Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has accused opposition parties of using Friday night’s protest against the Rasmalé development project to launch their 2028 presidential election campaign by misleading the Maldivian public.
In a strongly worded Facebook statement following the November 13 opposition gathering at Artificial Beach in Malé, Shiyam, who also serves as Deputy Leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), defended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to protecting Islam, national sovereignty and independence.
The demonstration, organised by the National Movement under the banner “Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinnah” (Maldivian Land for Maldivians), brought together opposition figures, including former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and former Home Minister Sheikh Imran Abdulla.
The movement opposes the proposed development of 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Rasmalé by UAE-based Eagle Hills, raising concerns over foreign control, religious identity and national sovereignty. Opposition leaders have also demanded a public referendum on the project.
Shiyam rejected the opposition’s accusations, describing the gathering as a politically motivated attempt to mislead the public ahead of the next presidential election.
He said President Muizzu had given exceptional priority to religious affairs and national identity while demonstrating strong international leadership in condemning Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
The Minister also accused previous administrations of compromising Maldivian sovereignty without consulting citizens or adequately informing Parliament, questioning the sincerity of opposition figures now presenting themselves as defenders of national interests.
No compromise on religion or sovereignty
Shiyam stressed that the government would reject any foreign investment that failed to respect the Maldives’ Islamic identity, culture, sovereignty, Constitution and laws, regardless of its financial value.
He further claimed that the administration had settled USD 1.9 billion in sovereign debt inherited from previous governments, strengthened the country’s credit standing and created opportunities for major international investments.
According to Shiyam, the opposition seeks to keep the Maldives dependent on foreign assistance, while President Muizzu’s vision is to establish a self-reliant, developed nation by 2040.
Rasmalé project will transform the economy
Defending the proposed partnership with Eagle Hills, Shiyam described Rasmalé as the largest development initiative in Maldivian history, capable of transforming the country’s economic landscape and improving living standards.
The government has maintained that the project will remain under Maldivian jurisdiction and comply with national laws. Proposed real estate legislation also includes restrictions on Israeli investment and safeguards governing foreign participation in major developments.
Shiyam concluded by reaffirming his commitment to defending the Maldives’ religion, sovereignty and independence, insisting that the government would not compromise these principles while pursuing economic development.
