Prominent lawyer Ali Hussain has called on the public to stand up and speak out against the sale of Rasmalé to Eagle Hills, a company based in the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking at a forum organised by the "Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinge" (Maldivian Land for Maldivians) movement, Ali Hussain said that everyone must oppose the Rasmalé deal by any means possible.
"It may seem as though there is not much we can do. However, there is certainly one thing we can do: resist. To resist, to say no, to say that this is wrong, and to speak the truth," he said.
Ali Hussain further noted that the sale of Rasmalé is a decision for which this generation must take responsibility, as its consequences will endure for generations to come.
Highlighting that the involvement of the UAE’s Mohamed Alabbar—whom he associated with support for Zionist interests—could lead to the bitter outcome of settling foreigners in the heart of the Maldives, he urged the public not to fall into such a "trap."
"We must not stand by and allow ourselves to walk into such a snare, such a trap. Especially since we are the generation that must stand in opposition to this," said Ali Hussain, who has also previously served as a Member of Parliament.
Ali Hussain noted that many people already oppose the sale of Rasmalé. He further emphasised that the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble without prior permission.
"We do not require permission from any authority to gather or take to the streets. No government or state authorisation is needed. The Constitution states that every Maldivian citizen has the right to peaceful assembly without prior permission."
