Leaked Audio Reveals Government's 99-Year Land Lease and Alcohol Sale Plans for Rasmale Project

Public outrage has intensified following the leaking of audio recordings involving senior government officials concerning the Rasmale project. The leaks reveal that Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muthalib stated that lands in Rasmale would be provided under a renewable 99-year lease. Another recording, purportedly of Attorney General Ahmed Usman, suggests that permission to sell alcohol in hotels built in the area may be granted. This contradicts President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's previous statements that no alcohol would be sold or brewed in Rasmale. The government has kept the agreement secret, leading to concerns among experts and citizens that the deal threatens the country's sovereignty and Islamic policies. A land area larger than 500 hectares has been handed over to the UAE-based Eagle Hills company without a bidding process, with the government set to receive only 10% of revenue from commercial buildings and 4% from apartment sales. Critics argue this amounts to giving away the country's most valuable land for free.