President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has assured the Salaf Association that the concerns it raised regarding the Rasmalé project will be given due consideration, according to the association.

Senior representatives of the Salaf Association met with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last Sunday to seek clarification on the government’s proposed Rasmalé development project. During the meeting, the association urged the government to address eight key areas that it said must be carefully considered when implementing projects involving foreign parties.

The eight areas highlighted by the Salaf Association are:

1. Protecting Islamic identity and national sovereignty.
2. Safeguarding the country's sovereignty and strategic independence.
3. Assessing potential changes to the population structure and associated security risks.
4. Prioritizing economic development that delivers the greatest benefits to Maldivian citizens.
5. Establishing a fair and transparent policy framework.
6. Maintaining a balance between an open economy and national interests.
7. Establishing a permanent monitoring mechanism.
8. Assessing the social impacts of the project.

The Salaf Association said the President had listened to the concerns it presented and assured the delegation that these matters would be taken into consideration.

The government announced the Rasmalé development project last September, with the project to be undertaken by a company from the United Arab Emirates. The project is valued at 20 billion US dollars.

Amid various claims circulating about the Rasmalé project, the Maldivian government has assured the public that the country's independence, sovereignty and national autonomy will not be compromised.