President Mohamed Muizzu has said he does not intend to hold a public vote on the Rasmale reclamation project.
Speaking at a press conference, the president stated that the project will move forward in a manner that protects the country's political power and the rights of coming generations. He described opposition claims as baseless.
The remarks come amid debate over the real estate bill linked to Rasmale, which includes a surrender-and-regrant model allowing foreign parties long-term land rights that can be renewed indefinitely. Critics say this effectively creates perpetual ownership contrary to the constitution, which limits land leases to 99 years.
Opposition figures, including Ahmed Alimanku, have called for a public referendum on the project due to its potential impacts on future generations. Member Hussain Shareef has said he will not support any measure that brings loss to religion and country.
The government has also introduced a bill amending defamation laws to cover social media shares and gestures, with fines up to MVR 500,000.
The Rasmale project has been a major point of political contention.
