Decision to sell Ras Male' was made because this administration lacks the expertise to develop it: Nazim

Former Member of Parliament for the Madaveli constituency, Hussain Mohamed Nazim, has stated that the government’s decision to sell Ras Male' stems from its inability to develop the area.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Nazim stated that Hulhumale was not developed by selling off land to foreign parties, but rather through direct investment by the Maldivian state. He noted, however, that the current administration maintains that the Ras Male' project can only be developed through such sales.

Questioning on whose advice President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu initiated the Ras Male' reclamation project, Nazim expressed concern over the decision to begin the project while sidelining the ongoing reclamation of Gulhifalhu and Giraavarufalhu. He noted that the previous administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had already commenced work on those sites, which included an integrated connectivity bridge.

Nazim strongly criticized President Muizzu following the decision to sell Ras Male' to foreign interests, noting that the President had previously pledged not to surrender even a grain of Maldivian sand.

What is most astonishing is that the leader of a Muslim nation would speak so recklessly, without any fear of Allah, even going as far as to personally describe the traits of a hypocrite. It is a fundamental and widely understood principle that one must stand against hypocrisy. Yet, this individual reminds us of the signs of a hypocrite, only to have his own words confirm the very next day that he is, by his own admission, guilty of that same hypocrisy.

Mohamed Nazim

Nazim further alleged that the Ras Male' project agreement was executed in violation of the law.

The Attorney General announced the following day that they are currently in the process of drafting and aligning the law to fit their actions. By stating their intent to amend the law to accommodate these moves, it is clear acknowledgment that the current actions are unlawful. Even then, this would not be sufficient to validate it; the Constitution itself would also need to be amended. They may well attempt to do so.

Mohamed Nazim

Nazim stated that President Muizzu lacks the expertise to develop Ras Male', unlike previous administrations that successfully developed Hulhumale'. He further asserted that the decision to sell the land was a direct consequence of this inability to manage its development.