Nasheed cites Azim's expulsion in indirect warning to MDP MPs over Eagle Hills motion

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has reminded opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentarians to adhere to party policy in the Eagle Hills matter, in an indirect message citing the expulsion of former MP Ali Azim for defying party policy. Speaking in the MDP's National Parliament WhatsApp group, Nasheed, who is the party's chairperson, recalled that Azim was removed from the party for speaking against party policy while serving as a member of Parliament. Nasheed's message came as Galolhu Dhekunu MP Meeekail Ahmed Naseem submitted a motion to Parliament today demanding disclosure of the agreement signed between the government and UAE-based Eagle Hills company for the 'Maldives Waterfront and Marina' project in Rasmalee. The motion raises concern over losses to the state, stating that more than 500 hectares of land reclaimed with public tax money was given to the company for 99 years without any cost. Nasheed also drew members' attention to the party's official statement already issued regarding Eagle Hills. His remarks are seen as an indirect warning for MPs not to speak against the party's official decision in Parliament or in public forums. MDP's disciplinary committee had decided on May 15, 2023 to expel Azim, former MP for the Medhu Henveiru constituency, over his work with opposition PPM and MNP against the ITLOS ruling on the Maldives-Mauritius maritime dispute. Some MDP MPs have said that no party member has so far spoken against the party's decision in Parliament.