Former Home Minister Imran Abdulla has declared that the time has come for Maldivians to rise in defense of the nation, following what he described as a "shady" decision to hand over half of Rasmalé to a foreign company.
The government has decided to grant 500 hectares of land from the Rasmalé reclamation project—initially launched to solve the housing crisis in the Malé region—to the UAE-based Eagle Hills company for 99 years without any rent. The project was officially announced by the government last Monday.
In a post on X, Imran, who also served as the President of the Adhaalath Party, stated that Maldivians have historically stood up whenever the nation’s independence and sovereignty were challenged.
"Looking at the recent history of this country, it should be clear to President Muizzu that the consequences of betraying the religion and the nation will be bitter, even for him personally," Imran said.
He further urged citizens to set aside political ideologies and unite in defense of the Maldivian nation.
Imran’s call to oppose the Rasmalé project follows similar concerns raised by prominent religious scholars, including Sheikh Fazloon Mohamed, Dr. Mohamed Iyaz, and Sheikh Zamzam Farish, all of whom have spoken out against the long-term lease of the land.
While the government maintains that Rasmalé was leased to Eagle Hills for 99 years, critics argue the agreement is structured in a way that ensures the land may never return to Maldivian hands.
Under the terms, if an apartment or plot of land in Rasmalé is sold or inherited before the initial 99-year period expires, the new owner is granted a fresh 99-year lease. This cycle can be repeated indefinitely, effectively making the transfer permanent.
