The Official Blog of Dr. Hassan Saeed

Questions on the financial plan

2008-10-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

A number of questions have been raised by the public regarding Dr. Hassan's Financial Plan. We would try to address some of them, and would like to take this opportunity to invite others to send us their questions so that we can clarify them for you.

1. How come no funds are allotted to the fight against drugs?
Existing funds allotted to the fight against drugs by this Government is enough to tackle the problem. It just needs transparency, increased efficiency, better management of the funds and the will to deal with the problem. A complete re haul of the drug rehabilitation centre will be conducted in order to effectively address the issue of relapse and addiction among the youth.

2. Why would you privatize state media?
State media is a tool of a totalitarian government. What Dr. Hassan is proposing is the creation of free media, which conforms to international standards. The job of the government is to regulate and not management of the content. The media should be independent of state control, neither should it promote the interest of an individual or private party. This is will be ensured through appropriate regulations. It is of outmost importance that the state media will be privatized with no lay-offs, and that none of the employees working in these mediums should fear losing their jobs under this move.

3. As a civil servant would I lose my job and benefits due to your new plan?
It is of outmost importance that no civil servant will be laid-off during the restructuring of the cabinet and its portfolios. Neither will they lose any benefits, such as MNDF and Police health coverage. Instead these will be better managed under a universal health insurance scheme that covers every citizen in the country.

4. Why would you give free computers and other state hand-outs? Aren't there more important things to do with the money?
Dr. Hassan believes an educational revolution is necessary to developing this nation. A computer is a key element in a student and teacher's life. Hence investing in their education is a necessity and not a waste.

Dr. Hassan Saeed's Financial Plan

2008-10-04T22:38:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed's financial plan for his manifesto was announced last night, at a function held at Ghiyaasuddin.

This plan outlines the financial plan for the first year of his administration, and incorporates corporate taxation, existing foreign assistance and places importance on curbing of government spending to fund activities promised in his manifesto.

A summary of his financial plan can be downloaded here.

(The document is in .docx format)

Financial Plan to be announed tonight

2008-10-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed's financial plan for his manifesto will be announced tonight, at a function to be held in Ghiyasuddin School at 2130hrs.

All are invited.

Dr. Hassan's trip to the South

2008-10-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed is currently in Gaafu Dhaalu Madaveli.

Dr. Hassan started his trip to the southern islands this morning and had already visited Gaafu Alif Vilingili and Kolamaafushi, as well as Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo.

Broken promises

2008-10-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

Speaking a press conference today, on behalf of Dr. Hassan Saeed's Campaign Office, Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has called on the incumbent Government to fulfil their promises of 30 years before pledging new promises to the people of the country.

Dr. Jameel read out from pages and pages of promises made by the Government to the people of the country and highlighted that public services that were necessary for the development of this country had been neglected mainly due to lack of accountability due to nepotism.

"Maybe the understanding is that under the new constitution, all the previous promises are null and void, and it is time for new promises with the new constitution" said Dr. Jameel. "But I feel it is important to fulfil these promises before anymore are announced"

Dr. Hassan travels to Nilandhoo & South Ari Atoll

2008-10-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed is currently traveling to Faafu Atoll Nilandhoo and selected islands from South Ari Atoll. He is expected to visit Dhangethi, Maamigili and Mahibadhoo in South Ari Atoll.
He would be returning to Male' later this evening.

The Attorney General & Foreign Minister has no role in the Hussein Salah Case

2008-10-02T03:22:00.000-07:00

The Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs has no role in the death and investigation of Hussein Salah, said Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Vice Presidential Candidate of Dr. Hassan Saeed.

Speaking at a press conference at the Campaign Office, Dr. Shaheed outlined the events following the discovery of Hussein Salah's body.

"I think there is some confusion as to the role of the Attorney General and the Foreign Ministry here. The Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were not involved in the investigation of Hussein Salah's body. That responsibility lies in the hands of the Ministry of Home Affairs and consequently at the Commissioner of Police."

He read out portions from official letters sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Ministry of Home Affairs and signed by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Uz. Aishath Azima Shakoor, requesting the arrangement of an autopsy abroad. According to Dr. Shaheed the letter says that following discussions with the deceased's family, they had requested that instead of having the autopsy in the country, it would be better to conduct it abroad.

Following this instruction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had spoken with the High Commissions in India and Sri Lanka regarding this, and the arrangement was made to have the autopsy in Colombo. He referred to comments made by the Government of Maldives Ambassador Abdul Azeez Yoosuf in the People's Majlis regarding the role of the Foreign Ministry

Answering a question from the media regarding Dr. Shaheed's role in this case, Dr. Shaheed clarified that he acted as a source of information for the local and international media, in his capacity as the Supervisor for the Chief Government Spokesman. He also said that he released the findings of the autopsy to the media after the Home Minister had received the report, and he had released it following instructions from the President and the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Hussain.

Dr. Shaheed also highlighted that, to date, neither Home Ministry nor the Police had brought forward evidence of Hussein Salah's movement between the time of his release from police custody and the time of his death.

Dr. Hassan visiting Meemu & Dhaalu Atoll

2008-09-30T01:22:00.001-07:00

Dr. Hassan Saeed today left for Meemu and Dhaalu Atoll.

On this trip he will be traveling to Meemu Atoll Muli, Mulaku, Dhiggaru and Kolhufushi. He will be staying in Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo tonight.

In other news, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Vice Presidential Candidate is currently in Sri Lanka visiting Maldivians residing in Colombo. He will be returning tomorrow morning.

Dr. Hassan Saeed's Official Campaign Website Launched

2008-09-30T01:14:00.001-07:00

The Official Website for Dr. Hassan Saeed's Presidential Campaign was launched last night, at a small function held at Nalahiya Hotel.

The URL for the website is www.hassan2008.com

President Maumoon scores own goal

2008-09-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

President Maumoon appointing his younger brother Abdullah Yameen to Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation is an indication of him going backwards, says Dr. Hassan Saeed.

Speaking at a press conference this evening, Dr. Hassan highlighted that this was typical behaviour for the aging regime and further proves that he is out of touch with the will of the public.

"This is another own goal by President Maumoon" said Dr. Hassan.

Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, Vice Presidential Candidate said that this new Ministerial shuffling shows President Maumoon's nepotism, and that there is no scope for educated, capable people like Dr. Mausoom in the current cabinet.

He further reiterated that in Dr. Hassan's cabinet family members will not be given positions of note, and instead educated and capable people will be appointed to lead the government.

Vice Presidential Debate

2008-09-27T23:55:00.000-07:00

The first ever Presidential Debate organized by the Ministry of Legal Reforms, Information and Arts under the "Think Nation" campaign was held last night.
Dr. Ahmed Shaheed joined on stage for the first time with three other Vice Presidential Candidates from the leading political parties. Two parties, SLP and IDP refrained from participating in the debate citing lack of importance of a Vice Presidential debate in light of a failure to hold a Presidential Debate.
During the first round, participants were asked to outline their vision for the country in the upcoming five years. Dr. Shaheed spoke of an exemplary government formed under the leadership of Dr. Hassan Saeed, one where the Maldivian citizen would lead a respectable, comfortable and fulfilling life, with easy and equal access to education, employment, housing and social security. He also stressed the importance of eliminating social ills such as drug abuse from the country, and finding gainful means of employment and engaging the youth in the development of the country.
The second round, designed to respond to the other candidates saw Dr. Shaheed challenging DRP Candidate's statement on accountability. Dr. Shaheed stressed the importance of fulfilling promises made to the people, and stepping aside in the event of failure to meet these obligations.
“This is what democracy is all about and if there are those who don’t understand this principle of democracy, they should not be here” said Dr. Shaheed.
During the last round or the rebuttal round, Dr. Shaheed challenged the graduation from LDC status for the country, and called on the importance of citing accurate indicators that reflect the true level of development of the Maldives. He also defended the reform credentials of Dr. Hassan Saeed, and spoke on how the reform process was accelerated with the changes they brought about from within the government.
In conclusion, Dr. Shaheed called on the people to look to the future and elect a capable, educated and responsible government this time.

Campaign trip to Addu

2008-09-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hassan is currently in Addu Atoll and is expected to return to Male' tomorrow.

For pictures from his visit go to Dr. Hassan's flickr page.