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Asif's Birthday brings Gayyoom to full alert

DO EXCLUSIVE
Mariyam Mohamed, Male', 29^th July 2004

Above Asif addressing the crowd - below Hon. Member of Parliament Mr. Ahmed Shafeeq also talked about the walk out on the 19th July

As ever, I had an invitation to this party. Mr. Ismail Asif got permission from Jamaaluddeen School and hired the hall for his 33^rd Birthday Party. I was later told that it was not even his Birthday but he just felt like celebrating the day a little bit early. Similar to Nov 3^rd being Victory Day in Maldives because Gayyoom felt like it in spite of that day being the darkest day of Maldives in living memory.

Initially there was some problem at the gate of the school. Some senior staff came out and said that they could not give the hall because Mr. Abdulla Solih, Asst. Director General at the Ministry of Education has ordered them that this party should not be allowed to go on. However, since there invitees were already at the gate, after some negotiations, everyone went in.

The theme song of the party was unusual. A famous Hindhi song 'ye andhaa gaanoonu hey' was played over an over. It literally means 'blind justice'. This is perhaps in reference to Gayyoom's justice. To add to the suprises of the night, the cake was unusual as well. It was in a dark grey colour with DICTATOR written on it. Mr. Asim said that he was a DICTATOR and by cutting this cake he is ridding himself of that label and characteristic.

There was rumours in Male' today that this party was to organise an assembly after Gayyoom refused to allow any more reform debates be organised in Male' because he is heavily criticised in all such meetings. It is a clear proof that Gayyoom is not intending on reforming the Maldives.

Hon. Member for Male' Ibrahim Ismail addressed the crowd

Mr. Asif said that he was a dictator, hence the cake

Mr Asif cut the cake and the invitees, everyone at the cake

Asif's Party was attended by 100's of people, most of them were reformists; was this arranged?

Dr. Waheed attending the famous party tonight

Asif's Party was attended by 100's of people, most of them were reformists; was this arranged?

Many say that he just wants to appoint his daughter to the post of Prime Minister and remain in power. He will then allow that Prime Minister to form a party, which will then have his blessings and hence control the wealth of the nation and he can remain head of state forever. Nevertheless, the reformists, some of whom are members of the newly elected Special Majlis are resolute in making sure that the proper democratic reform is achieved.

The party was attended by a lot of people who attended the reform debate. Male’ Member Ibrahim Ismail and Mulaku Atoll Member Ahmed Shafeeq even addressed the crowd explain current issues, such as the walk out of 23 MPs from the first session of the parliament on the 19^th of this month. Others also spoke in the party on different issues including Mr. Asif.

All in all, the party was a success and lots of discussions were held amongst the attendees. Prominent people the some members of the parliament were there including Mr. Qasim Ibrahim and Dr. Munawwar.

The party was a success according to everyone who attended it and has alerted Gayyoom’s government so much so an emergency meeting was held in the Education Ministry in which the Minister Dr. Shaugee and Mr. Abdulla Soleh and senior staff of the school took part. Apparently Dr. Shaugee is furious that Solih could not stop the party and has warned Solih that anymore mistakes like this and he will be transferred to Addu Atoll as Assistant to Atoll Chief, for a bit of disciplinary action from Abdulla Hameed.

More parties will be organised, "if not in school, out in the open waters" said one reformist. "We own this country, it does not belong to Gayyoom and his family."