Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has assured the public that the government would not take any action that could threaten the country’s security or safety.
He made the statement in a social media post rejecting claims that the Rasmale’ project threatens the country’s Islamic heritage and that authority over Rasmale’ has been handed to foreigners.
In his post, the minister said the state would retain sovereignty over all its territory and that security forces would have full legal authority. Stressing that he has sworn to give his life to protect the country, he assured the public that the government would never compromise the country’s security or safety.
Noting that part of Rasmale’ project had been allocated for commercial purposes, the minister said more than 200 islands had already been allocated for tourism, agriculture and industrial projects, with security arrangements in place. He stressed that Rasmale’ was no different from these islands.
The minister said although the security responsibilities for leased islands rested with the lessees, the security forces would continue to perform its duties whenever necessary, and that the same arrangement would apply to Rasmale’. If the projects require for police to be stationed on the island, there is no obstacle to that, he added.
The minister urged the public not to spread false claims about the Rasmale’ project.