No greater concern will arise during this five-year term than the Ras Male' project; if you have the courage, hold a referendum: Meekail

Member of Parliament for South Galolhu, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has stated that no issue during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s five-year term will be more contentious than the Ras Male' project. He further challenged the President to hold a public referendum on the matter if he has the courage to do so.

During Monday's parliamentary sitting, members debated a resolution calling for the government to disclose full details of the agreement signed with Eagle Hills regarding the "Ras Male'" project. The resolution aims to ascertain the official stance of Parliament members on the matter.

Debating the resolution, Meekail stated that the concerns raised regarding the Ras Male' project are genuine and stem from deeply held convictions.

Meekail stated that the public harbors two primary concerns regarding this matter, the first being the specific entity involved in the investment. The second concern, according to the member, is that the government is forfeiting the benefits due to the state by proceeding with the project in an opaque manner, keeping the commercial terms hidden and shrouded in secrecy from the Maldivian people.

Meekail stated that he does not wish to see a future where Maldivian citizens are reduced to living as second-class citizens in their own land.

Let me give you an example. Even during a campaign, there are numerous parties ready to offer funds when fundraising. However, a person of sound mind and wisdom would know how to distinguish between money that should be accepted and money that must be refused. If one accepts money from a gang leader to get elected to the People’s Majlis, that individual will come to collect from the Member years later. Therefore, such money must be avoided.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem

Meekail stated that the Maldivian state must not touch the funds of an investor with Zionist ideologies and urged the government to acknowledge this stance. The MP further emphasized that the government must heed the concerns and pleas of the Maldivian people.

Meekail noted that the government had previously amended the Constitution with great ease to facilitate a referendum regarding the proposal to synchronize two elections. He asserted that a referendum must also be conducted in this instance.

No greater concern will arise during these five years than what we are seeing now. The level of public apprehension surrounding the Ras Male' project is unprecedented and will remain unmatched. This is the moment to consult the people; this is the time to seek their formal consent. If the government has the courage, they should put this to a referendum. While they managed to secure 30 percent support for the proposal to align the two elections, they will not even garner five percent support for this project.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem

The resolution submitted by Meekail states that the government has yet to disclose the details of the commercial terms agreement signed between the Maldives and UAE-based Eagle Hills for the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Ras Male'. It calls for the immediate public disclosure of all details pertaining to the agreement.