Former Home Minister Sheikh Imran Abdulla made disparaging remarks about Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at last night’s opposition protest against the Rasmalé development project.
The gathering was held at the Artificial Beach in Malé by the “National Movement” under the banner “Maldivian Land for Maldivians”. Several political figures attended, including former President Abdulla Yameen, former Vice President Faisal Naseem and former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail. Only Yameen and Imran spoke.
In his speech, Imran implied that President Abbas is a leader who has no real power of his own and serves under other leaders.
He began by claiming that once President Dr Mohamed Muizzu carries out what he called a “crime”, there would no longer be any space for political work, political parties or political leaders in the Maldives.
“Then this place will be like Palestine, with Mahmoud Abbas. Muizzu will be made into a Mahmoud Abbas, seated on a little stool beside Alabbar, doing whatever he is told. Then this country will no longer exist,” Imran said, referring to Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar.
Imran also called on political leaders to set aside their political campaigns and come out against the project.
The opposition’s main concern about the Eagle Hills project is that Israelis or Jews could be settled in Rasmalé, and that properties there could be sold to Israeli citizens.
President Muizzu has rejected all these claims as politically motivated.
Speaking on “Nation Chat”, a programme by the President’s Office and PSM, the President said the interest in buying Rasmalé properties comes from people in Arab and Islamic countries. He said with confidence that the area will be almost entirely home to Maldivians and Muslims from other countries.
The President has assured that no Israeli citizen will be able to buy or even rent any property in Rasmalé. He has also said that Israeli citizens will never be allowed to stay in the Maldives.
This week, President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ unconditional solidarity with the Palestinian people in a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa at COP31.
