"Orchid" - first written account of murderous assault on President Amin

It happened about half a century ago: Maldives' first Republic was overthrown in 1953 while the country's first President, Mohamed Amin Didi, was fatally attacked by a disgruntled mob.

Until 2011, this dark chapter in our history was passed only through oral tradition, until long-time and respected journalist Mohamed Jameel and a friend decided that this taboo subject should be documented as a crucial lesson for the benefit of current and future generations.

In a foreword to his biography of Amin, titled "Orchid", Jameel writes that his friend had to distance himself from the project for unspecified reasons, and that Jameel decided to go ahead by himself at any cost. It proved to be an extremely difficult undertaking when sources were unwilling to go on the record and witnesses agreeing only when they gained confidence in him due to his persistence.

"Orchid", which contains 325 pages, and is sold for MVR 200, is Jameel's first book; he is also the author of "Dr Waheed Ge Hayaathun Insaaf", a biography of former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (which I have also read). "Orchid" was published with the generous support of Waheed's Vice President, resort owner Mohamed Waheed Deen.

"Orchid" is an uncompromising account of how a mob can easily go out of control, resorting to violence, and Jameel is candid and meticulous in not leaving any detail out - including profanity, which is rare in a country where Conservatism demands self-censorship of works of art.

And talking of Conservatism, Amin himself was a contradictory figure, with one foot firmly established in Islamic Sharia, such as implementing death penalty, amputation, etc, while on the other hand pursuing Liberal ideals such as feminism, gender equality, emancipation of women, beauty contests, etc.

Because of such controversies, some Maldivians feel that Amin was unpopular on various counts: he was perceived as a womanizer, while the masses were unhappy with his prohibition on tobacco - not to mention how he allegedly mishandled "Bodu Thadhu", the country-wide famine resulting from the consequences of the Second World War.

Because of his contradictory - and often confusing - policies, it is difficult to get an insight into what Amin really wanted to achieve as far as his realpolitik and legacy are concerned. But Jameel has made it easy enough to understand how unhappy politicians were successful in conspiring a murderous coup plot by mobilising a dissatisfied mob.

Tragically, Amin succumbed to his grievous injuries while banished to Vihamanaafushi, an uninhabited island now converted to a resort (Kurumba Maldives) in North Male' Atoll. And sadly, his family got to see only his lifeless body because the government of the time did not allow them to visit him when he was barely alive after the attack on him.

Born in 1971 to Hoadehdhoo island in Gaafu Dhaalu atoll, "Orchid" author Jameel is a leading journalist, covering key issues and top stories ever since joining Voice of Maldives in 1988. He is now Executive Editor at the state media. His focused narrative and concise prose make "Orchid" easy to read and follow. This is an outstanding book that is a necessary addition to the collection of anyone interested in the 20th century history of Maldives.