Former President Abdulla Yameen has called for a public referendum on the government's plan to lease a portion of Rasmalé land to Eagle Hills for 99 years.
Yameen argued that the president does not have the unilateral authority to commit the nation's future in this manner. He warned that once the lease expires, the state may be unable to regain control of the land under the current terms.
The Rasmalé project has drawn sustained opposition criticism over transparency, environmental impact, and the extent of control granted to the UAE-based developer. Yameen has previously urged Eagle Hills to withdraw from the arrangement and demanded greater public disclosure of the agreement details.
Supporters of the deal have described it as a major investment that will generate revenue and development. Critics, including Yameen and other opposition figures, maintain that such a significant allocation of reclaimed land requires explicit public consent.
No referendum has been scheduled on the project.
