Sheikh Zamzam Claims Ministers Said Maldives Police Will Not Patrol Rasmalé, Only Private Security

Sheikh Zamzam Fareesh has reiterated that during consultation meetings with senior government ministers, he was told the Maldives Police Service would have no presence in the Rasmalé development zone, and that security would be handled solely by the private security team of Eagle Hills owner Ali Albar. The statement comes after Home Minister Ali Ihsan publicly denied that such assurances were given. In a Facebook post, Sheikh Zamzam said the information came directly from meetings involving up to five minister-level officials and that other Islamic scholars present could corroborate his account. He added that a 100-page academic report on Rasmalé, prepared by a panel of scholars, has been completed and will soon be submitted to the relevant state authorities. The controversy surrounds the Rasmalé project, a large-scale development by UAE-based Eagle Hills that includes the Maldives Waterfront and Marina. Sheikh Zamzam also noted that during one meeting, a minister drew a comparison to Egypt's Marassi development, where police are reportedly barred from entry due to corruption concerns. The cleric questioned why the government would trust foreign billionaires and thousands of expatriates but sideline the national police force.