The Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former President, Mohamed Nasheed, has issued an indirect warning to MDP Members of Parliament who have spoken out against the Eagle Hills project.
Nasheed’s warning was delivered via a message to the party’s National Council WhatsApp group, following the sharing of a parliamentary video clip by a group member.
In his message, Nasheed noted that Ali Azim, the former MP for Henveiru Central, was expelled from the MDP in 2023 for speaking against party policy.
"I want to inform members that Ali Azim was removed from the party while serving as an MP for speaking against party policy. The party has already issued a statement regarding the Eagle Hills matter," Nasheed’s message read.
Nasheed’s remarks come after several MDP parliamentarians strongly advocated against the Eagle Hills project on the Majlis floor.
During a debate on a resolution calling for the disclosure of the government's agreement to grant 500 hectares of land from Rasmalé to Eagle Hills, MDP members repeatedly alleged that the company’s chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, is a supporter of Zionist interests.
Former Minister of State for Housing, Akram Kamaluddin, responded sharply to Nasheed’s indirect warning in the National Council group.
Akram stated that Nasheed’s defence of the Eagle Hills project is being well received within the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). He added that PNC members are very pleased with Nasheed’s stance.
Responding to Akram, Nasheed posted that regardless of who discusses it, he was simply stating the facts of the situation.
Akram countered that the MDP MPs were speaking the truth in Parliament, alleging that Eagle Hills intends to empower Zionist interests in the Maldives.
"Another question is: has it been decided that a statement issued by the Secretariat constitutes the party’s official decision? If so, what is the purpose of the National Council and the committees? Is this party becoming one where everyone must say 'yes, yes' to whatever President Nasheed says, like PNC MPs?" Akram questioned.
"Is this an attempt to intimidate the MPs who spoke at the Rasmalé movement press conference?"
Nasheed retorted by claiming that Akram himself had played a leading role in the expulsion of Ali Azim from the MDP.
Nasheed characterised Akram’s encouragement of the MPs' rhetoric against Eagle Hills as a calculated move to get those members expelled from the party.
Following the exchange between Akram and Nasheed, the former Legal Director of MDP, Mahfooz Saeed, posted that no disciplinary action could be taken against any member.
"The activities of party MPs and general members against Eagle Hills are only just beginning. No action can be taken against anyone! Stop this talk," Mahfooz wrote.
Nasheed later messaged the group again, warning that harassing Alabbar in connection with the Rasmalé project would cause harm to the Maldives.
"Harassing Alabbar over the Rasmalé project will be very detrimental to the Maldives. It could lead to a halt in existing UAE investments in the country," Nasheed stated.
Mahfooz responded with two posts asserting that Alabbar is an individual who "normalises Zionism." He argued that there is no reason to support the project under these circumstances.
"MDP MPs, National Council members, and general members will stand against Alabbar," Mahfooz declared.
Former MP Ali Azim was previously expelled from the MDP after joining opposition activities that accused the then-government of "selling off" Maldivian maritime territory.
Following Azim’s expulsion, several close associates of Nasheed left the MDP to form 'The Democrats,' a party Nasheed himself eventually joined after leaving the MDP.
