The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated it will not take part in the government's new 20-year national development plan due to worries about how it will be executed.

The Finance Ministry granted Nexia Maldives, a private consultancy, a contract worth MVR 17.9 million to create the 'Viluntheri Raajje 2045' (Resilient Maldives 2045) plan.

In a statement issued on Sunday, MDP acknowledged its reply to Nexia's proposal for a meeting after the government assigned the plan to the firm.

Although recognizing the significance of a long-term national development plan, the MDP voiced concerns regarding the government's approach to its formulation. The party claimed it had insufficient information about the formulation process of the plan for the upcoming twenty years and the people who were consulted in making its decisions.

Additionally, the MDP observed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu continues to unveil new projects, including airport development and several other construction efforts, separate from this announced plan.

The MDP recognized the subsequent problems:

• 
  

  The government's efforts to dredge the Fushidhiggaru lagoon using different methods while not finishing current land projects in the Male' region.

  
  

• 
  

  Disregard for the Constitution and laws, along with breaches of good governance principles.

  
  

• 
  

  The frequency of disregard for governmental structures.

  
  

• 
  

  Abrupt changes to previously set robust regulations, such as those for environmental protection.

  
  

Taking these factors into account, the MDP indicated that it cannot assure implementation of this new plan by the government and, as a result, considers it unnecessary to take part in its planning process at this moment.

Regardless of the MDP's choice, the Nexia team has begun island tours to gather public and stakeholder feedback on the development plan.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu initially revealed his choice to create a 20-year national development plan on September 17 of last year. He launched the public consultation process for the plan a month later, on November 6.

At the plan's launch, the President highlighted its vital significance and called for involvement from people of all political beliefs, from every island, and of every age. The President expressed his ambition for the Maldives to become a fully developed nation by 2040 in every aspect, claiming that this aim is attainable through collective effort.