Lawmakers of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have gathered at Mulee'aage, the official presidential residence, to discuss the proposed sale of Rasmalé to Eagle Hills, a UAE-based firm known for its close ties to Israel and Zionist interests.
Journalists on the scene report that in addition to Members of Parliament, several Cabinet ministers have also been observed entering the presidential residence.
When questioned by Adhadhu regarding the sale of Rasmalé, the majority of the lawmakers entering Mulee'aage declined to comment.
The Attorney General, Ahmed Usham, has previously noted that current Maldivian laws do not permit the Rasmalé project to proceed in its proposed form. The government has decided to draft new legislation to facilitate the deal.
While the government maintains that Rasmalé is being leased for a 99-year period, Mohamed Alabbar’s Eagle Hills has stated that if the property is sold before the initial 99-year lease expires, a new 99-year lease term will commence.
Commercial terms for the sale of 500 hectares of Rasmalé—an area currently being reclaimed in Fushidhiggaru lagoon using state funds—were signed on September 21. The government aims to sign the definitive agreement on November 11, which coincides with the Maldives' Republic Day.
The government’s move to finalise this deal follows campaign promises by President Mohamed Muizzu, who had pledged that not a single grain of sand from the project would be leased or given to foreign parties, even for a single day.
"Every grain of sand reclaimed there [Rasmalé] belongs to the Maldivian people. It is not land that will be leased or given for free to any foreign party for even a single day," President Muizzu had previously declared.
