Bilehdhoo Constituency MP Ahmed Mubeen, who represents the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has referred to Faafu Atoll as “Saudi Atoll”, adding to the controversy surrounding the Government’s plans for the Atoll.

On a Facebook post, the Parliamentarian had said that they were “heading off to Saudi Atoll to launch Faafu Atoll campaign for Local Council Elections.” The pictures attached with the post, shows Cabinet Ministers and Parliament Members in the campaign launch.

Nilandhoo Constituency MP Abdullah Khaleel, Fonadhoo Constituency MP and PPM Deputy Leader Abdu Raheem Abdullah, Guraidhoo Constituency MP Ibrahim Riza, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Education Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham and Islamic Ministry’s State Minister Ali Waheed can be seen from the photos.

The statement comes amid rumors that the Government was planning to sell off the Atoll to either Saudi Arabia or the royal family.

President Abdullah Yameen had previously stated that Saudi Arabia will splurge US$ 10 billion on developing the atoll.

However, Saudi embassy in the Maldives had denied these rumors, stating that Saudi Arabia had no plans of buying or investing in the Maldives.

The Saudi monarch is to pay a visit to the Maldives as part of his Asia tour. A Saudi ship has embarked in the Maldives, while the state continues prepares to receive King Salman bin Abdul Aziz al Saud.