Monday 02 Nov 2026
(From L-R) Former presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and Mohamed Nasheed converse: Yameen welcomes MDP's resolution on Rasmale' project referendum, . (Sun Photo/Mohamed Shaathiu Abdulla)
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has welcomed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council’s decision to call on the government to hold a public referendum on the Rasmalé project.
The MDP National Council passed a resolution at its meeting on Sunday night, urging the government to seek public opinion through a referendum on the proposed allocation of 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé to UAE-based company Eagle Hills.
The resolution was passed with 57 votes in favor out of the 58 members present. The sole vote against it was cast by MDP’s Chairperson, former president Mohamed Nasheed.
Reacting to the decision, Yameen described it as "joyful news" and congratulated the MDP on behalf of his party.
"Very happy news; we offer our unending gratitude to the MDP National Council," he stated.
Yameen urged Members of Parliament to demonstrate resolve and courage at this time. He called on them not to remain passive, warning that failure to act now would result in consequences they would have to face later. He stressed that it was Parliament members’ responsibility to hold leaders accountable to the law and ensure they remain on the right path.
"The bill sent by [President] Muizzu is now in their [lawmakers] hands, or rather, in their laps. It claims to prevent speech against any religion or the incitement of hatred. Where did he get this from? We do not have to accept this," Yameen remarked.
He further stated that Islam is given priority in the Maldives and that other religions are not respected. He warned that passing the bill would amount to a betrayal of both Maldivian citizens and Islam.
"By the grace of Allah, the efforts we have been making have reached a milestone of success with the passing of this resolution by the MDP National Council," Yameen said.
During the MDP National Council meeting, Nasheed expressed his full support for the government’s decision to grant land in Ras Malé to Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills for a 99-year period.
