Ras Male' project will alter Maldives' territorial landscape and create a state within a state: Ali Hussain
10 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 14:24Legal expert Ali Hussain has stated that the government's proposed bill to allow foreign land ownership in Ras Male' would fundamentally alter the Maldives' territorial integrity. He argued that such a significant decision must be made through a public referendum in accordance with the Constitution, warning that the move could effectively lead to the creation of a "state within a state."
Ali Hussain, lawyer and spokesperson for the National Movement, speaks during a press conference held on Tuesday. | RaajjeMV
The sale of land from Ras Male' will lead to significant territorial changes and the creation of a "state within a state," according to Ali Hussain, a legal expert and spokesperson for the National Movement.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday regarding concerns over the Ras Male' project, Ali Hussain stated that under the recent amendment to Article 262 of the Constitution passed by the 20th People’s Majlis, any constitutional change or legislative bill that alters the territory of the Maldives must be put to a public referendum before being ratified by the President. He further asserted that granting permanent land ownership to foreigners or non-Islamic entities constitutes a fundamental change to the nation's territory, thereby mandating such a referendum.
Ali Hussain stated that granting a foreign entity control over an area approximately three times the size of Malé represents a significant shift in the territorial integrity of the Maldives.
Would any change involve the transfer of Maldivian ownership to another party? Does the acquisition of Maldivian land ownership by foreign nationals, non-Muslims, or foreigners constitute a change to our territory or not? We believe this represents a significant alteration to the territory of the Maldives; it is the creation of a state within a state, established right inside the Maldivian state.Ali Hussain
Highlighting that the ownership of Maldivian land has historically belonged to the state and its citizens, Ali Hussain stated that it must be ensured that the Constitution and laws of the Maldives remain enforceable on these lands under the proposed real estate bill, and that activities contrary to the principles of Islam are prevented.
Furthermore, he stated that the government is attempting to conceal certain matters by preparing to grant approximately 500 hectares of land to foreign parties without an acquisition cost—a privilege not even extended to ordinary Maldivian citizens.
If this is not a matter of national significance, and if this is not a critical national issue, then why was it necessary to rush the handover of more than five hundred hectares of Maldivian land to foreign parties?Ali Hussain
Ali Hussain stated that while numerous critical bills remain pending in Parliament, there is a rushed effort to pass the Real Estate Bill. He further noted that, alongside this legislation, a bill has been introduced to legally prohibit speaking out against Zionists attempting to enter the Maldives. He emphasized that the government's high level of priority on these matters clearly indicates that this is a significant issue that warrants a public referendum.
