Former Home Minister Warns Rasmalé Land Grant Poses Risk to Maldives' Sovereignty and Islamic Unity

Former Home Minister Sheikh Imran Abdullah has raised concerns over the government's decision to grant 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to individuals with ties to Zionist Jews, questioning how the nation can discuss its independence and Islamic unity after such a move. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Imran said that the land, located in the cherished soil of the Maldives—preserved through the blood of ancestors—has been given free to Zionist Jews to use as they wish. Imran warned that if the plans for the Rasmalé project proceed unchecked, future generations of Maldivians could lose the power to make decisions about their own country. He appealed to the current generation not to be the cause of the Maldives' subjugation. The comments come amid ongoing controversy over the 'Rasmalé Waterfront and Marina' project, which the government promotes as the largest investment in the Maldives' economic history. The project has been awarded to Eagle Hills, a company whose owner, Mohamed Alabbar, is reported to have close ties to Israel. Critics, including politicians, scholars, and the public, have expressed concern that the deal could lead to foreign control over Maldivian sovereignty. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that protecting national independence and sovereignty is his government's top priority and that he would not give even a grain of sand to foreigners. However, the lack of transparency regarding the agreements signed for the project has fueled further criticism.