Baarah Constituency PNC MP Ibrahim Shujau has claimed that opposition MDP members are speaking out against the massive "Maldives Waterfront & Marina" project in Rasmalé primarily to create political leverage and secure meetings with Mohamed Alabbar, the owner of UAE's Eagle Hills.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate on amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, Shujau stated that the legislative changes are crucial for filling legal gaps regarding the confiscation of crime-proceeds and boosting investor confidence. He noted that opposition members failed to point out any actual flaws in the bill itself, suggesting their rhetoric is driven by political motives tied to the USD 20 billion investment project.

Shujau highlighted that former President Mohamed Nasheed had previously endorsed the Eagle Hills project as positive. Consequently, he argued that individual candidates running in the MDP presidential primary are criticizing the development simply to manufacture a demand to meet with the investor.

Drawing comparisons to past resistance against the Emboodhoo Falhu (Crossroads) project, which eventually delivered substantial benefits to the state, Shujau urged political leaders to welcome major foreign investments rather than undermining them for political gains.