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Democracy and freedom of expression in Maldives Faarumathi Koi (pseudonym) August 2002 'The change of generation plays a role, as most of those journalists who write in today's newspapers were only ten or fifteen years old when the democratisation process started. They have grown up and studied in surroundings much closer to true democratic values than the earlier generations. There is also another important factor in the development of freedom of expression in this part of the world, the globalisation process. The access to information from basically all over the world makes it more and more difficult to maintain closed societies with strong control of the media.' Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic, in a report from The Observer, Sunday 28 April 2002, discussing the Representatives of the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum. Havel was referring to the situation in Eastern block countries. Vaclav Havel had a deeper concern about some developed democracies. He said, 'In a situation where there will be no direct political oppression and censorship, there might be much more complex issues, especially at the economic level, that may affect freedom of speech. Italy might represent an early form of this problem.' What about South Asia? Political oppression and censorship is unfortunately growing in strength in this part of the world. Compounding the problem is the American campaign against terrorism. As an emerging nation Maldivians have a lot to reflect on, in the light of such wise words from a personality like Vaclav Havel. Without freedom of expression, a nation cannot claim to be democratic. Ignoring the tried and tested structures of communication that advanced communities have adopted, and continuing in the present path of suppression, Maldivians are missing out on the opportunity to rediscover a third/alternative governing structure. A system based on free speech and decency. A system geared for innovation. Such a structure can only be established when the borders of freedom and security are clearly defined. Closed-door conferences by an elite in faraway capitals only signals the illusion of freedom and enlightenment. Havel, the Czech poet/leader also said, 'I believe that freedom should always be given the priority. For the media, the security issue has to do with responsibility and with professional standards. We must demand both from the media.' Historically, Maldivians have always been a feudal community. The geographical distribution of these islands insulated the islanders, leaving each small island with a lifestyle distilled by internal power shifts, wars and religious waves. The rumor mill was their CNN, uncensored, and overlooked by powerful people like the island chief and left to drift by the Malé regime/king. The situation changed drastically in the late seventies, when hardcore religious fanaticism appeared in the tranquil waters of the Maldives. To subvert the islanders into a 'model' form of citizenry and establish a pseudo-Arab fountain to spread radicalized Islam in an orchestrated drive to build Islamic theocracies in this part of the world, a simple island lifestyle was sacrificed. What has now emerged at the beginning of the 21st century is a single channel electronic media moulding the minds of a simple group of islanders orchestrated by a master plan. A template crafted by the shadowy Maldivian Arab community. Most locals believe President Maumoon to be the leader of this faction. The virus of fanatical Islamism has its roots within the current ruling regime, as their media programs clearly indicate. Madrassa-type institutions manufacture disturbed young minds; for these poor souls, typical island life has no meaning and America is the villain. Friday prayers every week hammer out the same distorted version of Islam, enwrapped by a false cloth of nationalism. Censorship of all news, including CNN, and harassment and oppression of writers with a different viewpoint, has left a collection of half-baked tabloids financed by elite members of the regime report in harmony with televised ministerial and/or presidential edicts broadcast over TVM, Television Maldives, and Dhivehirajjeyge Adu, Voice of Maldives. Government-approved local journalists spend their miserable life singing hymns of praise for the government. Huge amounts of public funds are spent in this way, all in the name of safeguarding the nation from Christian marauders and modernity. The result is here for all to see. Maldives could be described as a nation with a terrorized public and a mad government, running a pirate TV/Radio station. What sort of democracy is this! Real democracy has no chance of ever taking root in Maldives as long as the majority of islanders remain mute, with no freedom to express their views or to participate in nation building. The international community which helps finance the government, also has an obligation to monitor the activities of emerging nations. Without ridding this region of megalomaniacs, military obsessives and psychopaths who want to rule forever, the winds of change will never blow fresh on the beaches of Maldives. The country may look calm and balmy in travel brochures. What lies beneath is a volcano of fear and unhappiness. top

Short biography of Vaclav Havel

Maldives Culture is an independent internet magazine of Maldivian cultural issues.
Editors and translators: Michael O'Shea and Fareesha Abdulla, Australia
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