Yameen slams MDP for failing to condemn Rasmale’ project

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has strongly criticised the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), saying the party has also failed to condemn the “Maldives Waterfront and Marina” project planned for Rasmalé.

Yameen’s remarks follow the submission of a resolution to the Parliament by MDP’s South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem seeking the disclosure of the agreement between the government and UAE-based Eagle Hills, the company developing the Rasmalé project. Following the submission of the resolution, MDP’s chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed reportedly instructed the party’s MPs to ensure their statements remained consistent with the party’s official policies.

Despite Nasheed’s instructions, some MDP MPs have pointed out that no member has so far spoken against the party’s official position on the parliament floor.

Speaking at a town hall meeting hosted by his party, the People’s National Front (PNF), last night, Yameen said no political party had spoken out against the Eagle Hills project and that none appeared willing to do so. He singled out the MDP for failing to condemn the development.

“What country are these people planning to lead? When the Maldives is faced with such a significant issue, they are unwilling to speak up in the interest of the citizens. President Nasheed has already stated beforehand that this is a project they support,” Yameen said.

Yameen, who leads the PNF, declared that his party opposed the project and called for its suspension.

The agreement between the government and Eagle Hills to develop the “Maldives Waterfront and Marina” in Rasmalé was signed last September. The project, valued at USD 20 billion, is expected to feature hotels, a marina and various commercial outlets. However, some Maldivian political figures and activists have expressed concerns that the development could enable Israeli citizens to purchase property in the area.

Both the government and Eagle Hills have rejected these concerns, maintaining that the project poses no such risks.

Yameen has repeatedly criticised the Rasmalé project at several recent PNF gatherings.

Meanwhile, in a message shared in the MDP National Council’s WhatsApp group, Nasheed noted that former MP Ali Azim had been dismissed from the party for speaking against its policies while serving in Parliament. He also reminded members that the MDP had already issued an official statement concerning Eagle Hills.

Nasheed is believed to have cited the case as an indirect warning to party members to ensure that their public statements and parliamentary discussions concerning Eagle Hills do not contradict the MDP’s official position.