Rasmale project stirs political and religious concerns; Salaf leaders quit Ilmuge Gulhun

Political and religious concerns over the Rasmale project intensified on Tuesday as the association Ilmuge Gulhun declared that continuing the project in its current form would be contrary to Islamic principles and that the government must review it. In response, leaders of the Salaf group, including its president Abdulla Mohamed and translator Hassan Moosa Fikry, have parted ways with the association. Meanwhile, a national movement called "Dhivehinnge Bin Dhivehinnah" (Maldivian land for Maldivians) has been launched against the government's decision to allocate land to a foreign company under the Rasmale project. The movement, inaugurated by former Home Minister Imran Abdulla, aims to unite voices opposing the land sale and press the government to revoke its decision. Vaikaradhoo constituency MP Hussain Ziyad criticised the government, alleging that once Eagle Hills' project begins, Maldives laws would have to be made as directed by the company. He expressed concern that foreign wealthy individuals would settle in the country and influence Maldivian religious and social principles. Kanditheemu constituency MP Ameen Faisal alleged the government would stop media coverage of Eagle Hills-related news, similar to how the dollar rate was withheld from public disclosure. Work has begun on reclaiming the area to be given to UAE-based Eagle Hills for the Rasmale waterfront and marina project. Satellite photos show a dredger operating in the area. The government has ordered the reclamation to be completed by the end of this year, with about 700 hectares already reclaimed. The government has denied Eagle Hills owner Mohamed Alabbar's claim that he was approached from the Maldives with the proposal, saying the agreement was signed based on a proposal submitted by the company. Former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail raised questions about the project, saying that while the government describes Rasmale as a tourism project, it is unclear why a new real estate law would be needed. He also expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the agreement. In a separate development, heated debate took place in Parliament over a petition signed by more than 7,000 people seeking to cut MPs' health insurance and benefits. MP Meeekail Naseem described the current Parliament as a "desk" of the President's Office and criticised the ruling party, but was stopped from speaking further by the chair. PNC PG Leader Ibrahim Falah called the petition an attempt to create discord, saying the current insurance system is less costly for the state. A motion has also been submitted to amend Parliament's standing orders, by independent MP Abdulhannaan Abubakuru, to require a vote before a resolution is debated, which critics say would restrict debate. Former President Mohamed Nasheed said the government's dollar policies have failed, driving the dollar rate to extreme levels and causing hardship for students abroad and businesses. Meanwhile, MMA has revoked MS Finance's money exchange licence and fined the company 500,000 rufiyaa for violating money changing regulations, in the second such action against a money exchange. Housing Minister Abdulla Muttalib said only five of 15 airport projects announced by the government are currently being implemented. A Malaysian company has been contracted to install ice plants in 11 islands, and Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu said indoor complexes at Hulhumale and Vilimale will provide a lasting solution to the lack of sports space.