"Master of The Game" claims Dictator Gayyoom :: Maldives News :: Dhivehi Observer

Editorial

"Master of The Game" claims Dictator Gayyoom

By the Dhivehi Observer editorial team, June 29, 2006

Many of us have over the years blamed others for the mismanagement, corruption and crimes of Gayyoom, now famously known as the World's Secret Dictatorship. However, the truth of the matter is that, as recently reaffirmed by Gayyoom himself, he is the key man and the final decision maker. Nothing can be done within his system without his full support and approval. In some serious cases, especially when dealing with his opponents and dissidents who rise against him, everything is carried out on his direct instructions, which include the kind of torture these opponents should be subjected to, for how long and their sentencing with or without trial. Yes, it is all up to the Master of The Game.

Many in his circle have given him ideas, explained to him the importance of real democratic reform, the consequences of international pressure and above all, the resentment of the people of the Maldives but he dismisses all of these saying "I am the Master of The Game, I know what I am doing," confirmed a very close associate of the Dictator.

For over 25 years, Gayyoom had been able to hide behind a wall of power, which included total control on the media and running the nation as a police state. Arbitrary arrests, torture and intimidation is the name of the game, as far as this Baathist Dictator was concerned but every tale has an end and he is nearing his now.

The events of September 2003, gave the Maldivians their first real glimpse into Gayoom's heinous crimes that he began to commit as soon as he took power back in 1978. The brutalised body of Evan Naseem and bullet ridden skull of Abdulla Ameen, the missing fingers of Faseeh, blood covered bodies of other Maldivians, were just too much for us Maldivians to witness and remain quite about. As these events took place at a time of real advances in information technology, especially the internet and digital imaging, despite Gayyoom's attempts to control the news, he failed miserably and the world had been informed by international media.

Under pressure, local and international, Gayyoom, the Master of The Game, thought he could deceive everyone by announcing his 'Sweeping Reform' agenda in June 2004, over 2 years ago. He was under the impression that he could influence the constitutional assembly and appease the international community as well as the locals by pretending to be amending the constitution, separation of powers, etc. However, again he failed to achieve any of that. In 2 years, he has not been able to carry out even one of the pledges he made in the so called Sweeping Reform Agenda back in June 2004.

The movement calling for democratic change and respect for human rights, which took the form of the Maldivian Democratic Party, has played a major role in waking up the people of the Maldives by informing them of their rights and the need for their full participation in the changes that should be taking place in the country. In addition to that, the movement also keeps the international community engaged by updating them about the pace of change and the obstacles created by Gayyoom and his cronies.

The Banana boys of the so called New Maldives group might believe these claims by Gayyoom. He maybe the Master of 'The Game' but perhaps he should ask himself another question. What really is The Game he is playing, which he claims to be the Master of? If it is ruthless dictatorship, then he can remain the master of the game but not for long, as it is a game that will never been won by its masters. It is a game destined to fail, a game on the decline, a game that has no winners, only losers.