Ali Hussain: Muizzu Knew Ras Male' Deal Was Unconstitutional, Used Minister to Avoid Accountability

Legal expert and former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussain, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is well aware that the Ras Male' project is an unconstitutional act akin to a crime. He further suggested that the President dispatched a minister to sign the agreement to avoid personal accountability for potential future repercussions.

Speaking at a special forum titled "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah," Ali Hussain stated that it is questionable why President Muizzu dispatched a minister to sign such a significant project agreement, especially when the President is frequently seen personally attending inaugurations for minor matters, such as the installation of ATMs.

"I believe President Muizzu is well aware that this is an impossible undertaking. This action is being carried out in violation of the Constitution and constitutes a criminal act. It appears this step was taken out of a realization that there may be future accountability for these actions."

Ali Hussain

Furthermore, he stated that he had received information indicating that the Attorney General’s Office initially advised that the matter was unconstitutional. The advice reportedly noted that the project could not proceed due to the absence of a necessary legal framework.

Highlighting the legal actions being taken against the project, Ali Hussain stated that the case was filed with the Supreme Court of the Maldives as it concerns a matter of significant public interest. He noted that following the Registrar's decision to reject the case, a request has been submitted to the Supreme Court to review that decision. Furthermore, he confirmed that the matter has also been lodged with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). He expressed concern over the ACC's failure to investigate the case, despite it involving the allocation of 500 hectares of land without a competitive bidding process.

Furthermore, Ali Hussain called on the public to take to the streets to halt the project and hold the government accountable.

Ali Hussain stated that no individual or state authorization should be required for the right to peaceful assembly.

Regardless of the provisions stipulated in any specific law, the Constitution mandates that the right to peaceful assembly without prior permission is a fundamental right guaranteed to every Maldivian citizen.

Ali Hussain

Ali Hussain stated that meaningful results will emerge once that right is fully exercised, adding that efforts are currently underway to halt the matter before the agreement is signed.