International
While reports circulated on 28 September 2026 alleging that information on 15 Maldivians who spoke out on social media against the Rasmale project had been obtained and that the UAE had begun blacklisting them, no official authority has confirmed this. Following the passing of Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, at the age of 100 on 28 September 2026 at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, a decision has been made to hold a state funeral. Furthermore, to further strengthen relations between the Maldives and Malaysia, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to establish a joint commission between the two countries and to hold its first meeting before the end of 2026.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has blacklisted 15 Maldivians for allegedly running hate campaigns against the Maldives' Ras Malé project. This measure was taken in connection with the actions carried out by these individuals against the project, and those blacklisted are now barred from entering and residing in the UAE. The decision by the relevant UAE authorities is believed to be a step taken to halt efforts to incite hatred in violation of the country's laws and regulations. Although further details of the blacklisted individuals have not been disclosed, this marks an important occasion where a foreign country has taken such a strict measure in connection with the project.
Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, passed away at the age of 100 on Monday morning, September 28, 2026, at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. Among the first female doctors in Malaysia, Siti Hasmah was a figure who rendered valuable services to the nation in public health, maternal and child welfare, as well as various social sectors. Following her demise, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and other foreign leaders sent condolences to Mahathir and his family. Siti Hasmah's funeral was held with state honours, and she was laid to rest in Putrajaya.
On September 28, 2026, it was decided to establish a joint committee between the Maldives and Malaysia with the objective of further strengthening and solidifying the long-standing close relations between the two countries. The main purpose of this committee is to cooperate in expanding relations in various areas of mutual interest, particularly in the fields of trade, economy, education, and culture. Furthermore, it was noted that this agreement would further strengthen ongoing discussions between the governments of both nations and facilitate numerous beneficial opportunities for the people of the Maldives and Malaysia.