No guarantee Zionists will not settle in Maldives if Ras Male' project continues in its current form: Former Chief Justice

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has stated that the government's decision to proceed with the Ras Male' project in partnership with Eagle Hills constitutes an act of support for Zionists, asserting that the project agreement is fundamentally null and void.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fashaairu" program, Didi shared his legal and religious concerns regarding the project.

Didi stated that Muslims vehemently oppose the Zionist occupation of Palestinian lands and the ongoing atrocities committed against its people. He further characterized the partnership with Mohamed Alabbar, head of Eagle Hills—the company contracted for the Ras Male' project—as providing support to Zionism, noting that Alabbar is a known supporter of Zionist actions.

Criticizing the current governance system of the Maldives, the former Chief Justice stated that the constitutional concept of an Islamic state extends beyond the mere construction of mosques and endowment buildings.

He stated that while there are specific qualities required of a leader in an Islamic state, the protection of religion remains a fundamental obligation. However, Didi alleged that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is not leading an Islamic administration, characterizing it instead as a highly secular governance that distances itself from religious principles.

Furthermore, highlighting the potential risks associated with the Ras Male' project, he stated that if the project proceeds in its current form, there is no guarantee that Zionists will not settle in the Maldives. He also noted that despite numerous elements within the project agreement that contravene the Constitution, the Attorney General continues to endorse it as a valid agreement because he is someone who tailors the law to suit the government's agenda.

Didi stated that the agreement is absolutely null and void, warning that it would cause irreparable and extensive damage to the nation. Consequently, he called upon all Maldivian citizens to stand up, voice their opposition, and say "no" to the agreement.

According to the government, the commercial terms agreement—which includes the framework required to negotiate and finalize the contract with Eagle Hills—was signed under the Private Sector Initiated Proposal (PSIP) policy. This process was conducted in accordance with Section 10.22 (c) of the State Finance Regulations, which governs projects proposed through private sector initiatives.

However, Alabbar stated that the Maldives was the party that initially took the initiative and expressed interest in the project. It is noted that there are numerous such contradictions surrounding this project.