PNC is a party that incited discord with neighboring countries while in opposition, and they continue to do the same now that they are in government: Shahid

Former Foreign Minister and President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, has stated that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) incited discord with neighboring countries while in opposition and continues to facilitate such animosity toward close allies even after assuming power.

Speaking at the 38th meeting of the MDP’s fourth National Congress session on Sunday night, Shahid characterized the entire Fushidhiggaru Lagoon project as a deception. He asserted that the government is misleading the public on every aspect of the initiative, starting from its very name.

The manner in which funds were expended on that project was deliberately obscured. Through a series of deceptive maneuvers, expenditures not authorized in the approved budget were funneled into the project, resulting in a total of $800 million in public funds being poured into it. While these funds were being diverted, the justification provided was that it was being done to facilitate housing for the Maldivian people. That was the pretext under which it was carried out. Furthermore, it was claimed that Male' would be connected to the site via a glass underwater tunnel. When the prospect of this tunnel was mentioned, those in attendance stood up twice, applauding so vigorously it was as if their shoulders might dislocate.

Abdulla Shahid

Shahid stated that the current focus is neither on the glass tunnel project nor on the issue of housing, which remains the most significant challenge facing the Maldivian people.

Shahid noted that reports are currently circulating regarding the handover of land, reclaimed at a cost of $800 million in Maldivian taxpayer money, to a foreign company in bulk and free of charge. He stated that while the government proceeds in this manner, the resulting hardships are borne entirely by the Maldivian citizens and the nation.

The most significant issue we face due to the government's current conduct is the deliberate creation of internal discord. The current ruling party, even during their time in opposition, actively incited hostility toward our neighboring nations. Now that they are in power, they continue to take actions that pave the way for friction with our closest allies.

Abdulla Shahid

During the meeting, the party passed a resolution calling on the government to hold a public referendum regarding the allocation of 500 hectares of land from the Ras Male' reclamation project in Fushidhiggaru Lagoon to the UAE-based Eagle Hills company. The resolution urges the administration to allow the public to decide on the deal and to act in accordance with the people's verdict.

The resolution states that a commercial terms agreement was signed on September 21, 2024, between the Maldivian government and Eagle Hills, a UAE-based company, to develop the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Ras Male'. The resolution further notes that 500 hectares of land from Ras Male' is to be allocated for the project on a 99-year lease. This allocation was reportedly granted without any acquisition cost and is exempt from lease payments for the duration of the agreement.

Furthermore, the resolution details the grounds for believing that Eagle Hills was selected to undertake this project in violation of established legal procedures.