Ali Hussain questions President Muizzu: If the Real Estate Bill is so perfect, why not hold a referendum?
13 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހުކުރު 16:58Legal expert Ali Hussain has called for a public referendum on the proposed Real Estate Bill, following the President’s assertion that the legislation is the solution to concerns surrounding the Ras Male' project. Hussain argued that facilitating foreign residency in the Maldives was not included in the government’s manifesto and contends that such a move contradicts the public mandate.
Legal counsel and former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussain. | raajjemv
Legal expert and former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Ali Hussain, has challenged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu over the government’s proposed Real Estate Business Bill. He questioned that if the legislation is as comprehensive as claimed, the President should hold a public referendum regarding the controversial Ras Male' project.
Speaking during RaajjeTV’s special coverage titled "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah," Ali Hussain stated that President Muizzu describes the Real Estate Business Bill submitted to Parliament as a comprehensive piece of legislation. He noted that the bill is designed to address all public concerns regarding the Ras Male' project.
Ali Hussain stated that if the bill is as perfect as claimed, there is no reason to avoid holding a public referendum on the matter.
If the President is as confident as he claims—asserting with such certainty that this bill addresses all the concerns of the public—then why not put it to a referendum? If all concerns have truly been addressed, let the people decide with a "yes" or "no" vote. If he is that confident, why not proceed with a public vote?Ali Hussain
Ali Hussain stated that no Maldivian citizen has voted to allow foreigners, followers of other faiths, and specifically Zionists, to settle and establish colonies within the Maldives.
He stated that whether one examines the PNC's 2023 presidential campaign manifesto from cover to cover, or reviews the official manifesto published after assuming office, there is no mention of that matter anywhere in writing.
First and foremost, we must look at the voters. Those who voted for President Muizzu through the PNC did so based on a specific manifesto. Show us where in that manifesto it says that foreigners will be brought in to settle in the Maldives. Show us where it states that followers of other religions will be brought here to be permanently established as residents.Ali Hussain
Ali Hussain stated that, in reality, the loudest voices on this issue should come from PNC members and those who voted for President Muizzu. He further noted that this is because the President is currently governing in a manner that contradicts the mandate given by those voters.
