“He was a man without personal motives or own agendas.” “He was meticulous in whatever task was assigned to him.” “He would even return surplus allowances after his official visits abroad.” Historian and director general of National Archives of Maldives, Mohamed Shathir’s succinct three-sentence summarisation paints a very clear picture of Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi’s character. The renowned state dignitary, who passed away in Thai capital Bangkok late Friday at the age of 79, had not left a single stain on his long history of national service. Loyal, benign and serene, he had been full of regard and respect for his fellow man. Did not covet power Sattar was an exemplary political leader, who had stepped into the field in the late 1950’s following his studies in neighbouring Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). He first served as the Maldives’ representative in Sri Lanka and later their Ambassador during the era of Ibrahim Nasir’s prime ministership prior to his presidency. Sattar received this appointment in the politically turbulent 1960, during the coup d'État of three southern atolls orchestrated by the British during their protectorate. Sattar’s most notable services in Sri Lanka are written on a page that can never lose its significance in Maldives’ history; his efforts during the nation’s struggle to gain independence from the British. He had served as President Nasir’s representative in the discussions held with the British High Commission in Sri Lankan capital Colombo, during which he had faithfully brought forward Nasir’s amendments and suggestions word for word to the agreement in development. Nasir, holding the pen, prepares to sign the agreement while Abdul Sattar stands behind him. The long awaited signing of the independence agreement took place on July 26, 1965. Sattar had taken his place by the president’s side at the ceremony, resulting in one of the most valuable photographs ever taken in the Maldives’ recent history. President Nasir had then famously handed the pen he used to sign the independence agreement to Sattar and he had held on to that national relic to this day. The “Parker 51” pen used by the then Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir to sign the agreement for independence: it is in possession of Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi. HAVEERU PHOTO: Mohamed Sharuhaan During his services to the state, Sattar had established himself as an exemplary role model to his countrymen. As a leading politician, he had served faithfully with never an ulterior motive. History shows that the parliament had agreed on Sattar as the first prime minister under President Nasir’s government, but he had declined the position, which had then passed to Ahmed Zaki. “It is a testimonial to his lack of personal agenda and own motives,” said Director General Shathir. Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi’s services to the state Ambassador of the Maldives in Sri Lanka Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations 1970 – 1975: Finance minister 1975 – 1977: Vice President 1977 – 1978: Education minister 1978 – 1989: Fisheries minister 1989 – 1992: Health minister Sattar had been one to accept the responsibilities delegated to him by whichever leading power of that time. In an attempt to tame political fires that had flared up during his government, President Nasir had appointed a number of individuals as his deputy, one of whom was Sattar. At that time, Sattar had accepted and remained in position. According to Shathir, Sattar’s appointment as the finance minister from 1970 – 1975 was not an ordinary circumstance. To the contrary, it had been in direct conflict with the policies used by the nation’s strongmen until that point. “Back then and even afterwards [until 2005], the responsibilities of the finance minister were shouldered by the president or prime minister,” explained Shathir. “But that Sattar became the finance minister during Nasir’s presidency was an indication of the level of trust [Nasir had in Sattar]. Else he would not have been appointed finance minister.” Sattar’s morality was well recognised by every leader that rose to power. At the parliamentary session held behind closed-doors to approve the next presidential candidate following Nasir’s rejection of another term in 1978, Sattar had received the second highest number of votes right after Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. He was also the first man that President Gayoom had chosen from among Nasir’s cabinet members; a direct evidence of Sattar’s trustworthiness and valuable services that even the new president could not dismiss. “That Sattar was the first to be chosen [from Nasir’s cabinet ministers] without a single issue indicates his honest personality,” said Shathir. In selfless service to the nation Sattar’s clean slate of 50 years illustrates what it is to truly serve one’s nation. His life is a paradigm. People knowledgeable of Sattar’s life describe him as a man who had nothing but love for his country. He had displayed in actions that one’s career is an ' amanat ', something valued that should be handled faithfully without a pinch of dishonesty. He was known for returning any surplus allowance on his return from official government trips abroad. Though such is the rule, few are the people who practise it. However, his colleagues and close associates all concur without a moment’s hesitation that, in his long history of serving his country, Sattar had never falsely used even a single laari (MVR 0.01). A glance at the state bodies entitled to state funds today reveals the saddening sight of demands for more money. In spite of the relatively high salaries awarded to officials of the nation, the response of most is more greed and covetousness. However, Sattar’s actions in life had been the farthest from these sights. The qualities he had demonstrated were invaluable: his punctuality and perfect work attendance, his seamless teamwork and holding each and every colleague in high esteem with unfaltering respect; and his perseverance of making do with what he earned. There was one thing Sattar had always highlighted in his interviews without fail: the cooperation of his subordinates. In his days of overseeing the works at the state owned State Trading Organisation (STO), Sattar had endlessly rained praises on the company employees, from its labourers to its chiefs. He had asserted that, at the time, the staff of STO had shouldered exceptional burdens. It had never been Sattar’s habit to expound on his own achievements under any circumstances. He had never taken advantage of the good name he had created for himself over long years for the sake of another’s comments. In 2014, Sattar met with Haveeru Editor Moosa Latheef for an interview regarding STO’s fiftieth anniversary. The talk had revealed that Sattar was the person that the then President Nasir had approached to modernise the company’s name from its former moniker of Athireegemaafannu Trading Agency (ATA). Accordingly, Sattar had lobbied the name “State Trading Organisation” to the president. Upon this revelation, Editor Moosa Latheef had remarked that such information must be publically disclosed on such an occasion as STO’s golden jubilee, to which Sattar had laughingly replied, “Please don’t write that [in the interview].” His answer had not changed despite repeated requests for permission, which the editor had then attributed to Sattar’s characteristic of never desiring to claim credit for himself. Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi has left behind a legacy of instrumental national services and historic achievements. His life had set an incredible example for his nation. He was an invaluable persona for his country. An honourable son of the Maldives.