Yameen warns Ras Malé project akin to creating a separate country

Former President Abdulla Yameen has strongly criticised the Ras Malé project, describing it as akin to creating a separate country within the Maldives. Speaking at a PNF meeting last night, Yameen argued that the project cannot be given to any outside party, even with conditions imposed. Yameen’s remarks came in response to a statement by Jamaatus Saalifah, which called on the government to ensure certain conditions before settling people of other religions in the country. He dismissed such conditions, saying that a powerful external entity would not comply with them. According to Yameen, the project would effectively create an independent state in the front of Malé area. He accused President Mohamed Muizzu of pursuing misguided ambitions and stated that the only course of action for the government is to send Muizzu home. Yameen asserted that no previous leader had ever given land in the Maldives for settling outsiders, including non-Muslims and Jews, and that the Ras Malé project is a national issue closely tied to the interests of Maldivians.