If a significant portion of Ras Male' is handed over to Eagle Hills, the project will effectively reinstate dominance of the 'Borah' merchants: Thoriq

Former Manadhoo MP Mohamed Thoriq has warned that the reported permanent allocation of a significant portion of Ras Male' to Eagle Hills poses a grave threat to future generations, likening it to the era when Bohra traders controlled the Maldives and influenced state affairs.

Speaking during the "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah" special coverage, Thoriq stated that the government is making extensive efforts to portray this project as beneficial to the Maldives. However, he noted that the remarks made by the company’s chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, during his visit to the Maldives have escalated to a point where the identity of the nation’s president has become blurred, describing it as a deeply shameful and regrettable situation.

Expressing further concern over the issue, Thoriq stated that the government has regressed to a state reminiscent of ancient times, when people would blindly follow anyone who arrived in their islands with money. He noted that while some may view island residents as unsophisticated, today’s islanders are not the type of people to be swayed or led simply because someone arrives with a handful of cash. Thoriq emphasized that these citizens are far more discerning and have the nation's best interests at heart. He further asserted that the people living in the islands are significantly more civilized and enlightened than the current government leadership.

Reflecting on Maldivian history, Thoriq stated that the country once endured a period where state affairs were conducted solely at the command of Bohra merchants and according to their specific interests.

Historical records indicate that these Bohra merchants used to approach high-ranking state officials with trays of offerings. I interpret this as the act of offering bribes. What we are witnessing today is an attempt to normalize such bribery; once documented, it is treated as a standard practice and used as a foundation for establishing rules and regulations. It is disgraceful that such foul narratives are being propagated.

Former Member of Parliament for the Manadhoo constituency, Mohamed Thoriq

Furthermore, Thoriq stated that granting hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds and 500 hectares of land to a foreign national for free commercial use poses a significant threat. He added that the public harbors immense concern regarding President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and all those involved with him in facilitating this venture.

Furthermore, Thoriq stated that based on available information, the matter had neither been deliberated within the Cabinet nor disclosed to members of the People’s Majlis. He described the move as an initiative orchestrated and decided upon by a small circle of three or four individuals within the government.