal drug business, stricter deterrent sentences have to given to those who are trafficking and selling illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the judiciary that is not functioning as it should is making this woeful legacy even worse by not meting out stricter deterrent sentences against hardcore drug trafficking criminals.
History has shown us that the democratization takes time because it requires the development of new institutions and widespread trust in them by the citizens. In the United States and Britain, it took well over a century before all the institutions and democratic practices were firmly in place. In Maldives in order for the nascent democracy to take roots, our government has to initiate the process of inculcating democratic ideals of trust, tolerance, and cooperation starting with young children from homes and schools. The challenge to build a culture of peace depends on the ability of a community to settle disagreements and resolve conflicts without waging violence.
We have a long way to go, but we are on our journey of the democratization process.
Reducing the civil servants pay while the commissioners of the independent commissions decided to increase their wages and while the elected members of the parliament refused to even consider to take a pay cut stands out as a glaring injustice forced out on the ordinary civil servants.
Recently the Ministry of Economic Development pushed to permit sale of alcohol in inhabited islands against strong opposition from the Islamic Ministry and several civil society organisations and many members of the public who petitioned the government against such permit because of the widespread problems of drug abuse, violence and killings that even the president has acknowledged. Granted that we are on a learning curve of the multi-party pluralistic system of governance, what we saw in this case is still an appalling level of incoherent behaviour between two ministries of the same government. Under pressure from the mass public protest, the government had to heed the battle cry against the sale of alcohol in inhabited islands and was forced to change policy.
Today, civil servants are back on the street protesting to restore their pay cut, hoping that the government would take cue from them and heed their call as well.
To be a democratic country, a country has to choose its leaders through fair and competitive elections, ensure basic civil liberties, and respect the rule of law.
After a free and fair election of the country's first multi-party presidential contest, we have had a peaceful transition in 2008. Rewind 30 years back, in 1978 we also had a peaceful transition in the nation's top job. We have since learnt that everything good in a democracy does not come just by changing the political guard in a peaceful transition. Disingenuous politicians, their ignorance and careful evasion of issues have left behind for future generations a host of intractable challenges. On top of the social list, an illegal drug epidemic affecting more than 30,000 youth most of whom are addicted to drugs. The present government needs to do more to provide care and rehabilitation to the addicts. In order to tackle the illegal drug business, stricter deterrent sentences have to given to those who are trafficking and selling illegal drugs. Unfortunately, the judiciary that is not functioning as it should is making this woeful legacy even worse by not meting out stricter deterrent sentences against hardcore drug trafficking criminals.
History has shown us that the democratization takes time because it requires the development of new institutions and widespread trust in them by the citizens. In the United States and Britain, it took well over a century before all the institutions and democratic practices were firmly in place. In Maldives in order for the nascent democracy to take roots, our government has to initiate the process of inculcating democratic ideals of trust, tolerance, and cooperation starting with young children from homes and schools. The challenge to build a culture of peace depends on the ability of a community to settle disagreements and resolve conflicts without waging violence.
We have a long way to go, but we are on our journey of the democratization process.
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