:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

Hiyalee is a disgrace to the Cradle of Knowledge Addu Atoll

Ibrahim Najeeb, Feydhoo, 9th December 2004

Addu Atoll is undoubtedly a cradle of knowledge and home to several intellects. It is home to some of the brightest brains in the Maldives and yet, our rights represented by ignorant and self centred crooks like Hiyalee Rasheed, who do nothing but travel on an official passports as an MP and tell his associates that he is the MP for Addu.

So, why on earth are the people of Addu allow themselves to be enslaved by crooks like Hiyalee who did not even pass his O levels properly? And, why on earth is Hiyalee trying so hard to secure his seat in the parliament? I mean, it is not as if he is going to do anything there other than vote against a No Confidence Vote on Gayyoom! No one will argue with the fact that Hiyalee does not understand the purpose of the Maldives parliament. Not just him, up until this year, no one seemed to care about who represented them in the legislative council, resulting in the whole nation remains under siege, terrorised by Gayyoom and his family.

Many argue that leaders don’t have to be educated degree holders. There is logic in that but members of parliament have to have some basic education and an ability to analyse the bills that are passed through the house. To sit in the parliament and simply raising your hand to support any and every bill that is debated and voted on means you are not only betraying the people who elect you but also your own nation. We all know that Mr. Gayyoom does not care about anything besides remaining in power and living his statesman and lavish lifestyle. So it is time for the people of Addu to show where they really belong in this nation. There are hundreds of Addu people who could run the Maldives much better than Gayyoom, as President. There are people who are educated as well as experienced. Just look at the number of successful businessmen and university graduates from Addu. And, look at the diligence and perseverance of the work force from Addu, which contribute to the Maldives economy, especially the tourism industry? Addu people deserve better and people like Hiyalee can only make matters worse than it is today. So, I call upon my Addu brothers and sisters to wake up from your sleep and to join hands to defend our rights and our country.

I say, this is the time we show Gayyoom that our votes count. That our Atoll will not budge when it comes to protecting and safeguarding our rights; that our votes will be counted in our land and that we will not trust anyone else but the people of Addu with our votes.

And, finally, my message to Hiyalee is to go and get a life somewhere else, not Addu! You do not have what it takes to represent the respected people of my Atoll.