A day after the Ministry of Economic Development lifted the ban on sale of alcohol in the inhabited islands, the President's Office has weighed in under public pressure. President's Office says it will not be implemented until it is published in the government gazette. Critics see this as a cynical move fearing a public uproar as they say that the Economic Development Ministry's position is the government's stand on this highly sensitive and polarising issue.
This is the government's way of pushing the envelope to test the limits of public acceptance of a 100 per cent Muslim society. Until now alcohol is freely available in all the tourist resorts. It is a perverse logic for the Economic Ministry to say that lifting the ban to allow sale of alcohol in authorised hotels of inhabited islands will bring an end to the black market created by the permits given to foreigners to buy and consume alcohol in their homes. We already have an epidemic of substance abuse and drug addiction affecting more than one-third of our youth. With such weak laws and even weaker implementation and enforcement of them, lifting the ban will only lead to another complicated phenomenon- alcoholism, another devastating social problem.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
A struggle to find the truth
Like many other societies that needed to achieve closure on a past of oppression while simultaneously working toward national reconciliation and nation building, Maldives too has to face this difficult challenge. Both President Nasheed and Vice President Waheed have publicly spoken about this difficult task faced by the government. There are many Maldivians who feel that past injustices and human right violations should be dealt with properly, in order to avoid a repeat of such cruel behaviour. As the Spanish philosopher George Santayana said, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it." But just how does a nation take the very painful and challenging road to the truth?
When South Africa emerged from more than four decades of apartheid, they turned to the concept of a truth commission. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is one of the best examples of restorative justice. Established in 1995, the TRC was charged with investigating gross human rights abuses that occurred between 1960 and 1994 so as to create as complete an accounting as possible of the atrocities of that period. Perpetrators were offered amnesty in exchange for full disclosure about their past crimes. This was part of a political compromise between the African National Congress and the outgoing apartheid government led by the National Party that was deemed necessary for a peaceful transition to democracy. This form of restorative justice emphasized reconciliation between perpetrators and victims built ideally on a perpetrator’s repentance and a victim’s forgiveness. Ultimately, it was hoped, the South African nation as a whole would likewise become reconciled.
This concept of a truth commission despite criticisms from some human rights and victims groups has worked for South Africa that went through tremendous upheaval, and needed to heal old wounds and bring closure.
East Timor also known as Timor-Leste, the first new nation of the 21st century is going through a painful struggle to bring national reconcilliation after the country suffered some of the worst atrocities of modern times during the Indonesian occupation. Timor-Leste’s president José Ramos-Horta, who survived an assassination attempt in February 2008, fears that prosecuting those responsible for atrocities could create serious instability in the fledgling state, as well as damage relations with its main trading partner Indonesia.
In a lecture at the MIT's Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, Ramos-Horta who won 1996 Nobel Peace Prize said:
“I’m happy to endure criticism from the ultrapatriots of international justice who want to make East Timor a guinea pig of international justice. I will not be part of that. ... Let’s put all the past behind us -- look after the victims, the wounded, in their minds, bodies and souls, build a country that is deserving of so much sacrifice. Chasing the ghosts of the past leads us nowhere.”
During President Ramos-Horta's recent visit to Maldives, the Maldivian leaders would have learnt about the reconciliation process of Timor-Leste. Such a process acknowledges past mistakes including regret and forgiveness as a product of a path inherent in the process of achieving justice. It is also a process which should break the cycle of accusation, denial and counter-accusation. This process needs to be seen only for conflict resolution and truth should be the final outcome. It seeks justice and not retribution. It should not be used as a political tool to gain political advantage by political parties.
When South Africa emerged from more than four decades of apartheid, they turned to the concept of a truth commission. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is one of the best examples of restorative justice. Established in 1995, the TRC was charged with investigating gross human rights abuses that occurred between 1960 and 1994 so as to create as complete an accounting as possible of the atrocities of that period. Perpetrators were offered amnesty in exchange for full disclosure about their past crimes. This was part of a political compromise between the African National Congress and the outgoing apartheid government led by the National Party that was deemed necessary for a peaceful transition to democracy. This form of restorative justice emphasized reconciliation between perpetrators and victims built ideally on a perpetrator’s repentance and a victim’s forgiveness. Ultimately, it was hoped, the South African nation as a whole would likewise become reconciled.
This concept of a truth commission despite criticisms from some human rights and victims groups has worked for South Africa that went through tremendous upheaval, and needed to heal old wounds and bring closure.
East Timor also known as Timor-Leste, the first new nation of the 21st century is going through a painful struggle to bring national reconcilliation after the country suffered some of the worst atrocities of modern times during the Indonesian occupation. Timor-Leste’s president José Ramos-Horta, who survived an assassination attempt in February 2008, fears that prosecuting those responsible for atrocities could create serious instability in the fledgling state, as well as damage relations with its main trading partner Indonesia.
In a lecture at the MIT's Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship, Ramos-Horta who won 1996 Nobel Peace Prize said:
“I’m happy to endure criticism from the ultrapatriots of international justice who want to make East Timor a guinea pig of international justice. I will not be part of that. ... Let’s put all the past behind us -- look after the victims, the wounded, in their minds, bodies and souls, build a country that is deserving of so much sacrifice. Chasing the ghosts of the past leads us nowhere.”
During President Ramos-Horta's recent visit to Maldives, the Maldivian leaders would have learnt about the reconciliation process of Timor-Leste. Such a process acknowledges past mistakes including regret and forgiveness as a product of a path inherent in the process of achieving justice. It is also a process which should break the cycle of accusation, denial and counter-accusation. This process needs to be seen only for conflict resolution and truth should be the final outcome. It seeks justice and not retribution. It should not be used as a political tool to gain political advantage by political parties.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tiger Woods Played By Different Rules
In the USA, the celebrity-obsessed culture is constantly fed by the mass news media which permeates to far reaching corners of the globe setting trends for the rest of the world to follow this repulsive obsession. The Tiger Woods apology posted on his website has proven yet again that the rich and powerful do have an advantage over the rest of the population- infidelity in relationships included among others.
"I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply," Woods admitted talking about his numerous sexual indiscretions and reckless behaviour. “I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules.”
Tiger Woods has made history on and off the golf course since he joined the PGA Tour in 1996. First up was a record $40 million contract from Nike. The following year he won the Masters by a record 12 strokes, becoming the youngest winner ever and first black player to take the title. His career has been packed full of accomplishments, including major titles (14), annual money titles (9) and Player of the Year awards (9). Woods is also the first athlete to earn $1 billion.
Tiger Woods is now a billion dollar brand. In his carefully scripted self-loathing apology, it is not surprising that Woods also apologized to his business partners.
Behavior expert and physician Drew Pinsky who has co-authored the book "The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America" has given a very interesting take on the cultural influence of celebrity narcissism; a culture whose young emulate the behavior of celebrity models.
In answer to a question in an interview, "What do you mean by the "mirror effect," and why do you say it's a problem?"- Drew says:
"I've been working with celebrities many, many years. I've treated many for chemical dependency and the like. They have profound childhood trauma. It's not something to do with their job or the life they lead. They just happen to be people driven to seek celebrity as a way to make themselves feel better. Then the question becomes, why are we preoccupied with this population? This points toward the mirror. We, too, have been increasingly narcissistic. I speculate that that's what drives us toward this phenomenon of elevating people to almost god-like status. It's not so much that it's the glamour we like focusing on — rather it's the dysfunction. We're taking someone who needs to be a god and making them a god. Then we spend all our energy tearing them down."
Celebrity narcissism, the term narcissism meaning that a person is totally absorbed in self sets a bad example for kids who view these celebrities as role models.
Cricket Star Adam Gilchrist who was nominated as the Australian of the Year has hit out at the obsession with instant celebrities who are famous only for being on YouTube.
Gilchrist urged the nation to embrace role models of substance.
The chairman of the Australia Day Council said only people who showed sustained effort over many years to make Australia a better place should be put on a pedestal.
Gilchrist told a gala dinner at Parliament House, marking the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year award, that celebrity worship was a worry.
"As our obsession with celebrity continues to grow, renown seems to come these days, for some at least, on the back of a few minutes of outrageous behaviour or a funny clip on YouTube," he said.
In the very tightly controlled stage set where Tiger Woods addressed his scandal for the first time, he has also demonstrated how skilled he is at dodging and ducking personal questions. Even though he said that he does not get to play by different rules, by his refusal to take any questions from reporters he has contradicted himself and confirmed that indeed he plays by different rules.
"I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply," Woods admitted talking about his numerous sexual indiscretions and reckless behaviour. “I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules.”
Tiger Woods has made history on and off the golf course since he joined the PGA Tour in 1996. First up was a record $40 million contract from Nike. The following year he won the Masters by a record 12 strokes, becoming the youngest winner ever and first black player to take the title. His career has been packed full of accomplishments, including major titles (14), annual money titles (9) and Player of the Year awards (9). Woods is also the first athlete to earn $1 billion.
Tiger Woods is now a billion dollar brand. In his carefully scripted self-loathing apology, it is not surprising that Woods also apologized to his business partners.
Behavior expert and physician Drew Pinsky who has co-authored the book "The Mirror Effect: How Celebrity Narcissism Is Seducing America" has given a very interesting take on the cultural influence of celebrity narcissism; a culture whose young emulate the behavior of celebrity models.
In answer to a question in an interview, "What do you mean by the "mirror effect," and why do you say it's a problem?"- Drew says:
"I've been working with celebrities many, many years. I've treated many for chemical dependency and the like. They have profound childhood trauma. It's not something to do with their job or the life they lead. They just happen to be people driven to seek celebrity as a way to make themselves feel better. Then the question becomes, why are we preoccupied with this population? This points toward the mirror. We, too, have been increasingly narcissistic. I speculate that that's what drives us toward this phenomenon of elevating people to almost god-like status. It's not so much that it's the glamour we like focusing on — rather it's the dysfunction. We're taking someone who needs to be a god and making them a god. Then we spend all our energy tearing them down."
Celebrity narcissism, the term narcissism meaning that a person is totally absorbed in self sets a bad example for kids who view these celebrities as role models.
Cricket Star Adam Gilchrist who was nominated as the Australian of the Year has hit out at the obsession with instant celebrities who are famous only for being on YouTube.
Gilchrist urged the nation to embrace role models of substance.
The chairman of the Australia Day Council said only people who showed sustained effort over many years to make Australia a better place should be put on a pedestal.
Gilchrist told a gala dinner at Parliament House, marking the 50th anniversary of the Australian of the Year award, that celebrity worship was a worry.
"As our obsession with celebrity continues to grow, renown seems to come these days, for some at least, on the back of a few minutes of outrageous behaviour or a funny clip on YouTube," he said.
In the very tightly controlled stage set where Tiger Woods addressed his scandal for the first time, he has also demonstrated how skilled he is at dodging and ducking personal questions. Even though he said that he does not get to play by different rules, by his refusal to take any questions from reporters he has contradicted himself and confirmed that indeed he plays by different rules.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Ignorance is not always a Bliss
Following article is from the Jakarta Times, marking the World Cancer Day on 4 February 2010.
"The public needs to realize that cancer is often preventable and treatable, including through changes in lifestyle, activists say.
“Many people still believe that when you have cancer you will die, and that’s it,” Melissa Luwia from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) said during a rally to mark World Cancer Day, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The general public also wasn’t fully benefiting from early detection and early treatment of cancer, she said.
“Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, if detected early, can be treated effectively,” Melissa said.
She added that many people were unaware that healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, avoiding overexposure to direct sunlight, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations, could help prevent cancer.
“People should realize that they have, and must make, choices. They can choose to eat food without preservatives, for example,” she said.
According to the International Union Against Cancer, each year more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million die as a result of the disease.
However, 40 percent of cancers are preventable, YKI said. During the rally, YKI members and university students distributed leaflets promoting healthier lifestyles.
They also displayed a banner denouncing smoking, attracting passers-by in the busy area.
“Today we are trying to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking, because it is one of the known causes of lung cancer,” Melissa said.
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Foundation (YLKI) estimates that last year there were around 60 million smokers in Indonesia, and that 427,000 citizens died from smoking-related diseases."
The title of this article refers to an old English proverb- where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise. The phrase is used to mean what you do not know cannot hurt you. It is a quotation from the English poet Thomas Gray born December 26 1716 and died 30 June 1771 taken from the poem:
Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College
"To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn'd alike to groan—
The tender for another's pain,
Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
'Tis folly to be wise."
"The public needs to realize that cancer is often preventable and treatable, including through changes in lifestyle, activists say.
“Many people still believe that when you have cancer you will die, and that’s it,” Melissa Luwia from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) said during a rally to mark World Cancer Day, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The general public also wasn’t fully benefiting from early detection and early treatment of cancer, she said.
“Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, if detected early, can be treated effectively,” Melissa said.
She added that many people were unaware that healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, avoiding overexposure to direct sunlight, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations, could help prevent cancer.
“People should realize that they have, and must make, choices. They can choose to eat food without preservatives, for example,” she said.
According to the International Union Against Cancer, each year more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million die as a result of the disease.
However, 40 percent of cancers are preventable, YKI said. During the rally, YKI members and university students distributed leaflets promoting healthier lifestyles.
They also displayed a banner denouncing smoking, attracting passers-by in the busy area.
“Today we are trying to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking, because it is one of the known causes of lung cancer,” Melissa said.
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Foundation (YLKI) estimates that last year there were around 60 million smokers in Indonesia, and that 427,000 citizens died from smoking-related diseases."
The title of this article refers to an old English proverb- where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise. The phrase is used to mean what you do not know cannot hurt you. It is a quotation from the English poet Thomas Gray born December 26 1716 and died 30 June 1771 taken from the poem:
Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College
"To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn'd alike to groan—
The tender for another's pain,
Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
'Tis folly to be wise."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Liberty without Wisdom and without Virtue!
But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue?
It is the greatest of all possible evils;
for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint.
-- Edmund Burke
(1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker
Source: Reflections on the Revolution in France
Link: Liberty Quotes
It is the greatest of all possible evils;
for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint.
-- Edmund Burke
(1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman, parliamentary orator, and political thinker
Source: Reflections on the Revolution in France
Link: Liberty Quotes
Friday, February 05, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Has the Global Warming been Exeggarated?
The UN’s top climate change body, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has made a stunning admission. It has issued an unprecedented apology over its flawed prediction that Himalayan glaciers were likely to disappear by 2035. It has now emerged that the prediction in its landmark 2007 report was “poorly substantiated” and resulted from a lapse in standards. “In drafting the paragraph in question the clear and well-established standards of evidence, required by the IPCC procedures, were not applied properly,” the panel said. “The chair, vice-chair and co-chairs of the IPCC regret the poor application of IPCC procedures in this instance.”
So, in the global warming debate- is the debate not over after all?
So, in the global warming debate- is the debate not over after all?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
When Top Egos Clash..
First it was the reduction of the bloated bureaucracy that created the bad blood between the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Ministry of Finance. The CSC then felt short changed when they realised that only the civil servants had agreed to reduce their salaries while the other independent commissions and the members of the parliament had refused to do so. Now the gigantic egos of the two powerful bodies,- the CSC and the Ministry of Finance has met with a headlong collision over the restoration of the civil servants pay cut. Given this worsening situation in relations, the spirit of negotiation and compromise has come to a dead end.
Without consulting the Ministry of Finance, the CSC has announced that the Finance Ministry’s agreement to reduce civil servants’ salary for three months is now over, and that all civil servants must receive their full salary starting from January. The CSC has directed the permanent secretaries to send the salary sheets to the Finance Ministry with the restored wage levels, warning that employees who do not comply with this directive will be held liable for their failure. The Finance Ministry hit back by threatening legal action against government payroll officers who failed to fill out a reduced salary sheet, charging that the "special circumstances" which made it necessary to reduce the civil servants salaries are still not over. Both agencies have failed to carry out the review of the three month-period of this special circumstance. It appears the CSC has jumped the gun and restored the salary. Not only have both government agencies forgotten to keep their egos in check, they also have threatened to take action against the payroll officers. The payroll officers are in a no win situation, whether they prepare the wage sheets with increased salaries as demanded by the CSC or if they prepare the wage sheets with the reduced salaries as demanded by the Finance Ministry.
No one expects the rival political parties who cordially despise each other's policies, character and integrity to soft-pedal on this type of controversy. The political knives are out to increase the heat, embarrass and cause the maximum damage to the government. With the vested interests of the opposition parties vying for political power, what we see is bitter partisanship and political wrangling. Instead of building our democracy based on the values of freedom, equality and justice, our society has become more polarised than ever before . The hopes of seeing the dawn of a new liberal age are fast fading away. Antagonistic politics can quickly lead to volatile social problems. Unless cooler and responsible heads can prevail, there is a danger that the building blocks of our nascent democracy could spin out of control.
Without consulting the Ministry of Finance, the CSC has announced that the Finance Ministry’s agreement to reduce civil servants’ salary for three months is now over, and that all civil servants must receive their full salary starting from January. The CSC has directed the permanent secretaries to send the salary sheets to the Finance Ministry with the restored wage levels, warning that employees who do not comply with this directive will be held liable for their failure. The Finance Ministry hit back by threatening legal action against government payroll officers who failed to fill out a reduced salary sheet, charging that the "special circumstances" which made it necessary to reduce the civil servants salaries are still not over. Both agencies have failed to carry out the review of the three month-period of this special circumstance. It appears the CSC has jumped the gun and restored the salary. Not only have both government agencies forgotten to keep their egos in check, they also have threatened to take action against the payroll officers. The payroll officers are in a no win situation, whether they prepare the wage sheets with increased salaries as demanded by the CSC or if they prepare the wage sheets with the reduced salaries as demanded by the Finance Ministry.
No one expects the rival political parties who cordially despise each other's policies, character and integrity to soft-pedal on this type of controversy. The political knives are out to increase the heat, embarrass and cause the maximum damage to the government. With the vested interests of the opposition parties vying for political power, what we see is bitter partisanship and political wrangling. Instead of building our democracy based on the values of freedom, equality and justice, our society has become more polarised than ever before . The hopes of seeing the dawn of a new liberal age are fast fading away. Antagonistic politics can quickly lead to volatile social problems. Unless cooler and responsible heads can prevail, there is a danger that the building blocks of our nascent democracy could spin out of control.
Monday, January 18, 2010
At Stake is Not Only Justice
The real political drama that brought the change of government in Maldives after President Nasheed won the first multi-party presidential contest over a year back, has begun to unfold last week with the launch of the 'Torture Victims Association', a Non Governmental Organisation(NGO).
The new President, himself a torture victim has not been able to get the independent Human Rights Commission of Maldives(HRCM) to look into the grievances of the alleged custodial torture victims and human rights violations that took place before 2002. The newly formed NGO seeks to build up pressure, calling for justice and accountability. The HRCM is concerned on the divisive impact of such an investigation on the national unity of our society, especially if it is done on political party lines.
The idea of a South African-style Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), with powers to conduct investigations has been suggested. A TRC would need the cooperation and participation of all political parties, if we are to move beyond the acrimonious manner in which we have dealt with our past presidents- Our first president Mohamed Amin Didi is credited for introducing modern education and our second president Ibrahim Nasir took the country forward in tourism and development. Mohamed Amin was lynched by the mob in Male' and battered to death in 1954. After Ibrahim Nasir handed over power in a peaceful transition to the third president in 1978, he was hounded off the streets of Male' and forced into exile. In both incidents, some of the older generation politicians fed into the anger and frustrations of disgruntled citizens who resorted to street violence and mob justice. Now it is the opportunity for a new generation of leaders to rise up to the occasion and view things in a more civilized manner. How should justice be meted out to the outgoing regime for the serious allegations levelled at them? There has to be an independent process including the judicial system for those who are seeking redress for torture and violations of their human rights.
Why has our society become so intolerant when seeking justice? What is at stake is not only justice, but also our ability as a nation to up hold the rule of law- given our chequered reputation for politically motivated violence.
Here is what is stated on the Thomas Paine Blog -On Politics vs. Leadership worth some reflection.
"A little matter will move a party, but it must be something great that moves a nation."
-Thomas Paine, Rights of Man
Political polarization is not the path to true leadership. When politics refuses to go beyond party at all costs, it remains small, unable to lead. Greatness and leadership is usually found outside the boundaries and comfort of party.
The new President, himself a torture victim has not been able to get the independent Human Rights Commission of Maldives(HRCM) to look into the grievances of the alleged custodial torture victims and human rights violations that took place before 2002. The newly formed NGO seeks to build up pressure, calling for justice and accountability. The HRCM is concerned on the divisive impact of such an investigation on the national unity of our society, especially if it is done on political party lines.
The idea of a South African-style Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), with powers to conduct investigations has been suggested. A TRC would need the cooperation and participation of all political parties, if we are to move beyond the acrimonious manner in which we have dealt with our past presidents- Our first president Mohamed Amin Didi is credited for introducing modern education and our second president Ibrahim Nasir took the country forward in tourism and development. Mohamed Amin was lynched by the mob in Male' and battered to death in 1954. After Ibrahim Nasir handed over power in a peaceful transition to the third president in 1978, he was hounded off the streets of Male' and forced into exile. In both incidents, some of the older generation politicians fed into the anger and frustrations of disgruntled citizens who resorted to street violence and mob justice. Now it is the opportunity for a new generation of leaders to rise up to the occasion and view things in a more civilized manner. How should justice be meted out to the outgoing regime for the serious allegations levelled at them? There has to be an independent process including the judicial system for those who are seeking redress for torture and violations of their human rights.
Why has our society become so intolerant when seeking justice? What is at stake is not only justice, but also our ability as a nation to up hold the rule of law- given our chequered reputation for politically motivated violence.
Here is what is stated on the Thomas Paine Blog -On Politics vs. Leadership worth some reflection.
"A little matter will move a party, but it must be something great that moves a nation."
-Thomas Paine, Rights of Man
Political polarization is not the path to true leadership. When politics refuses to go beyond party at all costs, it remains small, unable to lead. Greatness and leadership is usually found outside the boundaries and comfort of party.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
One bucket of water for Tendulkar's bath!
Here's how Sachin Tendulkar, India's cricket star is promoting to conserve water. The master blaster is involved in a civic campaign that emphasises on the need to conserve water in Mumbai. The six lakes from which Mumbai gets its supply of water is unable to sustain the city's need of more than 20 million people- a perennial water shortage problem amplified last year by the less-than-average monsoon rains.
The main civic body responsible for the city's water supply, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has to cut its water supplies and Mumbai residents are struggling to cope with water shortages. As water woes continue, the Municipal Authority wants to spread the message to Mumbai residents- use every drop of water without any wastage. Here is Tendulkar's message.
"By his own admission, using just a bucketful of water - to waste a minimum quantity of the precious liquid.
He made the admission while shooting for a half-minute social awareness message for Mumbaikars to save precious water. Mumbai suffered a monsoon deficit last year, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has shot the clip to spread awareness among the Mumbai residents.
Sachin advised the people they must take only that quantity of water in a glass they require to drink and not waste it.
Elaborating, Sachin also said that his family has given up the luxury of shower for taking bath. Instead, each family member used just a bucketful of water for the daily bath, an official of the BMC said.
In the ad, Sachin will stress the need to conserve water to save the city, which is already plagued by nearly 30 percent water cuts - and faces the threat of more cuts in future.
Speaking in Hindi and Marathi, Sachin will convey an identical message "Paani ki raksha, Mumbai ki suraksha" in the ad shot by Eureka Films for BMC.
The commercial, directed by Meghnath Kulkarni, is expected to hit cinemas and television screens in the next 10 days. Sachin is the BMC's brand ambassador for water conservation." Link
The main civic body responsible for the city's water supply, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has to cut its water supplies and Mumbai residents are struggling to cope with water shortages. As water woes continue, the Municipal Authority wants to spread the message to Mumbai residents- use every drop of water without any wastage. Here is Tendulkar's message.
"By his own admission, using just a bucketful of water - to waste a minimum quantity of the precious liquid.
He made the admission while shooting for a half-minute social awareness message for Mumbaikars to save precious water. Mumbai suffered a monsoon deficit last year, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has shot the clip to spread awareness among the Mumbai residents.
Sachin advised the people they must take only that quantity of water in a glass they require to drink and not waste it.
Elaborating, Sachin also said that his family has given up the luxury of shower for taking bath. Instead, each family member used just a bucketful of water for the daily bath, an official of the BMC said.
In the ad, Sachin will stress the need to conserve water to save the city, which is already plagued by nearly 30 percent water cuts - and faces the threat of more cuts in future.
Speaking in Hindi and Marathi, Sachin will convey an identical message "Paani ki raksha, Mumbai ki suraksha" in the ad shot by Eureka Films for BMC.
The commercial, directed by Meghnath Kulkarni, is expected to hit cinemas and television screens in the next 10 days. Sachin is the BMC's brand ambassador for water conservation." Link
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Takaful or Islamic Insurance pays off
As reported in Business Times Malaysia Wednesday, HSBC Amanah Takaful (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the Islamic insurance arm of HSBC Bank Malaysia Bhd, saw its regular premium collections double in the last six months, after shifting to traditional insurance products from single premium investment-linked plans. Chief executive officer Zainuddin Ishak said the move had allowed the takaful operator to collect RM30 million in regular premiums in a six-month period compared with RM15 million in the preceding six months.
This news comes on the heels of the recent announcement about the imminent relocation of Mukhtar Hussain, the global head of HSBC Amanah, the Islamic banking division of the HSBC Group, to Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, raising the question whether the Malaysian capital is set to become the headquarters for HSBC’s Islamic finance business? Hussain has hitherto been located in Dubai, the traditional global headquarters of HSBC Amanah.
Hussain will be the CEO of HSBC Malaysia Berhad in addition to being the global head of HSBC Amanah Bank and the chairman of HSBC Amanah Malaysia.
This is a recognition by the HSBC Group that the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) is one of the major hubs for Islamic finance and that Malaysia is an important promoter of islamic finance.
The principles of takaful, or Islamic insurance are:
1)Policyholders cooperate among themselves for their common good.
2)Every policyholder pays his subscription to help those that need assistance.
3)Losses are divided and liabilities spread according to the community pooling system.
4)Uncertainty is eliminated in respect of subscription and compensation.
5)It does not derive advantage at the cost of others.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Pork barrel politics in Maldives?
As we see happening in several representative democracies of the world, Maldives too has embraced the concept of pork barrel politics at the expense of broader public good. The term "pork barrel" - which originated in United States refers to "appropriations secured by Congressmen for local projects." Typically, "pork" involves funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated in a particular area but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers. (Wikipedia)
The Rf11.9 billion mid-term budget for 2010 has been passed by the parliament, the legislative body, after including Rf800 million which was added following a parliamentary committee review. This is in addition to the Rf4 billion deficit in the budget proposed to parliament by the government. The Minister of Finance has informed the parliament that he will not be responsible to secure funds for the additional expenditure included by the parliament.
A responsible government budget is necessary to maintain economic stability of the country. If the government spends more than it gets and continues to print money to make up for shortfalls, it will eventually lead to inflation and set off a serious decline of the rufiyaa.
With the separation of powers, the Legislature or the Parliament makes the laws, and supervises the activities of the other two arms- the Executive and the Judiciary-with a view to changing the laws when appropriate.
Now that the parliament has forced the hand of the of government compromising the separation of powers and adding to increasing political chaos, how does the parliament wish to hold the government accountable for the Rf800 million included by them? Parliament wants the government to spend this money- public money on among other things to restore civil servants pay and subsidise private media.
If the opposition in the parliament is doing this to derail government efforts to secure financing from international institutions, it creates a more dangerous tendency. It may lead the way for members of the parliament to practice the US style pork-barrel politics, to carry out their pet projects using government funds in return for their constituents loyalty.
Although we now have the framework for a representative democracy-i.e., elected individuals representing the people, our society is more sharply divided on political party lines. The political parties engage in a bitter adversarial struggle to regain power or to remain in power. Rather than a simple dynamics - involving only voters, candidates, and issues - we get a dynamics based on competing factions. Political parties compete for funding, support and for voter loyalty; grassroots movements, special-interest groups, and wealthy elite factions compete amongst one another to influence public opinion and government policy, etc. People have no control over what their "representatives" do. Wealthy elites, with their ability to fund campaigns - and in various ways to influence candidates, the economy, the press, and government officials - end up having a distinct advantage in the competition among factions.
The Rf11.9 billion mid-term budget for 2010 has been passed by the parliament, the legislative body, after including Rf800 million which was added following a parliamentary committee review. This is in addition to the Rf4 billion deficit in the budget proposed to parliament by the government. The Minister of Finance has informed the parliament that he will not be responsible to secure funds for the additional expenditure included by the parliament.
A responsible government budget is necessary to maintain economic stability of the country. If the government spends more than it gets and continues to print money to make up for shortfalls, it will eventually lead to inflation and set off a serious decline of the rufiyaa.
With the separation of powers, the Legislature or the Parliament makes the laws, and supervises the activities of the other two arms- the Executive and the Judiciary-with a view to changing the laws when appropriate.
Now that the parliament has forced the hand of the of government compromising the separation of powers and adding to increasing political chaos, how does the parliament wish to hold the government accountable for the Rf800 million included by them? Parliament wants the government to spend this money- public money on among other things to restore civil servants pay and subsidise private media.
If the opposition in the parliament is doing this to derail government efforts to secure financing from international institutions, it creates a more dangerous tendency. It may lead the way for members of the parliament to practice the US style pork-barrel politics, to carry out their pet projects using government funds in return for their constituents loyalty.
Although we now have the framework for a representative democracy-i.e., elected individuals representing the people, our society is more sharply divided on political party lines. The political parties engage in a bitter adversarial struggle to regain power or to remain in power. Rather than a simple dynamics - involving only voters, candidates, and issues - we get a dynamics based on competing factions. Political parties compete for funding, support and for voter loyalty; grassroots movements, special-interest groups, and wealthy elite factions compete amongst one another to influence public opinion and government policy, etc. People have no control over what their "representatives" do. Wealthy elites, with their ability to fund campaigns - and in various ways to influence candidates, the economy, the press, and government officials - end up having a distinct advantage in the competition among factions.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Climate Talks stalled due to lack of Trust
China, India and other developing nations blocked U.N. climate talks on Monday, bringing negotiations to a halt with their demand that rich countries discuss much deeper cuts in their greenhouse gas emissions.
Representatives from developing countries — a bloc of 135 nations — said they refused to participate in any working groups at the 192-nation summit until the issue was resolved.
The move was a setback for the Copenhagen talks, which were already faltering over long-running disputes between rich and poor nations over emissions cuts and financing for developing countries to deal with climate change.
More on this article of AP.
A group of US Republican lawmakers have banded together and they are going to arrive Copenhagen to try to block President Barack Obama's efforts to push for mandatory reductions in greenhouse gases.
Representatives from developing countries — a bloc of 135 nations — said they refused to participate in any working groups at the 192-nation summit until the issue was resolved.
The move was a setback for the Copenhagen talks, which were already faltering over long-running disputes between rich and poor nations over emissions cuts and financing for developing countries to deal with climate change.
More on this article of AP.
A group of US Republican lawmakers have banded together and they are going to arrive Copenhagen to try to block President Barack Obama's efforts to push for mandatory reductions in greenhouse gases.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Blatter's 'moral compensation' to the Irish
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Thursday that he wants to offer a special award for Ireland- a 'moral compensation' after Ireland lost a World Cup spot to France when a handball from the French captain Thierry Henry led to a decisive goal.
On the day Blatter announced that World Cup teams will receive at least $9 million for taking part in the competition, he insisted that a monetary reward would not be appropriate to pay the Irish.
The Irish never asked for a financial compensation or even a moral compensation. They wanted a place in the world cup contest. To talk about a moral compensation in the world cup dominated by powerful forces of sponsorship and big money just like any other big business that is bereft of morality is really a farce.
Earlier in the week Blatter urged players and coaches to "observe fair play", calling on them to understand that doing the right thing on the pitch has "social and cultural value" and commanding them to "be an example to the rest of the world".
This call for honour came just days after he revealed that Thierry Henry wasn’t to blame for his cheating which cost Ireland a place at the World Cup finals.
Blatter also revealed that he telephoned the France captain to offer him support “because he tried to get in touch with me.”
Blatter added: "He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee. In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
Thierry Henery admitted to the hand ball only after the match was over. If Thierry Henry was so honest, he should have told the referee who did not see the hand ball before the match was over. Then the goal would not have stood and Ireland had the chance to go to the world cup.
It is difficult to understand Blatter's intellectual reasoning. What kind of a message does this controversy send considering the fairplay and honesty that Blatter talked about?
On the day Blatter announced that World Cup teams will receive at least $9 million for taking part in the competition, he insisted that a monetary reward would not be appropriate to pay the Irish.
The Irish never asked for a financial compensation or even a moral compensation. They wanted a place in the world cup contest. To talk about a moral compensation in the world cup dominated by powerful forces of sponsorship and big money just like any other big business that is bereft of morality is really a farce.
Earlier in the week Blatter urged players and coaches to "observe fair play", calling on them to understand that doing the right thing on the pitch has "social and cultural value" and commanding them to "be an example to the rest of the world".
This call for honour came just days after he revealed that Thierry Henry wasn’t to blame for his cheating which cost Ireland a place at the World Cup finals.
Blatter also revealed that he telephoned the France captain to offer him support “because he tried to get in touch with me.”
Blatter added: "He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee. In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
Thierry Henery admitted to the hand ball only after the match was over. If Thierry Henry was so honest, he should have told the referee who did not see the hand ball before the match was over. Then the goal would not have stood and Ireland had the chance to go to the world cup.
It is difficult to understand Blatter's intellectual reasoning. What kind of a message does this controversy send considering the fairplay and honesty that Blatter talked about?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Dubai as finance hub faces first test
Dubai's ambitions to become an international financial centre are in doubt after the shock announcement that its main state-owned firm wants to suspend debt payments, analysts said on Sunday.
"What happens next and, more pertinently, how critical decisions are disclosed will cement its continuing credibility and its place as a financial centre," said Cubillas Ding, senior analyst at Celent research and consultancy group.
"Dubai's untested financial legal system is now facing its first real test in relation to how it deals with the international community. No one wants to play in a playground where the rules are unclear," he said.
Dubai International Financial Centre, a 110-acre (44.5 hectare) free trade zone which opened in 2004, prides itself on its website as "the world's fastest growing international financial centre."
More on this AFP article.
"What happens next and, more pertinently, how critical decisions are disclosed will cement its continuing credibility and its place as a financial centre," said Cubillas Ding, senior analyst at Celent research and consultancy group.
"Dubai's untested financial legal system is now facing its first real test in relation to how it deals with the international community. No one wants to play in a playground where the rules are unclear," he said.
Dubai International Financial Centre, a 110-acre (44.5 hectare) free trade zone which opened in 2004, prides itself on its website as "the world's fastest growing international financial centre."
More on this AFP article.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Better citizens--not politicians--can solve our nation's problems. Thomas Friedman
Tom Friedman Explains Causes Of America's 'Sub-Optimal Solutions' (VIDEO) in The Huffington Post, it reads : New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman is worried that America is producing "sub-optimal solutions" to big problems like global warming, an education system in decline and a weak economy.
The author of Hot, Flat, and Crowded appeared on The Charlie Rose Show on Friday night to discuss President Obama's recent trip to Asia, and more specifically China. Friedman lamented the failure of US governance and the "forces of paralysis" that surround President Obama. He is worried that China's streamlined, one-party system will be in a better place to implement solutions to large global problems more quickly than the US.
Holding us back, Friedman argues, is a political system too closely connected with money and well-funded interests. Gerrymandering on the part of politicians makes it so that our leaders practically pick us, not the other way around. Friedman also thinks cable news television distorts the truth and that the internet (at its worst) can be a terrible thing for our nation's politics. He also says American businesses have gone AWOL, and hover over America, participating only when it suits their industry's needs.
Friedman says that better citizens--not politicians--can solve our nation's problems.
The author of Hot, Flat, and Crowded appeared on The Charlie Rose Show on Friday night to discuss President Obama's recent trip to Asia, and more specifically China. Friedman lamented the failure of US governance and the "forces of paralysis" that surround President Obama. He is worried that China's streamlined, one-party system will be in a better place to implement solutions to large global problems more quickly than the US.
Holding us back, Friedman argues, is a political system too closely connected with money and well-funded interests. Gerrymandering on the part of politicians makes it so that our leaders practically pick us, not the other way around. Friedman also thinks cable news television distorts the truth and that the internet (at its worst) can be a terrible thing for our nation's politics. He also says American businesses have gone AWOL, and hover over America, participating only when it suits their industry's needs.
Friedman says that better citizens--not politicians--can solve our nation's problems.
Friday, November 20, 2009
A Victory by Cheating in the Beautiful Game
One of Europe's leading football players, French superstar Thierry Henry who has a good reputation for fair play- up to the "Hand of God II" incident - has confessed he cheated to rob Irish of a World Cup place. The France striker used his hand twice to control the ball before crossing for William Gallas to head home in extra-time during their World Cup play-off on Thursday.
This incident is reminiscent of Diego Maradona's infamous Hand of God goal when Maradona scored the winning goal to defeat England in a 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match.
Thierry Henry has tarnished his reputation for good. Argentina's Diego Maradona an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, despite his talent is considered one of the sports most controversial figures for various reasons including his use of drugs. Thierry Henry is one of the finest strikers of today's game twice nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year, was named the Profeesional Football Association Players' Player of the Year twice, and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year three times.
Thierry Henry has missed an opportunity to set a higher standard by admitting to the referee that he had handled the ball. The goal would not have stood and he would have earned the admiration of the entire sporting world. But he didn’t do it. He knew that he had done wrong, but he put his team's interest ahead of doing what was right. Now he has shattered his squeaky-clean image as an ambassador for football.
From what we see on the football pitch- players diving for penalties, dangerous fouls to hand balls- and off the pitch from the violence that show the ugly side of the game, it is clear generally that the beautiful game no longer exists. World Cup Football has become the world's biggest sports spectacle driven by the money and power of big business, sponsorships and merchandising. The pressure to win at all costs has killed the beautiful game.
Even Brazil known to play the beautiful game have abandoned their open and flowing style of the game to adopt the more physical style of the game played in Europe.
Tele Santana, one of Brazil's greatest coaches who led Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and guided Sao Paulo to two successive wins in the Libertadores Cup in the early 1990s is reported to have said: "I'd rather lose the game than tell my team to foul, kick the opponents or win with an illegitimate goal. "
Santana was widely respected for his sense of fair play and his refusal to use rough-arm tactics.
The qualities that the late Santana espoused seems to have been confined to history.
This incident is reminiscent of Diego Maradona's infamous Hand of God goal when Maradona scored the winning goal to defeat England in a 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match.
Thierry Henry has tarnished his reputation for good. Argentina's Diego Maradona an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, despite his talent is considered one of the sports most controversial figures for various reasons including his use of drugs. Thierry Henry is one of the finest strikers of today's game twice nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year, was named the Profeesional Football Association Players' Player of the Year twice, and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year three times.
Thierry Henry has missed an opportunity to set a higher standard by admitting to the referee that he had handled the ball. The goal would not have stood and he would have earned the admiration of the entire sporting world. But he didn’t do it. He knew that he had done wrong, but he put his team's interest ahead of doing what was right. Now he has shattered his squeaky-clean image as an ambassador for football.
From what we see on the football pitch- players diving for penalties, dangerous fouls to hand balls- and off the pitch from the violence that show the ugly side of the game, it is clear generally that the beautiful game no longer exists. World Cup Football has become the world's biggest sports spectacle driven by the money and power of big business, sponsorships and merchandising. The pressure to win at all costs has killed the beautiful game.
Even Brazil known to play the beautiful game have abandoned their open and flowing style of the game to adopt the more physical style of the game played in Europe.
Tele Santana, one of Brazil's greatest coaches who led Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and guided Sao Paulo to two successive wins in the Libertadores Cup in the early 1990s is reported to have said: "I'd rather lose the game than tell my team to foul, kick the opponents or win with an illegitimate goal. "
Santana was widely respected for his sense of fair play and his refusal to use rough-arm tactics.
The qualities that the late Santana espoused seems to have been confined to history.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
UN Chief Warns of Increasing Global Hunger
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon opened the three-day UN World Food Security summit in Rome Monday, warning the international community that the world cannot achieve food security without first tackling global warming.
Mr. Ban said the human cost of the food crisis has been enormous. Millions of families have been pushed into poverty and hunger. In the past year, food insecurity has affected about 30 countries.
The U.N. secretary general said there can be no food security without climate security.
"The food crisis is a wake-up call for tomorrow. By 2050 our planet may be the home of 9.1 billion people, over two billion more than today," he said. "At a time when the global population is growing, our global climate is changing. By 2050 we will need to grow 70 percent more food, yet weather is becoming more extreme and unpredictable," he said.
Mr. Ban said a comprehensive agreement is needed at a climate change summit next month in Copenhagen. Such an accord, he said, must provide a firm foundation for a legally binding treaty on climate change.
FAO Director General Jacques Diouf gave a clear picture of the numbers involved.
"One billion hungry people, that is one of every group of six persons in the world, 105 million more than in 2008, five children dying every 30 seconds. Beyond numbers this means suffering for each of these human beings," he said (Link)
As the world's top leaders including the US President Barack Obama have not turned up for this summit, there are fears that the new commitments to deal with the food crisis may not materialise. The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is the only leader of a G8 country attending the summit. Italy of course is hosting the summit.
Mr. Ban said the human cost of the food crisis has been enormous. Millions of families have been pushed into poverty and hunger. In the past year, food insecurity has affected about 30 countries.
The U.N. secretary general said there can be no food security without climate security.
"The food crisis is a wake-up call for tomorrow. By 2050 our planet may be the home of 9.1 billion people, over two billion more than today," he said. "At a time when the global population is growing, our global climate is changing. By 2050 we will need to grow 70 percent more food, yet weather is becoming more extreme and unpredictable," he said.
Mr. Ban said a comprehensive agreement is needed at a climate change summit next month in Copenhagen. Such an accord, he said, must provide a firm foundation for a legally binding treaty on climate change.
FAO Director General Jacques Diouf gave a clear picture of the numbers involved.
"One billion hungry people, that is one of every group of six persons in the world, 105 million more than in 2008, five children dying every 30 seconds. Beyond numbers this means suffering for each of these human beings," he said (Link)
As the world's top leaders including the US President Barack Obama have not turned up for this summit, there are fears that the new commitments to deal with the food crisis may not materialise. The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is the only leader of a G8 country attending the summit. Italy of course is hosting the summit.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Nov 13 - World Kindness Day
According to the World Kindness Movement, "The purpose of World Kindness Day is to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realise we are citizens of the world. As world citizens we have a commonality, and must realise that if progress is to be made in human relations and endeavours, if we are to achieve the goal of peaceful coexistence, we must focus on what we have in common. "
Countries that celebrate the World Kindness Day this year include Canada, Japan, Australia, India, Scotland, Nigeria ,United Arab Emirates and Singapore. The Singapore Kindness Movement celebrating the World Kindness Day for the first time is distributing 45,000 yellow daisies meant to motivate the public to show appreciation for acts of kindness.
People like to feel recognised and appreciated. Saying 'thank you' has become a competitive advantage in business these days in the fast-paced world we live in. Those who practise personal gratitude in life- to parents, friends and others will find it easier to do so in the business world- from the sales person to the executives who close deals worth millions of dollars.
A thank you note expressing gratitude creates a strong incentive for the recpient to stay connected.
It has also become good business for business owners and managers to thank their employees for a job well done.
Countries that celebrate the World Kindness Day this year include Canada, Japan, Australia, India, Scotland, Nigeria ,United Arab Emirates and Singapore. The Singapore Kindness Movement celebrating the World Kindness Day for the first time is distributing 45,000 yellow daisies meant to motivate the public to show appreciation for acts of kindness.
People like to feel recognised and appreciated. Saying 'thank you' has become a competitive advantage in business these days in the fast-paced world we live in. Those who practise personal gratitude in life- to parents, friends and others will find it easier to do so in the business world- from the sales person to the executives who close deals worth millions of dollars.
A thank you note expressing gratitude creates a strong incentive for the recpient to stay connected.
It has also become good business for business owners and managers to thank their employees for a job well done.
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