Nasheed Launches Short Story Collection ‘Kuruvaahaka – 80ge Kuree kolhu’ with Satirical Take on Finances

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has launched a new collection of short stories, framing the release with satirical remarks regarding his personal finances, state pension cuts, and the rising cost of living.

The publication, titled Kuruvaahaka – 80ge Kuree kolhu (Short Stories – Early 80s), was officially launched on Saturday evening during a special gathering held at Donmanik Sky View Restaurant in Malé. The book was unveiled by Zuhaira Umar (G. Kenereege), the maternal aunt of the former president.

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Published by Ocean Publishers, the anthology compiles fictional works originally penned by Nasheed during the 1990s, which he noted reflect his personal thoughts and observations from that era. The book has been made available to the public at MVR 250.

In promotional notes accompanying the release, Nasheed offered a tongue-in-cheek commentary on his economic situation, pointing to his unpaid role as Chairperson of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and recent statutory reductions to pensions and allowances provided to former heads of state.

“The position of chairman does not carry a salary. A large part of the pension for former presidents has also been cut,” Nasheed wrote. “Much of the money I had saved has been exhausted trying to build a house on a plot in Laamu Atoll. I am publishing this book because I am short of money.”

His framing drew comparisons to English novelist Anthony Burgess, who frequently remarked on turning to commercial writing to support his family and generate income.

The collection features several short stories, including Chaala Zaman, Gaumee Mashroo, Reethi Haadhisaa-eh, and Moosabaru, a narrative exploring themes surrounding British colonial presence and hydrographer Captain Robert Moresby.

Nasheed also addressed a notable character in the anthology named “Hassan Kurusee,” clarifying that the fictional protagonist shares no connection with the anonymous, controversial persona operating under the identical moniker on social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. Nasheed detailed that his character possesses a vastly different temperament, personality, and physical profile depicted as a slender man approaching his thirties with a full head of hair.

The release adds to Nasheed’s extensive portfolio as a political author and historian. Before rising to prominent political office, he was a journalist and dissident writer, later authoring widely recognized historical research titles including Dhe Radhun, Killa Malé, and Dhagandu Dhahanaa.