Maldives Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has accused the opposition of wanting to keep the Maldives dependent on foreign assistance, while defending the proposed Rasmalé development as an opportunity to strengthen the economy and improve living standards.
The opposition desires to keep the Maldives in a perpetual state of dependency, begging before neighbors and the international community
He contrasted that alleged approach with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ambition to make the Maldives a developed nation by 2040, saying the government wanted Maldivians to lead self-sufficient and dignified lives.
Minister Shiyam also accused opposition parties of using concerns about Rasmalé to advance their electoral ambitions rather than protect national interests.
What we witnessed tonight was the opposition parties launching their 2028 campaign by significantly misleading the public. This is not the conduct expected of responsible political parties
Defending the administration’s investment policy, Minister Shiyam said economic development would not come at the expense of the country’s religion, sovereignty or independence.
Regardless of how grand or expensive these projects may be, this government will not welcome any investment or entity that does not respect our religion, culture, national sovereignty, independence, and the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Maldives.
He credited the government with managing what he described as USD 1.9 billion in sovereign debt inherited from previous administrations. He also cited credit-rating improvements and interest in multibillion-dollar investments as signs of economic progress.
Minister Shiyam described the proposed Rasmalé development, in which Eagle Hills has expressed interest, as the largest project in Maldivian history.
It is a promising initiative that will shift the Maldives’ economic hub and bring prosperity to the lives of all Maldivians,
His comments followed a rally at Malé’s Artificial Beach on November 13, where opposition parties and supporters of the “Maldivian Land for Maldivians” movement called for a referendum on the proposed Rasmalé development.
Speakers raised concerns about the project’s implications for sovereignty and the lack of public consultation.
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