Mohamed Jameel Ahmed

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Mohamed Jameel Ahmed (Maldivian: މުޙައްމަދު ޖަމީލް އަޙުމަދު; born 13 October 1969) is a Maldivian lawyer and politician who was the fourth Vice President of the Maldives from 2013 to 2015. He previously served as Minister of Justice from July 2005 to August 2007, as Minister of Civil Aviation and Communication from November 2008 to May 2009 and as Minister of Home Affairs from February 2012 to May 2013.^[1] He was once a member of the New Maldives group. In 2015, he was impeached by the parliament and removed from office.

Political career

Dr. Jameel is the only politician in the Maldives to have served in the cabinet of four different presidents. He has held different ministerial portfolios under three presidents and went on to be elected as the Vice President of the country with Abdulla Yameen as the President in 2013 presidential election.

In July 2007, Jameel made history when he defied conservative Islamists and nominated three women judges, the first time the Maldives had admitted women to the judicial bench.^[2]

He resigned as Minister of Justice after accusing President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of failing to take action against rising Islamic militancy and blocking progress of reforms.^[3] One month after Jameel resigned, the Maldives experienced its first ever homegrown terrorism incident when young Islamic radicals blew up a homemade bomb in a public park, injuring a dozen foreign tourists.^[4]

Jameel is renowned for his public speaking talents and passion for the reform of the criminal justice system, Jameel secured the highest number of votes in the elections to the Party Executive Council, polling even more votes than President Gayoom.^[5]

Reforms By Jameel

Justice system was completely overhauled during his tenure as the Justice Minister.He went on to introduce key reforms to the judiciary which saw creation of Judicial Service Commission to oversee the appointment judges, appointed first ever female judges, implemented major procedural rules to Criminal, Family and Civil Justice system. He also introduced modern administration to the judiciary including, the design and structure of court rooms and established several facilities to judicial staffs, lawyers and to the public. One of his key administrative reform included training of judges and judicial staffs, enhancing their skills, and recognizing the dire need to address lack of trained judges and the need to invest in knowledge, he sought the help of Singapore Subordinate Court to undertake a training program which was conducted successfully. While at home he managed to craft law programs for judicial staffs in collaboration with Maldives National University. Additionally for sustainable training programs for the judiciary, he announced the establishment of a Judicial Training Center in Villingili island and managed to start the work of this Institution during his time in office.

After leaving government, Jameel became a co-founder of the New Maldives which lead the Opposition against the incumbent 30-year-old regime. After the election of President Mohamed Nasheed, Jameel served as Minister of Civil Aviation and Telecommunications from November 12, 2008 to May 30, 2009.

During his tenure as the Home Minister, law enforcement was strengthened through series of disciplinary measures, and introduction of amendments to police regulations and expansion of policing to different parts of the country. For the first time police were given full discretion as perceived by the law without the interference of the Minister. Recognizing the need to invest in training and human resources, different programs were introduced including pay leaves for those wishing to pursue academic programs but more importantly established a College within Police capable of degrees in various fields related to law enforcement. To make police an attractive profession; for the first time in the history, police housing scheme of launched and the work on housing units started, which ultimate will address the much needed housing needs within the police.

He undertook various reforms to the penitentiary and prison system including the introduction of specific law to govern the penitentiary and prison system,introduced several administrative reforms including the responsibilities of prison guards and staffs in written forms, prisoners rights, their segregation based on the nature of offenses, prison rehabilitation programs including various educational classes,introduction of Quran memorization program and additionally teaching several life skill programs. His attempt to reform the immigration system including to address the illegal immigration crisis, whereby he sought to introduce a modern computer based program designed locally against much disputed border control system sought with a Malaysian party by previous government, ultimately saw that department taken out of his remit by President Waheed.

As the chair of Local Government Authority, he paved way to expand their powers, giving them authority to govern their affairs. He also dissolved provincial authorities which were created against the Law and empowered local councils by granting them powers without the need to seek consent from central sources including ministries. He also resolved the long running dispute by the councils over the assets including giving them power to occupy atoll offices and houses.

Elected Vice President in 2013

Jameel was widely credited for his tireless hard work and nationwide campaign during 2013 presidential election,as the vice presidential candidate Jameel was reported to have traveled almost all inhabited islands of the Maldives. The 2013 spectacular election win by the PPM was largely credited to his efforts and teamwork. After being elected as the Vice President, Jameel was in charge of the Social Council of the cabinet of President Yameen, where he introduced several key reforms to education, health,justice, law enforcement and housing and social justice. Jameel seen as highly popular politician, with unique ability to connect with the public and his exceptional oratory skills, his dedication to improve the lives of ordinary folks, regarded as a devotee to his work, and diligent man, he earned even the admiration of his opponents and foes for his marvelous efforts during 2013 presidential campaign.

Jameel was impeached following a no confidence motion submitted by the ruling party,( widely believed as conspiracy orchestrated by the ruling party and President Yameen) backed by the opposition and independent parliament members. According to sources, the main reason for impeachment was for the illegal attempt of a coup to takeover Presidency. However, his removal was sees as an attempt to silence the opposition voices following their Mayday rally. These dealings were leaked by the Parliamentarians, primarily for the reason that all political stakeholders in the country strongly opposes coup. The Parliament in contravention to the Maldives Constitution did not conduct an impeachment inquiry and he was not found guilty of any offense as required by the Constitution. His removal was made possible with the help of opposition parties including the main opposition party, the MDP and by simply taking a vote on the floor without finding him guilty of wrongdoing or any offense.

However, subsequent to his removal, the Home Minister of current regime has gone on record to state that for Jamel's removal members of parliament have received bribes. Jameel has maintained that his removal was a constitutional coup and that there were several persons including members of parliament and former Tourism Minister Adheeb for plotting his removal. Adheeb later became vice president for only three months before being charged for attempting to kill the president and massive corruption.

Since his removal the country has witnessed series of events that has not only derailed democratic process but has dismantled every democratic organ in the country. Almost all political leaders has been either charged and sentenced to long and lengthy prison terms, while others forced to seek refuge in foreign countries. As alleged by Jameel his removal was part of bigger conspiracy to eliminate all political leaders from political scene of the Maldives.

Jameel was recently appointed as the Leader of the United Opposition of Maldives, a group of Maldives political parties and political leaders opposed to current regime. This group consists of former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed (whom Jameel once criticized as an “anti-Islamic, Israel-loving traitor to the nation”),^[6][7] the leader of Justice Party, Sheik Imran Abdullah, and former Defense Minister Col. Mohamed Nazim. They sit in this opposition coalition as advisors.

Personal life and education

Mohamed Jameel was born in Fuvahmulah, in the southern part of Maldives. He was educated in law in Pakistan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. He obtained a PhD in Criminal Law from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) - University of London. This was a merit scholarship funded by the Commonwealth. Jameel is the only scholar in Maldives with a PhD from SOAS-University of London. Jameel is also a senior member of JICA Alumni Society of Maldives.

References