The Think Economy Postcard and Anni

President Nasheed pledged to form less wasteful and more efficient, yet small-in-size government for the Maldivians and seems trying to prove his adherence to this sacred pledge of him by living with his in-laws, instead of Theemuge palace or Hilaaleege guesthouse. He has dubbed Theemuge as a bad omen and said it is the prime cause for the increased state expenditure and inefficiency that we are experiencing now!

Nasheed recently marched by foot, from Yaagoothuge – where he sleeps to Maafannu Villa—where walked out Home Minister is residing, to discuss the matters of concern with the minister. Mr. Nasheed’s detestation to expensive cars, police motorcade and Theemuge will definitely save money. Some people may say Mr. Nasheed is an epitome of economic simplicity and efficiency.

But when I look at the other side of his government’s Think Economy Postcard I see totally different picture. Appointing too many state ministers and awarding highly paid positions to his colleagues have made me seriously think about Nasheed’s version of efficient government.

On allowance

President Nasheed said in a media briefing recently, two thousand rufiyaa allowance he is planning to give from January, to the senior citizens of this nation will raise nation wide productivity! I couldn’t make much sense out of what Mr. Nasheed has said.

Citizens who are entitled for the allowance in question fall into dependent age group thus, providing such allowance will not necessarily contribute to the growth of productivity. On the contrary, such allowance may increase spending.

The Lion Is Dead

Recently a certain female deer appeared on a local channel to praise a certain lion—with whom she had once rose to the skies. The deer displaying her best effeminate qualities said the lion was so masculine during his heydays and no one from the Animal Kingdom had an atom of courage to decieve or even to look at him.

When I told about the deer’s talk-show, my friend told me even if the lion was a coward and feminine; no animal would have been able to look at the lion. If they did, the lion was not a lion at all! I wondered.

Today I heard the lion—deer had talked about, has passed away and few have watered their eyes genuinely while others have shed crocodile tears over the demise. When I scrutinize closely, I can see animals which wept genuinely fall into two broad categories. First category consists of animals which once rose like the deer to the skies with the lion and the second category is a group of animals blindly following and imitating the first category.

Incumbent leading animals that have some intangible connections with the demised lion have ordered the animal folk to keep the flag hoisted at half mast and observe seven years of weeping.

Some animals stubbornly refused while some followed the orders with reservations. A clear evidence that still there are animals who remember the darkness and fear of the by gone days. Yes, for some animals wounds are still raw.