Former Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Fayyaz Ismail has said an MDP administration would revoke the agreement for the Ras Malé development if the project proceeds with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills without public consultation or consent.
Speaking on Adhadhu’s “Fenna Nunfenna” programme, Fayyaz said President Muizzu must consult the Maldivian people and allow debate before any constitutional amendments or further progress on the project.
“I am stating very clearly that if this proceeds without public consent, we will revoke the agreement upon the formation of an MDP government,” he said.
Fayyaz said his objections were not directed at foreign investment or the UAE, but at the terms of the proposed arrangement, particularly the allocation of Maldivian land to a foreign company without an acquisition cost. He also warned that Eagle Hills should be notified that proceeding with a government lacking broad public legitimacy could leave no grounds for compensation if the agreement is later revoked.
The government signed commercial terms on 21 September to lease 500 hectares of reclaimed land at Fushidhiggaru lagoon (Ras Malé) to Eagle Hills for 99 years under a project described as the Maldives Waterfront and Marina. The full agreement has not been made public.
The deal has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups concerned about land ownership and the absence of public consultation.
