Township project will allow foreign nations to exert undue influence over the Maldives: Ali Hussain

Former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussain, has stated that the township project could allow influential foreign nations to exert undue pressure on a small country like the Maldives.

Speaking on RaajjeTV's TV Talk, Ali Hussain stated that the township project would be carried out by some of the world's most prominent and influential individuals and nations. He noted that if major powers such as the United States were to undertake this project, exerting political influence over the Maldives would be an effortless task for them.

The township will be developed to meet the highest global standards. These are among the world's wealthiest and most influential individuals. For such powerful figures, particularly those from major global powers like the United States, exerting influence over a small nation like the Maldives is effortless. They possess the capacity to achieve any political objective they desire.

Ali Hussain

Ali Hussain highlighted that the township project offers no benefits to the Maldivian people, noting that the entirety of the investment for the project is sourced from foreign entities. Furthermore, he stated that the project would lead to the erosion of the Maldivian national identity, customs, and sovereignty.

Ali Hussain stated that under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, the state is only set to collect taxes from foreign nationals residing in the township after a period of eight to ten years. Furthermore, Ali Hussain noted that companies will be exempt from paying import duties on materials brought into the country for the requirements of this project.

Under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act and the Tourism Act, all construction materials imported for development projects are exempt from import duties. In contrast, when we build guesthouses, we are required to pay a 25 percent tax to the state on all materials used. Furthermore, under the initial provisions of the SEZ Act, these large-scale developments are exempt from paying GST and TGST for a period of eight to ten years.

Ali Hussain

Ali Hussain has called on the public to voice their opposition to the bill. He expressed concern that if the legislation is passed in its current form, there will be no legal avenue for citizens to reclaim land that has been sold off.

While land reclamation is already underway to develop Dhigufaru and Dhekunufaru in Noonu Atoll as a 262-room ultra-luxury tourist resort under "Project Aila," President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has abruptly amended the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act. By introducing a new category titled "Sustainable Township," the government has granted SEZ status to this resort project. This move has sparked widespread concern, drawing significant public criticism toward the government.