Khaleel: No Ras Male' Project Details Shared During My Time in Cabinet; Was It Kept Secret Even Then?

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel has raised questions regarding the Ras Male' project, stating that no information related to the initiative was shared during his tenure in the Cabinet. He questioned whether the project was being conducted under such a high level of secrecy even at that time.

Khaleel made these remarks in response to information shared by an individual on X (formerly Twitter) regarding details he had previously disclosed about the Ras Male' project.

In response to Khaleel's previous post, an X account under the name Ashraq stated that the Ras Male' reclamation project costs approximately $700 million. He noted that it is disappointing for someone who was a member of the cabinet when the project commenced to be unaware of such details. Furthermore, he pointed out that the government has publicly disclosed this information on numerous occasions.

Furthermore, the source clarified that individual lagoons or islands in the Maldives are not appraised separately. Instead, lease rates for various regions across the country are pre-determined under existing tourism laws and regulations. The source added that the government allocates islands and lagoons for development strictly in accordance with these established rates.

Discussing the nature of investments, the official noted that not every investment requires an upfront payment, as returns are generated through various structures. They emphasized that the most significant immediate benefit to the state and the public from this project is the development of 5,000 housing units, valued at approximately $500 million. The official further highlighted that at a time when securing foreign loans for social housing is increasingly difficult, the provision of 5,000 units serves as a substantial "upfront" contribution for such a project. Additionally, they noted that the broader economic benefits resulting from the increase in housing stock would far exceed the initial valuation.

Responding to Khaleel, the individual asserted that under current Maldivian law, the permanent transfer of land ownership is prohibited. They noted that the specific legislation previously passed with Khaleel's vote during his tenure as an MP—which would have allowed the transfer of ownership of his home constituency, Faafu Atoll, to foreign entities—has since been repealed. The individual further emphasized that beneficial national projects should be supported regardless of whether one is part of the government. They added that had Khaleel still held his former position, he almost certainly would not have spoken in such a manner.

Responding to the remarks, Khaleel stated, "My friend, please correct your information. During my tenure in the Cabinet, no details regarding this project were shared with me. Was it being handled with such secrecy even back then?"

Urging that his remarks not be misrepresented, Khaleel clarified that his comments focused on the necessity of attracting large-scale investments and the importance of remaining accountable to the public's inquiries.

"Are government officials once again refusing to answer the questions weighing on the public's mind?" Khaleel questioned.

In a previous post, Khaleel stated that there are significant and sensitive public concerns regarding the investment in Ras Male'. He emphasized that as leaders appointed to protect the rights of the nation and its citizens, the government's responsibility is to provide the public with transparent answers that address these concerns.