Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who is contesting the MDP Presidential ticket, has urged the party not to involve the Maldives’ development partners in domestic political disputes, saying criticism should be directed at the government rather than its allies.

In a post on X, Shahid said it was not in the national interest to draw allies and long-standing development partners into domestic politics.

His remarks come as the opposition MDP prepares to convene its National council tonight to discuss the party's stand on the UAE-based Eagle Hills company’s proposed project in Rasmale’.

" Experience in the Maldives has shown us clearly that dragging friendly countries and our old development partners into our domestic political matters is not in the national interest. Our relations with them must be kept above partisan politics,” he said.

Shahid said the opposition should focus its criticism on the government, challenging what he described as its non-transparent policies, illegitimate transactions and decisions that harm the national interest.

" What we oppose are the current government's non-transparent policies, its underhand and shady dealings, and policies which harm national interest. We oppose the corruption in the government, frequent U-turns in policies and broken promises made to the people. We will continue to hold the government accountable on these issues, in the interest of the nation, without compromising our long-standing friendships with other countries,” he said.

The MDP National council is scheduled to consider a resolution on the proposed Rasmale’ project tonight, with several members supporting the motion.

MDP Chairperson former President Mohamed Nasheed, has also raised concerns about the party’s approach to the issue. He said the MDP was founded on principles of democratic reform, openness and peaceful coexistence with people who hold differing views.

“Now we are seeing more than ever that we are embracing xenophobia and feeding public outrage with extreme patriotic views. This is an abandonment of the principles on which the MDP was founded and the political identity of the party,” Nasheed said.

He said an increasing number of party members appeared to believe that creating fear and division was the only way to win elections.

Nasheed warned that such an approach would alienate people with different views and undermine freedom of thought within the party, weakening the MDP for political gain.