Yameen: Government cannot give Rasmale' under a single deal without public consent

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom says the Government must seek the people’s vote before entering into any agreement that hands over a large portion of Maldivian land, including Rasmale', to a foreign developer.

Speaking at a People’s National Front (PNF) rally on Sunday evening, Yameen criticised the Government’s move to hand over Rasmale' under a single agreement, saying such a decision cannot be made without public consent. He said the justification being used, including claims of long-term development, does not warrant giving away land reclaimed for Maldivians.

Yameen said the decision was pushed by Housing Minister Dr Abdulla Muthalib and Attorney General Ahmed Usham, whom he described as the two ministers closest to executing President Muizzu’s instructions on the matter.

He said that once the current administration ends, legal action would be taken against those responsible for the agreement to hand over Rasmale' to the Abu Dhabi developer.

Yameen said major national decisions such as Rasmale' must be taken to a referendum, in addition to being deliberated in Parliament. He said the Constitution outlines principles of good governance, and that the President has the power to seek a referendum on issues of this scale.

“If this goes to Parliament, the people must also go to a referendum. The Constitution guides good governance. The President has the power to ask for a referendum on major issues like this,” he said.

Yameen reiterated that the Rasmale project will not benefit Maldivians in the long term and will be stopped by the next government. He said the security services are legally obliged to refuse the President’s orders in matters that compromise national interest.

He also referred to the agreement between Eagle Hills, a renowned Abu Dhabi developer, and the Maldives government to develop a USD 20 billion waterfront and marina project, saying the deal is “definitely illegal” and does not have to be accepted by the next government.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Dubai, attended by Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and chairman of Eagle Hills, along with senior Maldivian officials.

The Rasmale' project is the largest land-reclamation initiative in Maldivian history, involving the reclamation of more than 1,100 hectares and the development of 65,000 housing units. The Government says the project aims to reduce congestion in Malé and boost economic growth, though no timeline has been announced.

Eagle Hills is known for major international waterfront developments, including Lulu Island in Abu Dhabi, a USD 2.5 billion marina project in Albania, and a USD 1.2 billion waterfront development in Sharjah.