No referendum on Rasmalé project, says President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said no public referendum will be held on plans to give 500 hectares of Rasmalé to the UAE's Eagle Hills.

The President made the remarks in response to a journalist's question at a press conference held at the President's Office today.

“This is not something we will hold a referendum on. Do you understand? This bill very clearly sets out how the rights of the Maldivian people and the independence, sovereignty and political authority of the Maldivian state will be protected. It takes into account our laws, all these matters, and how our internal affairs are organised,” the President said.

He said the opposition's claims were baseless fabrications made for political purposes.

While the President has said he will not hold a public referendum on the Rasmalé project, the national council of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed a resolution calling for such a vote.

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said a public referendum must be held before entering into agreements to give any party a large tract of land such as Rasmalé in which the public has a stake.