MDP passes decree to object F. Atoll project

Maldivian Democratic Party has passed a decree and formed a committee to work against the planned Saudi Arabian government project in F. Atoll which the party described as sale of the atoll to a foreign government.

During the MDP national council meeting held on Saturday night, the party members concluded that Maldivian government was attempting to “sell” F. Atoll and that the party would do everything possible – inside and outside the parliament – to stop the project.

North Galolhu MP and former Chairperson of MDP, Mariya Ahmed Didi said during the meeting that the Maldivian government was misleading the people claiming that Maldivian land will only be sold to Muslims.

All national council members who attended the meeting unanimously agreed to work against the project.

Spokesperson for President’s Office, Ibrahim Muaz Ali reported this Sunday that talk of F. Atoll being sold was a rumor which is being deliberately circulated to mislead the people. And that President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has already announced his stand regarding the development project in F. Atoll.

During a recent tour of F. Atoll, President Yameen announced that high-level officials within the Saudi government had expressed interest in investing in a major development project in F. Atoll which will create “hundreds of jobs”.

While MDP has issued a decree to protest the project in F. Atoll, some 10 MDP lawmakers were among those who voted for the amendment to Maldivian Constitution which allowed for foreign ownership of land if the investment is above USD 1 billion.

They are:

1. Central Henveiru MP, Ali Azim

2. South Henveiru MP, Mohamed Abdul Kareem

3. Noth Henveiru MP, Abdulla Shahid

4. North Kulhudhuffushi MP, Abdul Gafoor Moosa

5. Mulak MP, Ibrahim Naseer

6. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef

7. Vaikaradhoo MP Mohamed Nazim

8. South Hithadhoo MP, Ali Nizar

9. Kurendhoo PM, Abdul Baaree Abdulla

10. Felidhoo MP, Ahmed Marzooq

The amendment gives foreigners who invest a minimum of USD 1 billion in Maldives right to ownership of land. But the opportunity stands only for investment projects approved via a law passed by People’s Majlis.

Special Economic Zones Act states that the longest period of investment in Maldives is 99 years, but the investment needs to be worth minimum USD 100 million.