Former President Abdulla Yameen said tonight that if any part of Rasmalé is handed over to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills, the next administration will annul the agreement without paying compensation.
Speaking at a rally organised by the “Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinah” national movement, Yameen said the deal would be cancelled whether he or the MDP leads the next government. He argued that the agreement does not comply with Maldivian law.
“By the grace of Allah, I believe that whether it is my government or an MDP government, if anyone other than the current administration wins the next election, there is no doubt about it,” Yameen said.
“Listen, Alabbar. Listen, Zionists. Even if this land is given to them, it will be taken back. No compensation will be paid. This land is not being given in accordance with the laws of the Maldives.”
Yameen said a future administration would terminate the Rasmalé deal, investigate everyone involved and bring them before the courts to face punishment.
“When the next administration comes in and reverses this, all these individuals will be brought before the courts. They will face criminal investigations. They will receive criminal punishments,” he said.
Yameen also stressed the need for a public referendum on the deal, saying President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has no option but to hold one.
The government signed the commercial terms for the sale on 21 September. The land is being reclaimed from Fushidhiggaru Falhu using state funds. The government has not announced any pause in signing the definitive agreement, and unconfirmed reports suggest the final contract will be signed this month.
