The intense opposition criticism may have killed the proposed Saudi led mega project in the Maldives, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom hinted Tuesday.
President Yameen in January had revealed that the Saudi government was looking to implement a 'mega' project in Faafu Atoll which would be initiated soon.
He had said top officials of the present Saudi government were looking to establish an 'economic city' in Faafu Atoll that would be open to the entire world.
However, the rumours of the government looking to sell the entire Atoll to the Saudi royal family after relocating the population of the Atoll had sparked intense criticism from the opposition.
Speaking to reporters during a ruling party ceremony on Tuesday, president Yameen said he had intended to bring a multi billion dollar investment to the Maldives.
But since all his political rivals had publicly opposed the project, they must now take responsibility for the investment, president stressed.
"All the political leaders objected to it [Faafu Atoll project]. So when that happens, would we get a multi-million dollar investment? So the ones who claim to be working for the benefit of the people and the country must take responsibility for it. I tried to bring in the investment," president said.
When asked if the project was now dead, president Yameen said such projects do not "run to you".
"If they [opposition] show that this project was not wanted it will not come. Investors won't come if they are not welcome," he stressed.
