We will establish a university:MDP

The Main opposition MDP has said that they will be establishing the first university of Maldives when their government assumes duties from 11 November 2008. This was said by MDP's Parliamentary Leader Hassan Afeef when he spoke at a meeting held in honour of the visiting British conservative party member. Afeef said, there had been too much talk in presidential addresses and at the opening of the Majlis and now it is too late for President Gayoom's Government to seize this opportunity.

" Singapore attained independence with us. See the difference between our two countries. Singapore does not have that many resources., We are blessed with enormous marine resources, beautiful islands. But just see the vast difference between us. " comparing Singapore's dramatic development, Afeef said.

He questioned, what has the Government done with all the wealth it has earned. He agreed there is some development, but health services and living conditions should have been much better, Afeef said. When we are embracing change, everyone must think about this seriously, a change which has not happened in 30 years cannot be achieved in 5 years, Afeef warned. He asked the people to think carefully when they vote for a president.

Afeef went on to say Maldivian people are not benefiting from the wealth of the nation although the GDP is high and MDP will ensure the wealth of the nation is fairly distributed and people enjoy a better life under an MDP lead Government. He assured that they will provide imroved health and education in the country. MDP does not want people to remain destitutes and go to neighbouring countries for every major treatment.

College endorse Shaugy’s plans

Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE) has endorsed the policies and concepts employed by Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy, former tourism minister, on establishing a national university.

Rector of MCHE Hassan Hameed when asked to comment on the recent views expressed by Dr. Shaugy on submitting a bill to the parliament to smooth pass the formation of the university said that Shaugy’s thinking and policies are good policies and that they at the meeting of the College Council had discussed the matter. He further said that Council was unanimous that the bill was sufficient and that no amendments were needed.

At the graduation ceremony held at Islamic Center in December 2005 President Gayoom had talked about forming a national university.

According to sources Abdulla Yamin during his tenure as Higher Education Minister has finalized all preparations on part of the ministry with regard to the national university. Sources say that the talks about the university somewhat lessened when Yamin resigned from the government.

Shaugy has said that the national university must be established as an independent organization similar to other such universities around the globe.

With the resignation of Dr. Shaugy from the cabinet earlier this month, President Gayoom has offered Dr. Shaugy the Vice Chancellorship of the national university to be formed. According to president’s office Shaugy has accepted the offer and the president have assigned him all responsibilities of establishing the university.

Shaugy in a previous interview given to Miadhu Daily has said the he was taking on the job as he considered the job to be a national service. He said it was not political move or intended to please anyone but it was rather part of his services to the nation as patriotic citizen.