Watching the candidate debates shown on Television Maldives astonishes me over and over again, every day. I do respect and honor their courage coming in front of cameras and trying to express their ideas and views. However, some of them, just some, I am certain, even make the people of their constituency ashamed! There are some candidates, who simply ‘arr… umm… hmm… aaa…’ half the time they are given to answer a particular question. In what I see, I guess such candidates are the ones, though their minds filled with thoughts and ideas, who cannot express those ideas. The Majlis that is going to be elected within just a few more days will consist of over seventy candidates. When given a time of say 10 to 15 minutes to express and share the needs and wants of the people on different issues and topics, I wonder how these candidates could hear the Majlis what the people want and need!

Then, there are those candidates who take all the sweet time given, to blame others, show the faults of others and to shout at others. Independent of the questions asked, they simply blabber whatever comes to their mind. I classify these candidates as those who cannot listen! If they listen well enough, they would answer the questions asked and not simply shout and hoot whatever comes to their mind. The debate program gives an opportunity to let the people know what the candidates would do for them. But those candidates who misuse this opportunity, and those who could not listen well to the questions asked, I wonder how they could listen to the voice of the people and express those views at the Majlis!

In addition to the above mentioned there are several other types of candidates who are competing for a seat at the Peoples Majlis. There is this group who simply wants to go against the current government, there is this group backed by tycoons, there is this group who is simply insane for the high pay, there is this group who is competing to divide votes of certain constituencies. Such and such reasons are the reasons why we, the citizens, should come forward and cast our votes.

Some of us might feel that this election is nothing important. Others might feel why we need to vote! And others might think there would be no difference. But be enlightened! Each vote counts, and this election, perhaps would be the most important election that we would face for quite a time! By casting our votes we are not only electing some people for OUR MAJLIS, but also we are shaping our future. Unlike the past 30 year dictatorship, in this new era of democracy, the Majlis will play an important role in deciding what is good and what is bad for this country. And by casting our votes to the right candidate, we are ensuring that the future will be decided as the people of this country want, and not the way a particular person or group of people want.

What I urge and what I request to the people of this beloved nation is, decide to vote, decide our future. And choose the right candidate. And to choose the right candidate, we should know who is contesting, what their promises are, who is behind them and what their agenda is. Choosing the right candidate in this election is the only way for us to have a better and democratic future.

-thadu-

Some time back I met a friend of mine and I had the pleaser of talking to her at a coffee table. We talked about several things from personal to social. When I met her about eight years back, she was a girl who wears ‘general cloths’. She wore the head scarf, tops and jeans. She was social, used to go swimming with her friends, played badminton and she was a top student too. Got ‘A’ grades is most of the subjects and did well in all the subjects that she studied. She was from a good family; her parents were kind and caring. She been the only daughter they had, they had high hopes for her. However, her boy friend was the only obstacle in her life. He was overly controlling, rude in situations, and there were rumors he smokes marijuana. All she dreamt of was to make him a better person.

And when I met her few days back it was after a long time! Maybe longer then six or seven years and I was astonished to see her wearing a veil, covering from head to toe except just one eye. And amongst the things we talked about, I was enthusiastic to know why the changes. And she explained, “the rumors about him (her boy friend back then) smoking was all true. He was such a jerk! I tried to help him, but he followed the devils path”, she continued with sorrowfulness in her voice, “the more I tried to convince him what he was doing is wrong, the more he hated me. And finally I reached my limits. Though it broke my heart, I made the right choice and left him.”

That yet did not explain why her life had to change. And she explained further, “that is when I met my now husband. He is a nice guy, kind and caring. He taught me righteousness. He showed the right path. After what I went through, I did not want to wait anymore. I did not want the world to judge me just because once I had a boy friend that used drugs. I wanted to forget my past. I did not want to see him (her boy friend back then) ever again. So I got married, and followed the true path”

And she went on to enlighten me with a bit of advise, “Thadu, you should also pray! And follow Islam in its true meaning”.

From what she told, I realized that the actual reason she was married, and the actual reason she was wearing the veil was not about religion or not about living a happy life. I felt that she wanted to hide her self from the world. She did not want to face criticisms, and maybe she did not want to be disturbed by her then boy friend. And just to be sure, I asked her one last question, “What are the pillars of Islam and Eema?” she remembered the five pillars of Islam, but she was unable to recall the pillars of Eeman!

And this certainly is the situation of several of the young girls who wear the veil. They wear it to hide, hide from the world, not because they know Islam or not because they are pious than others.

-thadu-

Every time I hear that fishermen are poor and they don’t have enough, I feel amazed and astonished. Seriously! The fishermen I know are rich; perhaps they are the richest people. Actually there are two or three groups within fishermen. They are “odi verin”, “keyolhun” and “masverin”. The odi veriyaa is the one who owns the fishing vessel, keyolhu who manages the fishing and masverin, those who do the hard work of fishing.

In some areas of the Maldives, masverin are treated as ”slaves”. They are not well paid, their rights deprived. Maybe some of these people live a poor life. And even if subsidies are provided and other benefits provided, the only groups in advantage will be odi verin and keyolhun, but the masverin will remain in same conditions as now, unless and until better rules and regulations are imposed.

However, my point today is, fishermen are already given enough benefits. It is time that they grow-up and start evolving. Why I say so is, look at the number of fishing vessels owned by a single odi veri. Two to three maybe. And each time they become bigger and better. From 75 feet to 125 feet! Considered the tons of catch per day, fishing vessels lengthier then 85 feet are too much for Maldives. The record catch recorded so far is 50 tons, and that was onece! The general amount of catch is even lower then 25 tons even in blessed seasons! To make use of these huge vessels it is time that Maldivian fishermen start spending weeks on the sea. And in order to do this, they need advanced freezing systems installed in their vessels. Why are they not doing this instead of building new vessels from the profit?

The fisheries ministry has introduced fish finding systems to the Maldives. How many fishermen are willing to buy this and start using it? From what I see it is only a few fishermen who want to use technologies such as the fish finder systems. And it is sort of hilarious, the fishermen call people who use the system, ask for locations where there are fishes, yet they are unwilling to use the system by themselves!

For the government, it is time to impose better laws and regulations for fishermen. The only thing the fishermen need at the moment is a system. Systematic procedures, standards to maintain the freshness of the fish they catch, systems to process the fish, systems to transport the fish, systems to sell the fish. Fishermen are already provided with enough subsidies and benefits.

If fishermen are poor, how could they build vessel after vessel, how could they be the only people who own cars in some islands, how could they buy houses and lands at Male’ and Hulhumale’? The people who are unable to make a living by fishing are the people who want to enter into the world of fishing. Of course, the government might want to consider giving such people a helping hand.

-thadu-

Marcus Aurelius was the Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, he lived from 121 to 180 AD, passed away as the Emperor of Rome. He once said:

It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live

Today in our society, there are several people who are reluctant to start living. They have too many thoughts running in their minds, a fear for everything. Turn on the TV, tune the radio, read the news, it is always headlines that wreak fear. Murders, deaths, disasters, rape, child abuse and the list goes on. And Maldives labeled a 100% Muslim country, religion is supposed to bring tranquility and happiness to ones life.

Unfortunately, the Sheikhs with fatwa permission are a bit more interested in inflicting fear in the hearts of the people. When ever I listen to some of their preaching’s all they could talk about is hell, the fire, the punishments. I do not see any balance in their preaching’s. The earth is of course temporary. Every person dies. But because we die, it does not mean that we should not make a life of it.

I hear several Sheikhs preaching that the earth is temporary. It is similar to a one night rest room from birth to death. And when these Sheikhs preach, it sounds as if people should ignore the life on earth and should only concentrate on the afterlife. According to these Sheikhs, people should not save money. They should have only enough to survive tomorrow.

Now consider a father, mother and their child. Father works, mother stays home taking care of the child and the father. They earn only enough to survive for a few days. And suddenly the father becomes sick. Perhaps pass away. Now what? Or the child gets very sick, and has no option but to go a neighboring country for treatment. Now what? Borrow from someone? Or watch helplessly the child die?

Now such a Sheikh might say, God will be there to support, God will show a way. There are reasons for everything. I don’t think one day you’d wake up to be showered with millions of dollars. And I think the life that we live on this earth; we should live it to the fullest, happy and contented. Like Marcus Aurelius said, we need to put aside all fears and begin to live!

-thadu-

It is a total havoc! My mind is diseased, my life is a disaster, my dreams are shattered, and my wants are never fulfilled. I am barely living. My life is a constant struggle. Yet, I am not trying to make things right! When I ride my bike I honk! I keep on honking. Did the car in front of me just stopped? Maybe to drop a passenger! I don’t care. I honk. Even if it is an old person with a walking stick getting out of the car, I don’t care, I keep on honking! Honk till the car starts to accelerate again. When I stop a car and others start to honk, I holler at them. For me patience has no meaning. It is a bitter thing. I want it done right there right now! No delays.

I want a big house. I don’t have to earn anything to get it. Some one should provide it to me. I will blame the government for not providing me with shelter. I can’t live a comfortable life with my current salary. I will protest, till my salary is increased. I am impatient. I can’t wait; I don’t care even if the government does not have any cash in its reserves. I need what I want. I try, but I can’t find patience. I have lost it! Somewhere in my life, I have thrown away my patience in to the deep waters. I don’t have the stamina to look for it. Not anymore!

This is our society today. We are in a psychological disaster! Lack of patience is ruining this society beyond imagination. Yes, indeed patience is bitter. But the fruits of patience are sweet. “With patience you can bear up under any adversity and survive any defeat. With patience you can control your destiny and have what you will. Patience is the key to contentment, for you and for those who must live with you. To be brave without patience can kill you. To be ambitious without patience can destroy the most promising of careers. Patience is power. Employ it to stiffen your spirit, sweeten your temper, stifle your anger, bury your envy, subdue your pride, bridle your tongue, restrain your hands, and deliver you whole, in due time, to the life you deserve.”

Sometimes we feel that we have lost patience. Sometimes we feel that we can not delay anything. But what we ought to understand is that patience is not an object. It can’t be lost. It is a decision. We decide to be patient. And if we choose to be patient in pursuing our dreams, that is what will deliver us with sweetness and grace. When there is a delay we should know that it is not a denial. Forcing things might result in bearable dangers! Protests, fights and violence can’t make happen something that is impossible. You can’t force a hundred story building to be erected before dusk today!

Patience is not only sweet, but it is also a power. A power that can deliver greatness and comfort! Like Confucius said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” And all the way from the first step to the last, it is patience that keeps the person moving forward.

-thadu-

Maldives was ruled by an autocratic leadership for the past thirty years. Freedom of expression was banned, online censorship was common, and torture was predictable. These days of pain and suffering were brought to an end by the hard work of several people, and it took years to label Maldives as a democratic country. And though, it has not been so many days into the new era of democracy, we are experiencing contented changes rapidly.

However, it is saddening that Islamic Ministry is trying a bit too hard to push Maldives back into darkness. One of the first things the government did was unblocking several websites blocked by the former regime. Sadly today the Islamic Ministry is blocking certain websites for questionable reasons. They might claim that their aim is to protect the people. But I wonder from what? It is also obvious that they are blocking certain websites to save their own dignity.

Converting the internet to an intranet for Maldivians seems to be what the Islamic Ministry is trying to do. And this action is in contrary with the efforts and hard work of the several people who tried and who are trying to make Maldives a pure democratic country. There are 12 countries marked by the Reporters Without Borders as enemies of the internet. And if the Islamic Ministry continues its barbaric style of protecting people, Maldives is going to be on that list as well, putting in vein the work of several people.

What the Islamic Ministry need to understand is that as long as there is internet access, a person could gain any sort of information desired. Blocking certain websites has a zero effect if the purpose is to protect people from accessing ‘undesired’ information. The only way to build a better society is by educating people and making people aware of what is right and what is wrong.

For example, a drug addict, try to stop the means by which he gets drugs, one way or the other he will get his hands on drugs and consume it. But if he is treated, educated and rehabilitated well, even if he is given drugs he will not consume it.

-thadu-

While I was going through the news headlines as usual, it was ‘offensive’ to see headlines stating that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has ordered the banning of certain websites. One of the websites blocked includes http://randomreflexions.com/, a website that is managed by Simon. In general what Simon writes on his website are informative and logical texts. From what I see, his idea and the logic behind his writing is to make Maldivians more aware of the reality and to bring an end to the several ‘diseases’ within our society such as child abuse, drugs etc. In this sense his writings are useful to the community. Unfortunately the Islamic Ministry has blocked this website, I assume because it contains some logical arguments that are in contrary with Islamic beliefs, [and note that some fatwa’s are arguable].

In my understanding, this action taken by the Islamic Ministry is 100% useless, baseless and insignificant. If a person wants to read documents that are un-Islamic, or that belongs to other religions, one could easily gain access to such by googling. My point here is unless the Islamic Ministry blocks internet access for Maldives, there is no way that people could be stopped from reaching whatever type of documents and writings they want to read. Just because a website that is managed by a Maldivian is blocked, it does not make a difference.

And the ideology of keeping people behind the curtain is simply insane. And as far as my knowledge concerned I do not think that it is even aligned with the Islamic teachings. A faithful Muslim would not watch pornography just because he has access to it. A faithful Muslim will not leave his religion just because he has access to un-Islamic documents. If the blocking ideology is in place then maybe it is time that the Islamic Ministry starts banning alcohol, poke and such to the tourist islands of Maldives. Because, as a result of importing, those who want to drink and eat such, somehow get them, from resorts or elsewhere. It is time that the Islamic Ministry disallows Maldivians from travel abroad, perhaps, other then Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

I think there are better things the Islamic Ministry could do rather then blocking websites. Perhaps, first of all, the Islamic Ministry officials could start increasing their very own faith. Maybe ‘they’ could stop supplying what ever they supply to tourist resorts. Or maybe they could start speaking the truth, rather then confusing people by delivering fatwa’s to suite their own needs. When those who are to lead the people are corrupted, the people also become corrupted. Several people had high hopes for the Islamic Ministry, but alas! They (the Islamic Ministry officials) are a people who have seen the world!

-thadu-

The story of the Little Red Riding Hood is indeed very famous. Though there are several versions of the story, the most widely known is based on the Borthers Grimm variant. The Little Red Riding Hood, goes through the woods to visit her grandmother. And on her way she meets the Big Bad Wolf, who extremely wants to eat her, yet was afraid to do so in the public. So he asks her where she is headed to, and the Little Red Riding Hood told the truth, that she was going to visit her grandmother.

And so the Big Bad Wolf goes to the grandmother’s house before The Little Red Riding Hood, swallows the grandmother whole, and waits for her disguised as the grandmother. When the Little Red Riding Hood arrives the Big Bad Wolf swallows her too. And then comes a hunter who cuts the wolf open, thus rescuing the grandmother and the Little Red Riding Hood.

When one thinks about the story and its moral it could be considered as an allegory to the very core issue in our society. While I was surfing the internet googling for information about child abuse I came across hard to believe and deeply saddening ‘information’ and writings on the topic. And each of these in one way or another kept on reminding me of the story, The Little Red Riding Hood.

“I will always be a pedophile. I like adult women, and am even attracted to them sexually all the time – but I am a real pedophile at heart that likes little girls. I also prefer their company much of the time if and wherever possible. To me, I become most aroused sexually with young girls 8-12 years old. They make me the most erect, and I tend to masturbate with them in mind instead of women. I cannot entirely explain it, but I am no worse a person than you! I simply desire them and want to make love with them and feel their bodies”

A  research paper quotes from an anonymous man that enjoys expressing his views on pedophilia.

And another pedophile writes a paper titled “Attraction to Young Girls – Evolution, not Perversion”. This psychology and thinking of such people is difficult to understand. How and why a pedophile become a pedophile is governed by not a single reason. Yet there might be several reasons for this. However, reasons differ from person to person. It might be because they were abused as kids or the result of them been unable to identify between the reality and certain fantasies they dream of. But there are common things amongst pedophiles. According to some studies, nine out of ten pedophiles are males and are usually fascinated with females who are in their preteens.

And what is more interesting is that they are seen as normal people in the society. And the majority of the people are shocked and troubled to discover their criminal sexual preferences for the prepubescent. And to identify one is not an easy task. But psychologists reveal that they are somewhat different from the ordinary people. Some of the characteristics of pedophiles are that they have only a few, if any, friends of their own age. They are not at all interested in people of their own age and are probably single. They are intrigued with child like obsessions and perhaps have their own rooms decorated similar to that of a child. Pedophiles and child abusers are usually seen employed as school teachers, photographers, coaches and even school bus drivers; perhaps jobs that have a direct involvement with kids.

The truth is the reasons for pedophiles and child abusers vary from country to country, and so, known such people of Maldives needs to be studied and examined thoroughly in order to understand why this disease is so wide spread(ing) in our country. And this, perhaps, is the only way to bring an end to this Godforsaken disease. This is the only way to bring an end to the Big Bad Wolves, who are swallowing the Little Red Riding Hoods of this country disguised as caring and kind people.

-thadu-

This article is part two of: His fate! A pedophile victim – 1

He was there sitting silent and blank, in the half demolished house, questioning himself how he ended up there. Tears slowly started to roll down his cheeks. “Why me? Who did I hurt?” thoughts gushed through his mind. “Who can help me?” He could not answer his own questions. And he believed that, “No one would help me, I am just a street boy, useless, and no one cares”. The only love and caring he ever knew ended with the deceasing of his mother at his age of four.

Considered the life of street boys, he could be categorized as an excellent boy. Even if he had to spend hours and hours without food he never stole even a penny. He never disturbed people, never did anything illegal. Maybe the four years his mother was with him, she educated him well enough to respect others.

But this very day, every breath he takes, reminds him of his ill fate. And kept on repeating the same question “Why me?” He might not be able to think further then that. He might not be able to reach people who could help him to regain his normal life. Our society is a bit too ignorant. People ignore the fact that children of today are the future of tomorrow. When they are hurt, when they are helpless, they are not aware of a place or person they could visit. They are not aware of a number they could dial.

Instead, “hide it forever” is the ideology that is fed into the tiny little brains. And even if their parents or relatives come to know about such and such cases of abuse they keep it a secret. May be it is so because the society ‘laughs’ at the victim rather then blaming the pedophiles and abusers. This has got to change. Pedophiles and child abusers need to be ‘excluded’ from our society.

Parents, adults and children need to be made more aware. Aware of pedophiles, how they act and lure children into their traps. And make aware about what to do in such cases. Sometimes the barbaric cultures of ours make us feel that awareness on certain areas is wrongdoings. But to protect the future of this nation, we need to put aside certain beliefs and cultural misunderstandings. What ever it takes, we need to protect the children, their chastity, and their life. They are the future.

There are several kids sharing the same fate as this kid; some of them feeling useless and thoughts and memories haunting for as long as they respire. Others somehow start enjoying the momentarily gratification of cash and drugs that they are provided with. Either ways they become isolated from the society. They become psychotic. Some become drug addicts; others become pedophiles similar to or worse then their abusers.

Without a nation wide campaign of awareness and without proper punishing of pedophiles and child abusers, this would not come to an end. Our country, though labeled as a paradise, is crammed with such and such diseases, overflowing with such psychotics. And the very people who could directly take actions to bring an end to such issues are too occupied in self promoting and feeding their own ego. And others too busy talking about beards leaving the very main issues such as this behind.

-thadu-

“Sai thatteh boalan fas rufiyaa”, he was begging. A usual afternoon routine it was, for the past several years. His life was tragic. His mother passed away while he was just four. And who knows who his father was. He lived with relatives who barely cared for him. Education was far beyond his reach. At the age of eight, now he is a superb street boy. He cleans a “hotaa” to earn a breakfast. Cleans houses, vehicles and what ever he can, to live. Sleeping at public places was not a problem at all.

Today he felt happiness. Instead of five rufiyaa he was handed a hundred rufiyaa note. And the man caressed his back questioning, “Why do you have to live like this?” The boy was too amused to answer. He never met such a kind person. He was happy and confused. He questioned himself “Who is this man? Is it my father?” He had always prayed for a father. He knew that his father was there, somewhere! And the boy loved to believe that his father was looking for him.

While he was deep lost into thoughts, the man asked, “Come with me my child, I have a surprise for you”, “Is it ice-cream?” the boy questioned. Ice-cream! It was his favorite. He was never able to afford an ice-cream. Just one day he tasted, a half consumed ice-cream from a trash can near Scoop. Since that day he was craving for more and more ice-cream. Could today be his lucky day?

The man replied, “I have better things for you, and of course, a lot of ice-creams too” and grinned. He started walking, holding the boys hand. It was an affectionate scene and strange too. The man took the boy to a day rental room. Closed the door, and locked it. “Ice-cream eh, what flavor do you prefer?” questioned the man. The boy remained astonished again! He never knew ice-creams come in different flavors. As there was no response, the man took out a blue berry flavored ice-cream box from the fridge and gave it to the boy with a spoon.

The boy enjoyed it to the fullest. Today could have been the best day of his life. First a note of hundred, and now ice-cream…! As the boy was enjoying his ice-cream, the man was busy preparing a drink for the boy. He opened a bottle of coke, and half filled a glass. And filled the empty half with a colorless fluid, gave it to the boy. The boy sipped it. It tasted so good, so sweet and refreshing. And in one breath he swallowed it all and requested for more. The man was so kind to fill the glass with the mixture of drinks.

The more the boy started drinking, something strange started to happen. An unexplainable feeling ran down his spine. Just in a few minutes the boy was half awake, half dizzy. Yet he was craving for more ice-cream and more of the tasty drink. But now he could barely speak, barely stay in balance.

He woke up shivering, with a funny feeling in his stomach. He wasn’t anymore at the room, no was the kind man with him anymore. He was puzzled! Before he could even start thinking, the funny feeling started boiling up and made him vomit.

Now he could roughly remember. Like a dream, a bad dream. Slowly it started to make sense. The pain he is going through, the aches all over his body. The kind man he met… And how this kind man forced himself over him! The hundred rufiyaa, the ice-creams, it’s all gone now. Only unbearable pain remains, and memories that he want to erase from his mind.

-thadu-