Finance specialist Ismail Zariyandhu has delivered a strong response to former president Mohamed Nasheed regarding the Rasmale project and the leasing of a large area of land to a foreign company.
Zariyandhu said that political loyalty should not come at the expense of national interest, and that anyone who remains silent while the country’s sovereignty is at risk will be recorded in history as a traitor. He made the remarks in reply to an article by Nasheed titled “From Nasheed’s pen: joining with foreigners, changing the Maldivian identity of Maldivians” published on the online platform Adhadhu.
He noted that Nasheed’s writing and the timing of its publication overlook major historical facts, particularly the severe economic difficulties and losses the Maldives faced between the 1830s and the 1950s. After examining those realities, Zariyandhu said, greater confidence should be placed in Nasheed’s current political thinking.
Zariyandhu has been vocal about the risks to national security and the loss of control over important strategic assets arising from the 99-year lease of a large area in Rasmale to Eagle Hills. Drawing on his professional knowledge and experience, he has used various platforms to explain the potential dangers and losses to the public.
He questioned the silence of former presidents including Maumoon, Nasheed, Salih and Dr Waheed, as well as senior religious scholars, at a time when religious identity, national sovereignty and control of strategic resources are under threat. He also raised the question of accountability for future generations if the agreement leads to connections with parties linked to Israel.
Zariyandhu further observed that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Minister Dr Abdullah Muthalib will eventually leave office, possibly before or after 2028, and that ordinary citizens will not have the same opportunities. Therefore, he said, the Maldivian people and future generations must confront the long-term consequences of every decision involving state land and resources.
He stressed that history will hold accountable not only leaders who sign harmful agreements but also those who remain silent while sovereignty is compromised.