Nasheed voices full support for Rasmalé project at MDP council meeting

Former President and Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) Chairman Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for the government's decision to grant Emaar Hills of Abu Dhabi a 99-year lease for the development of Rasmalé. Nasheed made the statement tonight during an MDP National Council meeting convened to debate a motion calling for a public referendum on the project before any agreement is signed. The motion, submitted by Kolamaafushi constituency representative Mahfooz Saeed, also calls for protests if the government refuses to hold such a poll. Nasheed was the only speaker at the meeting to oppose the motion, arguing that the country's population descends from seafaring settlers and that such long-term projects will yield positive outcomes for future generations.