Nasheed declares 'full support' for Eagle Hills' Ras Malé project despite MDP opposition

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has declared his full support for UAE-based Eagle Hills' proposed development in Ras Malé, despite the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Council approving a resolution calling for a public referendum on the project.

Nasheed, who chairs the MDP, made the remarks during a National Council meeting on Sunday evening, convened to determine the party's position on the government's proposed allocation of 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé to Eagle Hills.

Speaking during the debate, Nasheed said he had decided to address the issue after several members referred to him in their remarks.

He said Maldivians themselves were descendants of people who had migrated to the islands from elsewhere and subsequently established their lives in the country.

"If people are attributing statements to me, I have to respond. I fully support this project. I support it completely," Nasheed said.

He also urged National Council members to refrain from making allegations that could not be substantiated.

Nasheed's remarks came during a meeting at which the MDP National Council approved a resolution calling for a public referendum on the proposed Eagle Hills development.

The resolution seeks to determine whether the public supports the allocation of 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé to the UAE-based developer.

It also calls for the suspension of project-related activities pending the referendum and proposes direct action if the government proceeds without obtaining public approval.

The resolution was approved by 57 of the 58 National Council members present.

Nasheed's declaration of support highlighted differences within the party over the proposed development.

While several members criticised the government's agreement with Eagle Hills, Nasheed urged them to avoid making allegations without supporting evidence.

Nasheed's comments followed a social media post on Saturday in which he expressed concern about divisions within the MDP over the Eagle Hills project.

In the post, he said the MDP had previously stood for openness, respect for social values and democratic reform.

"However, what we are now seeing is discrimination against foreigners and the use of hostile nationalist slogans built around exclusion," Nasheed wrote.

He argued that such rhetoric was inconsistent with the party's political identity and the principles on which it had been established.

Nasheed said the approach represented a departure from the values that had attracted the MDP's earliest supporters.

His remarks came as opposition to the proposed Eagle Hills development continued to grow among sections of the party, with members questioning the terms of the agreement and the implications of granting long-term rights over reclaimed land to a foreign developer.

Despite the National Council's decision to seek a referendum, Nasheed maintained his support for the project.