Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday expressed concern over "creeping colonialism" after accusing the government selling an entire Atoll to the Saudi royal family.
Government had announced the Saudi led mega project in Faafu Atoll worth USD10 billion would put the Maldives "on the map."
MDP in a statement noted the public outrage over the lack information revealed by the government over the project thus far.
"MDP expresses serious concern that the Faafu plans – which would allow a foreign power to control one of the country’s 26 atolls – amount to creeping colonialism by the Saudi government," the statement read.
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had last month revealed that the Saudi government was looking to implement a 'mega' project in Faafu Atoll which would be initiated soon.
He had also said top officials of the present Saudi government are looking to establish an 'economic city' in Faafu Atoll that would be open to the entire world.
During an event to welcome over 600 members to the ruling party on Wednesday, president Yameen for the first time responded to the controversy, he revealed that the project worth more than USD10 billion would put Maldives on the map.
The President pointed out that the mega project would end the country's dependency on tourism and turn its economy to an unprecedented direction.
He highlighted the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coastline in the South East corner of France as an example for the future of F. Atoll.
President Yameen also responded to concerns of lack of transparency over the project, by insisting that the government is unable to reveal details of the deal with the Saudis as the project was still under negotiation.
"No one needs to rush to get the details. We are still negotiating the details of the project. So once we reach an agreement we would reveal all the details to the public. But we cannot do it now. We need to keep the negotiations under wraps for now because this is such a significant investment for us," president stressed. The President vowed to release the complete details of the detail as soon as all the details have been completely finalised.
Police meanwhile had raided the MDP main camp in the capital Male over allegations of a planned protest against the Saudi King, slated to make a state visit early this month.
The MDP statement had also accused President Yameen of renewing attacks on the opposition in a "cowardly attempt to hide public sentiment against the sale of Faafu Atoll during the King’s visit."
"MDP believes the government is facilitating a land grab by a foreign power, and trying to close down all debate and scrutiny over the issue."
