MDP submits resolution to Parliament seeking referendum on Ras Male' project

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed and submitted a resolution calling for a public referendum regarding the agreement signed between the government and Eagle Hills company for the development of Fushidhiggaru Lagoon.

The resolution, submitted by MDP Parliamentary Group Leader and South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Nazil, states that under Article 70 (b) (6) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, the People's Majlis is vested with the authority to hold public referendums to seek the opinion of the citizenry on matters of public importance.

The resolution states that, pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Referendum Act and Article 253-5(a) of the Standing Orders of the People’s Majlis, any decision to hold a public referendum must be determined through a resolution passed by a majority of the total membership of Parliament. The resolution further references Article 251 of the Constitution, which prohibits the transfer of ownership of any part of Maldivian territory to foreign parties. It stipulates that land may only be leased or otherwise granted to foreign entities for a period not exceeding 99 years.

Following the signing of a commercial terms agreement with Eagle Hills in Dubai on September 21 for the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project at Ras Male', Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib clarified the project's scope in a written response on October 15. The Minister stated that the development will span approximately 500 hectares of reclaimed land at Fushidhiggaru Lagoon. The agreement stipulates that the land will be leased for a 99-year period. Under the financial terms, the government is set to receive 10 percent of the developer's total revenue, along with a 4 percent royalty on the sale price of all units within the project.

The resolution states that the government's handling of this project has drawn significant public scrutiny and widespread concern. It reaffirms that the Maldives remains steadfast in its solidarity with the Palestinian people. Furthermore, it stipulates that under the Maldives Immigration Act, entry into the country on an Israeli passport should be prohibited until the inhumane acts perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people since October 7 are brought to an end.

Furthermore, the resolution asserts that no citizen would accept the leasing of Maldivian land for the use of any entity accused of aiding those committing atrocities against the Palestinian people. The resolution also notes that information disclosed to the public thus far regarding the project's financiers and the intended land users has raised fundamental concerns and suspicions that contradict national principles.

The resolution states that neither land value nor rent is being charged. It further notes that since current laws do not permit the allocation of land under these specific conditions, new legislation must be enacted. The government has also stipulated that this law must be passed by the People’s Majlis before a formal agreement can be signed.

The resolution further emphasizes that leasing such a vast area of land, reclaimed using public funds, for long-term foreign residency would have profound implications for state-owned land, public finances, and the nation's long-term interests. Consequently, it asserts that as the People’s Majlis is mandated to legislate on this matter, it is vital for the Parliament to consult and consider the public's perspective.

Accordingly, the MDP resolution includes the full phrasing of the question to be posed to the public, the justification for the referendum, and the proposed timeframe. It also incorporates all legal requirements as stipulated under Sections 3, 6(b), 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 19(a) of the Referendum Act, as well as the Standing Orders of the People’s Majlis, to determine whether the Maldivian people support proceeding with the agreement between the government and Eagle Hills company for the development of Fushidhiggaru Falhu.