Salaf has no mandate to decide on matters concerning state sovereignty: Former Chief Justice

Former Chief Justice Dr. Ahmed Abdulla Didi has stated that Jamiyyath Salaf holds no mandate to endorse or oppose major issues concerning the sovereignty of the Maldivian people, asserting that the citizens who represent the nation's sovereignty do not require the organization's support.

Dr. Didi made these remarks at a time when the Salaf organization has submitted several proposals to the government regarding the Ras Male' project, signaling their conditional support for the administration's policy.

He emphasized that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his administration, who have been entrusted with executive power for a five-year term, do not possess the constitutional authority to establish long-term foreign settlements—including non-Muslims—in Ras Male' for generations to come. He further stated that the power to make such a decision rests solely with the people, who are the true holders of the state's sovereignty.

Furthermore, referring to the conditions set by the Salaf Association regarding this matter, Didi stated that the assurances requested by the organization are, in reality, impossible for the government to guarantee.

He stated that if the scholars of Salaf were truly sincere, they would have called upon the government to respect the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives and the holy religion of Islam. The former Chief Justice further asserted that they must advise and urge President Muizzu and his administration to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the sovereignty and Islamic unity of the Maldivian state, and to remain faithful to the nation and its citizens.

Following a review of the government's decision to sell the Ras Male' project to Eagle Hills, a UAE-based firm known for its support of Israel and Zionist interests, Jamiyyathul Salaf has issued a statement endorsing the settlement of non-Muslims in the Maldives.

In a statement, Jamiyyath Salaf highlighted eight specific conditions the government must fulfill before allowing followers of other faiths to settle in the Maldives.

These objectives include safeguarding the nation’s Islamic identity and national sovereignty, as well as protecting state sovereignty and strategic independence. Furthermore, the goals encompass researching demographic shifts and security threats, aiming for economic development that yields maximum benefits for Maldivian citizens, and establishing transparent policies. They also include maintaining an open economy, ensuring balance among national principles, establishing a permanent monitoring system, and conducting social impact assessments.

As Salaf issues this statement, the Ras Male' project continues to spark intense public debate and widespread concern.