Allowing foreign ownership of land will affect independence and sovereignty: Adhaalath

Adhaalath Party has said that the recent amendment to Constitution allowing for foreign ownership may have an adverse effect on the country’s Islamic values and the country’s independence sovereignty.

The press statement released by Adhaalath Party Thursday night said that such amendments to Constitution needed to be brought after intensive research and deep discussions among Maldivian citizens.

“And we note that such decisions should not be rushed, or made using sly tactics and betraying the support of people,” read the statement.

The statement said that foreigners investing in Maldives and holding business transactions for the profit of Maldivian people and State.

However, allowing foreign ownership of land was not the best for Maldives or Maldivian economy; noting that big investors could be attracted to Maldives even without allowing for foreign ownership of land.

“We note that we find this amendment to Constitution very worrying in line of the reasons stated above. This party believes that it is the topmost responsibility of People’s Majilis to protect Maldives’ Islamic principles, and the independence and sovereignty of the republic of Maldives. We therefore appeal to People’s Majilis to fulfill this responsibility for the sake of citizens,” read the statement.

The amendment to Constitution which allowed for foreign ownership of land for investments over USD 1 billion was secured in People’s Majilis with the vote of 70 members.

Former President Abdul Gayoom had appealed to President Abdulla Yameen to consider the opinion of citizens before ratifying the amendment after it had been tabled at the People’s Majilis.

However, President Yameen, during the ceremony held at President’s Office on Thursday to ratify the amendment had said that foreign investors who owned land would not be allowed to build temples or conduct any other illegal activities such as playing poker.

President Yameen said that he hoped the changes would bring happiness to Maldivian citizens in the future.