Nasheed warns MDP against nationalism and anti-foreigner rhetoric

Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has raised concerns over the party's political direction, warning that nationalist rhetoric and hostility towards foreigners could undermine its founding principles and alienate its traditional supporters.

Nasheed made the remarks on Saturday as the MDP prepared to decide its official position on the proposed Ras Malé development involving UAE-based Eagle Hills.

The party's National Council was scheduled to meet at 8.30pm to determine its position on the project, amid opposition from some members over plans to allocate 550 hectares of land to the developer.

The debate has included allegations about links between Eagle Hills and Israel, with some MDP members raising concerns over the implications of the proposed development.

Nasheed has previously urged the party not to oppose Eagle Hills, arguing that threats directed at the company's chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, could discourage foreign investment in the Maldives.

He has also described the United Arab Emirates as a country with close ties to the MDP and has reportedly sent several messages to the party's National Council WhatsApp group urging members not to oppose the developer.

In a post on X ahead of Saturday's National Council meeting, Nasheed said the MDP had previously stood for openness, respect for shared social values and democratic reform.

However, he expressed concern that the party was increasingly adopting rhetoric that contradicted those principles.

"However, what we are seeing now is discrimination against foreigners and the adoption of aggressive nationalist rhetoric," Nasheed wrote.

He said such an approach represented a departure from the values that had shaped the party's political identity and attracted its earliest supporters.

According to Nasheed, some within the MDP appeared to believe that electoral success could be achieved by exploiting public emotions, creating fear and encouraging divisions within society.

He warned that pursuing such a strategy could cost the party the support of the voters who had sustained it throughout its history.

"These are people who are open to different cultures, generous and civilised in their thinking. Abandoning the party's fundamental principles for short-term political gains is not merely the wrong direction," he said.

Nasheed urged the MDP to reflect on its previous electoral campaigns, particularly the campaign built around the slogan "Happiness Without Fear".

He said the campaign had demonstrated that an inclusive political message could expand the party's support rather than weaken it.

According to Nasheed, the approach had helped the party gain an additional 20,000 votes without losing existing supporters, broadening its electoral appeal.

He contrasted that strategy with the use of religion as a political instrument and the circulation of claims that Zionists were attempting to take control of the Maldives.

Nasheed said spreading such allegations without evidence would not strengthen public confidence in the party.

His comments come as opposition to the Eagle Hills development has increasingly focused on allegations concerning the company's purported links to Israel and the possibility of Israeli nationals acquiring property in Ras Malé.

The proposed Maldives Waterfront and Marina development by Eagle Hills has become a subject of political disagreement, particularly over the allocation of reclaimed land and the rights that foreign investors and property buyers could receive.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called for the Ras Malé agreement to be halted, arguing that the proposed arrangement would not provide sufficient financial benefits to the Maldives.

Nasheed, however, has cautioned against opposing the project in a manner that could damage the country's investment prospects.

Former President Abdulla Yameen has also argued that criticism of the Ras Malé project would not necessarily discourage foreign investment.

The debate has intensified as the MDP prepares to establish its official position on the development.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib have rejected allegations that the Eagle Hills development would allow Israeli nationals to acquire property in the Maldives.

President Muizzu has said Israeli nationals would not be permitted to obtain investment opportunities through the project and that the law would prohibit them from acquiring such interests.

Muththalib has also stated that Israeli citizens, Israeli-controlled companies and other Israeli-linked entities would not be permitted to participate in the development.

According to the minister, the restrictions would extend to property purchases, beneficial ownership, shareholding, financing arrangements and participation as sales agents.

The government's assurances have come amid concerns raised by opposition figures over foreign ownership and the long-term implications of the Ras Malé agreement.

Nasheed's remarks highlight differences within the MDP over how the party should respond to the project, with its National Council expected to determine the party's position.