2023 manifesto didn't authorise foreign settlement in Ras Malé, Ali Hussain says

Former MP and lawyer Ali Hussain has called on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to hold a referendum on the proposed Ras Malé development agreement with UAE-based Eagle Hills, arguing that the President's 2023 election manifesto did not include plans to allow foreign nationals to settle on the reclaimed land.

Speaking at a protest gathering at Artificial Beach in Malé on Friday night, Ali Hussain said the government had no electoral mandate to proceed with arrangements that could allow foreign ownership or settlement in Ras Malé without seeking public approval.

Ali Hussain, who represented Kendhoo constituency in the 18th and 19th Parliaments, is the spokesperson for the "Maldivian Land for Maldivians" movement, which was established to oppose the proposed allocation of a substantial portion of Ras Malé to Eagle Hills.

Addressing protesters, he questioned whether President Muizzu's election manifesto had included any commitment to allow foreigners to settle in Ras Malé.

He argued that the manifesto contained no such proposal.

"Bringing foreigners, particularly people of religions other than Islam, to settle in the Maldives was not part of the PNC's 2023 manifesto," he said.

"Therefore, the votes received in that election cannot be considered approval to bring foreign nationals or people of other religions to settle in the Maldives."

Ali Hussain said the government should seek a fresh mandate from the public before proceeding.

"The people must be asked to vote again. There is no way to avoid asking them," he said.

Ali Hussain argued that Article 115 of the Constitution placed a responsibility on the President to seek public approval on matters of national importance.

He said a referendum was not a discretionary decision when an issue affected the country's territory and sovereignty.

"This is not optional. Seeking the people's approval on matters of national importance concerning the public is a responsibility of the President. Hold that vote," he said.

According to Ali Hussain, the Constitution requires a referendum when changes are proposed to the territory of the Maldives.

He argued that the constitutional provision was not limited to the physical separation or transfer of part of the country's territory.

Instead, he said, granting foreign parties ownership of Ras Malé land in a manner that could permanently prevent Maldivians from reclaiming it would constitute a significant change affecting national territory.

His remarks reflected his interpretation of the Constitution, rather than a judicial determination on the proposed agreement.

During his speech, Ali Hussain alleged that the proposed development could facilitate the settlement of Zionists in Ras Malé.

He claimed that Zionist groups were engaged in organised and financed efforts to establish settlements in different countries and suggested that the Maldives could become a destination.

He further claimed that, if Ashkenazi Jews were asked whether they would prefer to settle in Palestine or the Maldives, they would choose the Maldives.

Ali Hussain did not provide evidence during the speech to substantiate his allegations about planned Zionist settlement in Ras Malé.

The government has repeatedly stated that Israelis would not be permitted to settle in Ras Malé. President Muizzu has also pledged to ensure that such settlement would not be allowed.

Ali Hussain, who filed a constitutional case at the Supreme Court in September seeking to halt the project, said preventing the proposed arrangement was a responsibility shared by Maldivians, including members of the security forces.

He specifically appealed to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to oppose the project.

"If members of the MNDF do not want to confront Zionist forces tomorrow, you have only one choice. Tell Muizzu that this cannot proceed," he said.

Ali Hussain maintained that the issue concerned the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for action to prevent the proposed agreement from proceeding.

President Muizzu has previously said the government would not hold a referendum on the Ras Malé project.

He said a Real Estate Business Bill submitted to Parliament in connection with the development would provide legal safeguards for the rights of Maldivians and the country's sovereignty.

"We will not hold a referendum on this matter. The bill clearly provides for the protection of the rights of the people and the independence, sovereignty and sovereign authority of the Maldivian state," the President said.

The government maintains that the proposed legislation would establish safeguards governing the development.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court declined to accept the constitutional case filed by Ali Hussain seeking to stop the project.

Ali Hussain subsequently submitted a request to the court in mid-October to review its decision not to accept the case.