Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee has criticized former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed of carrying out an “evil plan” in order to “destroy [the] developing economy”.

The Minister, a staunch defender of the Government, made the statement in a tweet sent out Wednesday night, accused the former Presidents of aiming to destroy the nation’s economy by undermining investor confidence in the nation.

The former Presidents, especially President Maumoon, had expressed growing concerns over the fate of the nation, vowing to lead a strong defense against the sale of atolls and islands of the nation to foreign parties. Their statements came at a time when the entire nation is a buzz with rumors that the Government was planning to sell off F. Atoll to the King of Saudi Arabia.

Based on information received by Government insiders, Saudi King will sign purchase agreements for the Atoll during his March visit. President Abdullah Yameen had also spoken in a manner that lent credence to rumors. Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentarians loyal to the Government and Government insiders have spoken in this manner. The Government is yet to issue a statement with regards to the sale.

If sold off to Saudi King, this will be a first in the nation’s history. Rumors had also spread that once sold off, the Government will not have any jurisdiction over the area.

While public concern had grown over the issue, the Government had failed to formally address the concerns.

F. Atoll at a glance

• 23 islands
• Total population at 4119
• Nilandhoo is the capital of the atoll
• Only one operational resort in atoll

Inhabited islands:

• Feeali
• Bilehdhoo
• Magoodhoo
• Dharanboodhoo
• Nilandhoo

Uninhabited islands:

• Filitheyo (currently a resort)
• Makunueri
• Badidhuhfushi Finolhu
• Himithi (previously an inhabited island)
• Embulufushi
• Voshimasfaru finolhu
• Maafushi (picnic island)
• Magoodhoo Bodufinolhu (decimated after 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, now recovering)
• Madivaru Huraa Finolhu
• Jinnath Gau
• Kandoomoonu fushi
• Maavaru Huraa
• Gaahuraa
• Adhan Gau
• Dhiguvaru
• Viligilivaru Finolhu
• Minimasgali
• Faamunaahuraa