Former Speaker of Parliament and Male’ City Mayor Mohamed Shihab says the amendment to the Constitution was made in order to facilitate the sale and ownership of land to foreigners.

Shihab, speaking in last night’s MDP National Congress meeting, said that the issue facing the nation is a massive one, stating that the 2015 amendment was brought in to facilitate the ownership of land by foreign parties. Shihab made the statement in connection to the sentiments expressed by Maradhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Shareef. MP Shareef said that even though the amendment is to that effect, a special law needed to be enacted to sell land.

Shihab said the amendment to Clause 251 of the Constitution in effect added new clauses to the Constitution. He said a Chapter was added to the Constitution, comprised of clauses from 302 to 309.

“Clause 251 previously said that any land in the Maldives can only be leased or rented for a period not exceeding 99 years. However, the amendment now allows the ownership. This is a fact. This cannot be changed. The public has to be aware of the Constitution. Right now it says ownership. Not just for 99 years. But on this freehold free [concept]. We cannot take back that land without paying back,” Shihab said.

Shihab said that this issue was not just an issue for Faafu Atoll but for the whole nation.