Fayyaz Warns Granting Maldivian Land to Non-Muslims Could Pose an Existential Threat

Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has warned that the Palestinian conflict originated from the permanent granting of land to Zionists, cautioning that providing Maldivian land to non-Muslims in a similar permanent manner would pose a significant danger.

Speaking on Sunday’s 'Fashaairu' program, Fayyaz severely criticized the government regarding the Ras Male' project, specifically the decision to lease land to Eagle Hills for 99 years and the subsequent sub-division and sale of apartments to thousands of foreigners. Fayyaz argued that with the frequent amendments being made to the agreement, this effectively amounts to granting permanent land ownership through indirect means. He further noted that the government’s explanations regarding such large-scale projects remain opaque. He also highlighted that the government has failed to provide a clear response to questions arising from the Eagle Hills website, which suggests that the land is being acquired on a permanent basis.

Fayyaz stated that those who previously raised their voices in the name of religion and nationalism, claiming the country was being "sold off" when GMR was contracted to develop and operate the airport for 25 years at its own expense, are now acting in contradiction to those very principles. He expressed that the greatest concern is whether Maldivian land is being permanently handed over to foreign entities, noting that the Maldivian people are dissatisfied with these developments.

Fayyaz stated that if the government intends to undertake such a significant measure, it must first present its case to the public and ensure the people are fully informed and have granted their consent. He further emphasized that rather than utilizing a parliamentary supermajority to push through constitutional amendments in five minutes, the government should allow a one-month period for public discourse. This would provide both the government and the opposition the opportunity to debate the matter, ensuring that the final decision rests with the will of the people.

The primary concern is whether Maldivian land is being granted to foreigners on a permanent basis. Personally, I find this difficult to accept. From what I have observed, the Maldivian people do not support this either. Therefore, if the government intends to proceed with such a policy, they must first present their case to the public, convince them of its merits, and ensure the process is transparent and conducted only with the explicit consent of the Maldivian people.

Fayyaz Ismail

Stating his opposition to non-Maldivians being granted permanent ownership of Maldivian land, Fayyaz drew a historical parallel to Palestine. He noted that when Palestine was under the Ottoman Empire two to three centuries ago, Zionist organizations began purchasing land; over the course of 200 years, this gradually escalated into the major conflict seen today, where they now claim rights over that territory.

If permanent residency is granted to non-citizens in this manner, the demographic will inevitably include non-Muslims. This creates a highly precarious situation. We understand how global geopolitics works; powerful nations could eventually leverage the United Nations to argue that these residents—whether they be Christians, Jews, or other non-Muslims—possess inherent rights as foreign nationals that must be upheld. They would demand that our laws be amended to allow for the practice of their respective religions. While such changes may not materialize overnight, they represent a gradual, long-term shift that could unfold over decades or even centuries. This trajectory poses a significant and alarming threat to our national identity.

Fayyaz Ismail

Fayyaz warned that granting permanent residency to non-citizens could lead to a demographic mix including non-Muslims and various foreign nationals. He cautioned that, in the future, global powers and the United Nations could exert pressure to mandate legal reforms and the granting of religious and other fundamental rights to these residents. While noting that these consequences may not manifest immediately, Fayyaz raised the alarm that over the coming years and centuries, this trajectory could lead to a perilous situation for the nation.