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Galolhu Uthuru MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) - Photo: Majlis

MALE : Galolhu Uthuru MP Mohamed Ibrahim formally requested Construction and Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib to present the full agreement signed with UAE-based Eagle Hills for the Ras Malé project to the People’s Majlis.

In an official letter sent to the Minister, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) lawmaker asked whether the government intends to share the main clauses of the agreement with Parliament and the public to eliminate widespread doubt and public concern over the deal.

The opposition MP pressed the government to reveal the legal basis for granting 500 hectares of reclaimed land to Eagle Hills for a 99-year period without holding an open competitive bidding process. He also requested clarification on the financial terms, asking why state-reclaimed land was handed over without a direct advance payment during a critical foreign currency shortage.

In addition, MP Mohamed Ibrahim asked the Minister to provide a clear timeline for the $20 billion to $30 billion in projected foreign investments, details on 5,000 housing units announced for Hulhumalé, and copies of any foreign policy or geopolitical risk studies conducted prior to execution.

The MP’s demand comes as the agreement faces mounting legal and political pressure. Legal expert and former lawmaker Ali Hussain recently filed a constitutional petition at the Supreme Court seeking to annul the deal, arguing that handing over state land for 99 years without statutory authorization or lease rent violates Articles 250 and 251 of the Constitution. The petition also requests an interim injunction to suspend the deal and prevent third-party rights from being established.

Responding to public criticism and opposition claims that state property is being sold off, Attorney General Ahmed Usham defended the deal on social media platform X. The Attorney General clarified that the project planned for Ras Malé will be governed by the Real Estate Act currently being drafted. So far, only a Letter of Intent (Commercial Terms Agreement) has been signed for this project.