Ali Hussain: Rasmale' project could create 'state within a state'

Lawyer Ali Hussain on Tuesday warned that the proposed Rasmale' development project could fundamentally alter the Maldives' demographic and land ownership landscape, arguing that the issue should be put to a public referendum.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Dhiveheenge Bin Dhivehinnah movement regarding the government's decision to award a major Rasmale' project to UAE-based Eagle Hills, Ali said the Constitution places a responsibility on the President to seek public opinion on matters of national importance.

According to Ali, the reclamation and development of Rasmale', together with policies that would allow long-term property ownership rights for foreigners, constitute a significant national issue rather than a routine development project.

As examples of issues that had previously been put to public consultation, Ali referred to consultations regarding tree removal in Machangolhi and Vilimale', as well as last year's vote concerning the separation of several islands from Addu City.

“If cutting down trees can be considered a matter of national importance, there is no reason why the settlement of foreigners in the Maldives should not also be treated as a matter of national importance,” he said.

Ali argued that there was no basis for treating the allocation of the Rasmale' project to Eagle Hills as anything less than a major national issue.

He said decisions taken regarding the project would have consequences for future generations, claiming that the development could result in large foreign communities becoming permanently established in the area over time.

Ali further contended that demographic changes resulting from the project could lead to future debates regarding religious and cultural matters, which he said would ultimately have to be resolved through democratic processes.

“We believe this represents a major change to the territory of the Maldives. In our view, this is the creation of another state within a state,” Ali said, arguing that the scale of the proposed development would have long-term national implications.

Ali also expressed concern over provisions contained in the Real Estate Bill currently before Parliament, claiming it could pave the way for foreigners to acquire long-term interests in land within the Maldives.

Questioning the government's approach, he asked why efforts were being made to allocate 500 hectares of land for the project if it was not considered an issue of national significance.

His remarks come after the MDP National Council passed a resolution calling for a referendum on the allocation of 500 hectares in Rasmale' for development by Eagle Hills. The party also resolved to pursue direct action together with other political parties and civil society organisations if the government does not respond to the proposal.

However, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said at a press conference on Monday that he would not hold a referendum on the Rasmale' project.

The Real Estate Bill submitted to Parliament as part of the legal framework for the Rasmale' project would allow leasehold rights in developed properties to be sold for periods of up to 99 years.

The bill also permits purchasers to transfer such rights to another party. However, ownership of property under the proposed legislation does not grant citizenship or any entitlement to Maldivian nationality.