Islamic Scholar Warns Rasmalé Deal Opens Path for Other Religions to Settle in Maldives

Islamic scholar Mohamed Iyaz has warned that the government's decision to hand over 500 hectares of Rasmalé to UAE-based Egal Hills company could open a path for people of other religions to settle in the Maldives, calling the move dangerous. In a post on X, Iyaz said that opening such a path in a country that is one hundred percent Muslim is extremely dangerous, and he requested President Muizzu not to proceed with the arrangement. "It is an extremely dangerous matter to open a path for people of other religions to settle in a country that is one hundred percent Muslim. I request President Muizzu not to do such a thing," he said. As suspicions continue to be raised that many hidden matters lie behind the Rasmalé deal, Iyaz previously said it is obligatory upon the government to state the truth of these matters and clarify them clearly. He also noted that Muizzu has pledged to govern with great transparency, hiding nothing, and requested him to act in accordance with that pledge. Under the agreement, the government will hand over 500 hectares of land reclaimed at great expense by the state to Egal Hills without taking any acquisition fee or land rent. The government will receive only 10 percent of the revenue obtained from selling commercial properties built in Rasmalé and four percent of the revenue from selling apartments. Because part of Rasmalé is being handed over to Egal Hills, and because the company's owner, Alabbar, is described as an ally and supporter of Israel, religious scholars and opposition parties continue to express concern. The "National Movement," which is working against the project, and the opposition MDP have called for a public vote, visible or unseen, to be taken. The National Movement has decided to hold a gathering at Artificial Beach tomorrow night.