.svg)
President Mohamed Muizzu has ruled out holding a public referendum on the proposed Rasmale' development, saying the Real Estate Business Act already safeguards national interests and citizens' rights.
Mariyam Adheela
President Mohamed Muizzu speaks at a press conference at the President’s Office
MALE’: President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ruled out holding a public referendum on the proposed development of Rasmale’, involving the allocation of 500 hectares of land to UAE based company Eagle Hills.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on today, President Muizzu was asked whether the government would hold a referendum on the project, following a resolution passed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
In response, the President said the government had no intention of holding a referendum on the matter.
“This is not something on which we will hold a referendum. The bill clearly states that the rights of Maldivian citizens, the country’s sovereignty, independence and laws have all been taken into consideration,” President Muizzu said.
He said the government had chosen to address the relevant matters through the Real Estate Business Act rather than introducing separate regulations.
Muizzu said the eighth chapter of the legislation contains provisions safeguarding the rights of Maldivian citizens, including future generations.
He maintained that the legal framework had been designed to protect national interests and ensure that citizens’ rights would not be compromised.
The President’s remarks come after the MDP National Council passed a resolution on Sunday calling on the government to hold a public referendum on the proposed allocation of 500 hectares of land in Rasmale’ to Eagle Hills.
