Foreign investment is essential for Maldives' development; but benefits of such investments must extend beyond investor alone: MP Ibrahim

Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), has stated that while foreign investment is essential for the development of the Maldives, such investments must benefit more than just the investor.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" coverage, Member of Parliament Ibrahim stated that concerns regarding the Ras Male' project will persist as long as the government refuses to disclose the agreement signed with Eagle Hills for the development.

Referring to the remarks made by Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar regarding the Palestinian people, MP Ibrahim stated that Maldivians have historically been vocal advocates for the Palestinian cause. The MP further highlighted that the Maldivian people have a long-standing tradition of sharing their own resources to support and provide aid to the people of Palestine.

The Palestinian people are a nation with whom we share a profound, heartfelt connection. Yet today, an individual who has previously directed derogatory remarks toward them is acquiring 500 hectares of land in Ras Male'—one of the largest landmasses in the Maldives—on a 99-year lease. If we do not harbor serious concerns over this, then the blood flowing through our veins is not truly Maldivian.

Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu)

MP Ibrahim raised several critical questions that he stated both the public and fellow parliamentarians are eager to have answered: the criteria used to select the investor, whether the project was opened for public bidding, and if other investors were given the opportunity to compete. He further questioned whether the government had ensured that no superior proposals existed from other parties and if a thorough background check had been conducted on Alabbar. The MP emphasized that the only way to guarantee the best possible proposal is through a transparent and open public bidding process.

Furthermore, MP Ibrahim stated that the Ras Male' project was awarded to Eagle Hills without a public bidding process, following the current administration's typical practice of selecting specific parties. He added that every project undertaken by this government involves signing agreements that lack transparency.

Furthermore, Ibrahim stated that foreign investment is essential for the development of the Maldives, noting that there is already a significant presence of foreign capital in the country. However, he emphasized that the benefits of such investments should not be exclusive to the investors, but must also extend to the Maldivian people.