Former President and Chairperson of the opposition MDP, Mohamed Nasheed, stated tonight that he fully supports the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project scheduled to be carried out in Rasmalé by UAE's Eagle Hills.
Speaking during the debate on the resolution submitted to MDP's National Council calling to take direct action against the Rasmalé project at an emergency meeting held tonight, Nasheed stated that although he had not intended to participate in the debate, he had to say something on the topic as some members brought up his name.
"Now, if something is being said claiming I said it, I have to say something. I fully support this project, fully," Nasheed said.
"Some members [ask] what will happen after 100 years? From what I have heard, to the extent of my knowledge... 300 years ago, three ships came to Hoarafushi. One of those ships stayed in Hoarafushi, while another went to Dhuvaafaru. Then, Honorable President, Hoarafushi Constituency President [Saleem], I understand that you are from the family of those who arrived on that ship."
Nasheed stated that all those present at the National Council sitting are "proud Maldivian children" of a population formed by people who came from foreign countries and settled in the Maldives.
One of the main points highlighted by some members during tonight's debate was how the government would act after the expiration of the period when Rasmalé is granted to Eagle Hills for 99 years.
Additionally, some members noted during the debate that under the Rasmalé project, people of other religions would be settled in the Maldives, giving Zionists that opportunity.
Nasheed expressed dissatisfaction over that as well, repeatedly requesting members not to speak about future possibilities in an "unfounded" manner.
Upon the submission of this resolution to MDP's National Council, Nasheed had also expressed concern and posted on X today.
Nasheed stated that what is currently seen in MDP is that some are embracing concepts of xenophobia and hardline nationalist mindsets more than before, and that this represents abandoning the principles on which MDP was founded and the party's political identity.
While differences of opinion within the party emerged regarding how MDP should act in connection with the Rasmalé project, when members began requesting a National Council meeting, Chairperson Nasheed also stated that it is not right for MDP to oppose Eagle Hills.
Nasheed requested to proceed with the position MDP had previously issued in a statement regarding the Eagle Hills project. He also warned members not to act contrary to that stand.
The resolution calling to take direct action against the Rasmalé project was submitted to the National Council by MDP's Kolamaafushi Constituency President Mahfooz Saeed. The proposal was seconded by Member of the People's Majlis for Kendhoo Constituency Mauroof Zakir.
