Maldives converted to Islam in 1153 May 10th:: Dhivehi Observer

Opinion
Bushry's Shadow Cabinet!

2nd July 2005

First of all let me introduce myself. I’m a Maldivian who’s residing abroad at the moment. I’m not a journalist by profession neither am I a member of any party nor am I motivated by any of the parties. Therefore the way I put this article might be different from most of the articles you see on DO. Still I believe that since “Bushry’s shadow cabinet” is open for debate it is a social service to comment on it by every Maldivian.

The suggested cabinet by bushry was perfectly alright except he left out some very important people and utmost he made a very wrong suggestion. The first point is not important because it’s a personal opinion that can change from person to person and that would not cause much problem to others. But the second point is very important because it has a direct impact on each and every person.

“The thing that impresses me most about America is the way parents obey their children” by Duke of Windsor.

What I feel is that a president of a country has to have certain qualities. Especially in a country like Maldives that completely depend on international community due to lack of natural resources. Therefore the following are some of the qualities I expect from a person who is contesting to be the president of Maldives.

• Leadership
• Good personality
• Communication skills (at least Dhivehi and English)
• Not an edict of any dangerous substance (e.g. drugs, alcoholics, etc) or entertainment
• Should have a good record in the past (e.g. no past records involving either corruption or torture)
• Not only a public figure
• Good education is required (at least a degree)

Based on the above requirements I would say that the person you suggested was not eligible to be a president (I wonder by saying this I would not be arrested and tortured by the “shadow government”). I hope you would not be surprised to hear that even I am not eligible to be a president. In my opinion not everybody can become a president since that is also a profession like any other specialties.

I personally know the person you have suggested. In general he is simple, kind and helping person who has a good knowledge of business tactics. But when I compare the mentioned qualities with his qualities he failed to comply most of them. What I feel is we can make use of these talented people by appointing them as advisors in the development of different areas of the Maldives.

You might argue that in other countries there are public figures involved as politicians. I have also gone through the records of some stars turned politicians like Arnold Swarzneger (Arnold), Sunil Dutt, and Govinda. When I compared the above mentioned requirements with their qualities, they have succeeded most of them. Therefore my conclusion is that especially in a country like Maldives we should have a president at least with the above qualities.

By the way I adore bushry’s hard work, his suggestions and the way he present them. I agree that you are a “Rayyithu Mohamed” as long as you do not accept a medal from anyone.