:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Presidential Palace Theemuge should be converted to the University of Maldives

Editorial by A.S.I.Moosa (Sappe'), 16th October 2004

When Gayyoom came to power in 1978, secondary standard was the highest education level in Maldives and it was only available in the capital Male'. Today after 26 years, the situation remains the same. It is clear testimony to the failure of this regime to educate people adequately and build a productive workforce - an essential tool for development.

With the economic diversification in Maldives over the past two decades, this lack of higher education has been a deliberate plot by Gayyoom to keep the population of Maldives under control by not educating the population and empowering them. The owner of Haveeru and retired Minister of Youth and Sports (and one of Gayyoom and Nasreena's closest friends) Zahir Hussein taught Islam at the Science and Education Centre. There, he used to say to his classes, 'Education is for the privileged few'.

Gayyoom's brother-in-law, head of the National Council for Linguistic and Historical Research and Gayyoom's new speaker for the emasculated Special Majlis, Abbas Ibrahim has appeared on Maldives TV saying, 'Fishermen's sons should be fishermen.'

Ignorance helps Gayyoom stay in power. The majority of Maldivians are deprived of decent education. A literacy rate of 100% is not something to boast about when the reading level of many Maldivians is primary standard, and there is nothing to read anyway.

For a small country like Maldives, still among the least developed in the world, a grand multi-million dollar palace is a clear sign of abuse of power and a thieving dictatorship.

The people of Maldives have suffered enormously over the past 27 years. Public services have always been cut to ensure that the Gayyoom ruling family circle live a lavish lifestyle. Gayyoom treats the wealth of the country as his own bank account.

After the fall of Gayyoom, one of the key areas requiring development is the Education sector. The incoming government must show an uncompromising commitment to develop the talents and skills of its people. The people of the country should share equally in the country's wealth. Maldives only has a small population of 300,000. It is an Islamic country that preaches love and respect among its people. So why are so many islanders treated like slaves and fools?

A university is definitely needed in Maldives. Look at the money the country spends, begs and borrows to pay overseas universities and landlords! That money should be invested in education here. Overseas academics would love to spend a year or two teaching in Maldives. Our environment and friendly people would attract them at reasonable pay rates. But something like this would take real vision, not the propaganda and lies that Gayyoom spouts.

Gayyoom's palace would have to be a suitable building for a University of Maldives. It has lecture theatres and administrative offices under one roof. Converting the Presidential Palace into a university complex would be a fitting gesture for any decent government.

Similarly, the President's Office is at present another grotesque monument to Gayyoom's financial and planning failures. It should be converted into an education centre for training teachers and other government employees for work in the islands of Maldives where their skills are sorely needed. Until the education system is developed fully in the islands, the National Security Services' Shaheed Hussain Adam Building should be used as a boarding place for students who come from the islands to study in Male'.

There are lots of ways people can develop the education sector even now. For example, why can't resort owners start O level and A level classes in subjects like Maths, English and Economics or Business Studies for their under-paid employees. They can employ a couple of teachers and accommodate them in the resort. Teachers would fight for positions like that. The room boys, waiters, kitchen hands and office staff would be able to enrol and attend classes and sit their exams. This setup would cost the millionaire resort owners only a fraction of their profits each year. In return they will be fulfilling the lifelong dream of thousands of Maldivians, providing them with a job and the means to advance their employment opportunities.

Within one year of being in government, a new MDP administration in Maldives should ensure that basic education to Ordinary level (middle level high school) is accessible to all students. Similarly, it must commit to providing access to A level education within two years of taking office. We don’t need more fake 5, 10, 15, or 20 year plans for matters as important as this.

Any Maldivian with good grades in O and A levels must have access to university education if they wish, either locally or at international institutions. Resorts can help with these challenges or they can expect an increase in taxes to enable the government to do it. If the owners don't like it and prefer to do business with dictators, then they can move out of Maldives and set up their exploitation businesses in Burma or Zimbabwe.

True progress can only be achieved by people who govern the country in the interests of its people. We need a government that will spend money advancing basic services like education and health, rather than flashy public displays and lavish lifestyles for thieves and thugs and their relatives.

Maldives can achieve real progress by having an accountable and transparent government, and fighting corruption and nepotism. This is no dream. The MDP promises to make it a reality.