Yameen says former leaders and state legal officials are avoiding comment on Eagle Hills’ Rasmale agreement

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom says the country’s former leaders and the government’s legal officials “do not dare” to comment on the Eagle Hills agreement signed for the Rasmale’ project. 

Speaking at a People’s National Front (PNF) front-office rally, Yameen strongly criticised the government’s deal with Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills, alleging that the administration has not clearly explained the project’s benefits to the public.

Yameen described the agreement as “no good” and a straightforward “crime,” claiming the 99-year lease arrangement would lead to foreigners being settled in a manner that undermines national interests. He also accused the Attorney General’s Office of lacking a proper legal framework and said state legal officials have “stopped talking” about the project.

Expressing concern over business ties with Abu Dhabi, Yameen said it was unacceptable to strengthen relations with parties he alleged were linked to Israel’s actions in Palestine. He argued that allocating large tracts of land without adequate safeguards poses risks to coastal security and the tourism industry, and questioned the silence of religious scholars on the issue.

Yameen added that economic benefits should come from maximising national resources, saying it was unacceptable to sell strategic assets such as the international airport and main port in the name of profit.