MDP’s chairperson, ex-President Mohamed Nasheed has voiced complete backing for the government's choice to lease land in Ras Malé to UAE-based Eagle Hills for 99 years.

Nasheed expressed his views during an MDP National Council meeting on Sunday evening to discuss a resolution urging the government to delay signing the project agreement until a public referendum is held.

The resolution, proposed by Mahfooz Saeed, President of MDP’s Kolamaafushi Constituency, requested a public referendum to assess people's views on the Ras Malé project. It also suggested organizing protests to stop the development if the government did not fulfill the demands.

In contrast, Nasheed openly endorsed the project, saying, "I completely back this initiative."

Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih expressed their support for the resolution, while Nasheed was the sole National Council member to oppose it.

In addressing the council, Nasheed mentioned that he had not planned to participate in the debate but chose to speak once his name was brought up. He observed that the Maldivian population originated from individuals who moved to and established themselves in the country from other places, remarking that choices like the one related to the project could yield beneficial results.

Referencing a historical comparison, Nasheed stated: "Three vessels reached the Maldives 300 years prior." One halted at Hoarafushi, the other proceeded to Dhuvaafaru. Respected President of the Hoarafushi Constituency, I understand that you are a descendant of those who came on that vessel. Consequently, I can imagine the opportunities that might arise throughout a century.

Nasheed finished by confirming his complete backing for the government's choice regarding the project.