Former President and MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed has expressed his full support for the Rasmalé development project undertaken by UAE-based Eagle Hills, urging against linking the initiative to Zionism with unsubstantiated claims.

Speaking at an ongoing meeting of the MDP National Council, Nasheed emphasized that he supports the project unconditionally. Addressing concerns raised by some individuals regarding what might happen after 100 years, he remarked that he fully backs the project and noted that historical developments have always shaped the nation's progress, drawing parallels to historical accounts of maritime arrivals to the Maldives centuries ago.

Nasheed reiterated his caution against politicizing religion or associating development projects with baseless narratives regarding Zionists, stressing that such rhetoric lacks substance and should be avoided.

During the same National Council meeting, a resolution calling for a public referendum on the implementation of the Eagle Hills project in Rasmalé was submitted and passed with an overwhelming majority. The resolution was supported by several prominent figures, including former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who is contesting the MDP presidential primary with Nasheed's backing.

Ahead of the meeting, Nasheed also issued a statement expressing concern over the political direction recently taken by the MDP. He cautioned that framing wealth-generating projects through xenophobic or ultra-nationalist lenses degrades public debate and undermines the party's foundational commitment to open, democratic governance, human rights, and economic fairness.

The agreement with Eagle Hills involves a USD 20 billion residency tourism investment in Rasmalé, a venture that has sparked varying stances among senior MDP figures, with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih voicing opposition to the project.