President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the full agreement for the Eagle Hills project in Rasmalé will be submitted to the relevant committee of the Parliament, while the real estate bill planned for submission to Parliament will be opened for public consultation.
Speaking on PSM’s Nation Chat programme, President Muizzu said the project was being pursued with a high level of transparency and in a manner that would deliver the greatest benefit to the Maldivian people. He said the agreements related to the project would be disclosed to the relevant parliamentary committee, describing the Parliament as the institution representing the Maldivian people.
“No responsible government could do more than this. The representatives elected by the people sit in Parliament, so the agreement will be submitted to them. I will also open the real estate bill for public consultation before it is enacted into law,” the President said.
President Muizzu said Maldivians would face no restrictions on purchasing real estate properties.
However, he said the real estate legislation would stipulate that more than 25 per cent of properties could not be sold to nationals of a single country. He also said measures would be taken to ensure that Israelis and Zionists would not be given opportunities in the Maldives, adding that the government would guarantee this.
Referring to the project being developed by Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills in Rasmale', the President said interest in purchasing properties in the Maldives was particularly strong among people from Arab and Islamic countries. He said the Maldives was a peaceful Islamic nation, making it an attractive destination for Muslims seeking peace of mind.
President Muizzu said some people were attempting to create a negative perception of the Rasmale' project because of political differences. He said their actions were not motivated by concern for the public interest and criticised what he described as attempts to mislead the public. He added that constructive views aimed at securing national benefits and serving the public interest were welcome.
The President assured the public that there was no reason for concern over the project. He said the development area in Rasmale' would operate under more restrictions than a resort.
“There will be no alcohol sold, there will be no pork, and the call to prayer will be made five times a day. There will be a mosque. There will be no educational institution operated under foreign control. Schools will operate according to the same educational standards currently applied in the Maldives,” he said.
He added that services would be provided during Ramadan in accordance with the rules currently followed by establishments such as guesthouses. Maldivian law would apply throughout the development, and the country’s sovereignty would remain intact, he said.
President Muizzu reiterated that the Maldives would continue to strongly condemn Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people. He also assured the public that the government would not allow any activities in the Maldives that could create opportunities for Israel, nor would it support such activities elsewhere.