Former Vice President Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has criticised the government's decision to grant land in Rasmalé to UAE-based Eagle Hills, describing it as a dangerous move that could threaten the very existence of the Maldivian state.
Speaking at a People's National Front (PNF) rally last night, Jameel stated that while nations across the globe are standing up for Palestinian rights, it is unacceptable for the Maldives to engage in transactions that facilitate Zionist interests.
Jameel warned that such actions pose a severe risk to the Maldives' Islamic identity and sovereignty. He emphasised that this is a matter of grave concern for every patriotic citizen.
"There can be no greater concern for any citizen who loves this country. I am not speaking hypothetically. Perhaps the public does not yet fully grasp the sensitivity and danger of this situation. However, the step being taken here is a question of the Maldives' survival. This is not an exaggeration," Jameel said.
Jameel alleged that the Rasmalé project has already paved an indirect path for Zionist entry into the Maldives. Noting that Eagle Hills and its chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, maintain close ties with Israeli businesses, Jameel claimed that Dubai is being used as a proxy for Israel to achieve its objectives. He further asserted that granting Maldivian land to such entities, despite their Muslim names, opens the door for Zionist settlement in the country.
"The path for indirect Zionist entry has now been cleared. This is not a fabricated claim," Jameel added.
Questioning the legal validity of the transaction, Jameel characterized the move as unconstitutional and illegal. He pointed out that under the Maldivian Constitution, the right to residency is reserved exclusively for Muslims, yet the government has provided no guarantee that land acquired under this project will not be sold to Zionists. He argued that a decision of this magnitude should only be made through a public referendum.
Jameel further contended that granting land reclaimed using significant public tax money to a foreign company for free violates the State Finance Act. He alleged that the deal was conducted in secrecy, without a competitive bidding process, cabinet consultation, or parliamentary oversight.
The former Vice President also expressed concern over the silence of political parties and religious scholars regarding the government's decision. He criticised some political leaders, suggesting they remain silent because they have been appeased with land and other benefits from the administration.
