Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will not allow a single grain of sand to be sold from the country, says the party’s chairperson Hassan Latheef.

Latheef made the statement while speaking at a rally held to gain support for the Local Council Elections, at Feeali of Faafu Atoll on Friday night.

He said that Maldivian land should not be sold to a foreigner, or a company.

Noting that MDP has no concern over the government starting a development project in Faafu Atoll, Latheef said that the concern was over the uncertainty over the Faafu deal.

He said that a leaked audio clip of the parliamentary group leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) showed that the government had been planning to sell an island in Faafu Atoll.

Latheef further noted that MDP’s parliamentary group had, on numerous occasions, attempted to clarify the situation.

Noting that it became a crime to speak about the Faafu deal, or calling to stop the sale of the atoll, Latheef said he did not understand the reason for this.

He also said that all projects of the current government involve corruption, adding that MDP will not stay quiet is such cases.

Latheef had also assured party members that MDP will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to win the council elections. The Local Council Elections, initially scheduled for January, has been postponed thrice now, and is now scheduled for May 6.