Umar Naseer’s team has said that Umar would make a decision whether to apologise to the public after he returns to the Maldives.

Umar contested in the recent Primary Election of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), and was asked by the party’s council to make a public apology after he held a rally in violation of a decision made by the council.

Umar’s spokesperson Abdullah Sinaan said that Umar received the council’s letter notifying him to issue an apology very late that night, and that Umar did not reply to the letter when he departed from the country.

“We can only comment on the issue once Umar returns. This is an important issue, so he has to think before responding. Umar has been informed of the official letter requesting this,” he said.

PPM has extended the deadline given to Umar to make the public apology until 10:00 am on Sunday. Umar was first asked to apologise before the mass rally held by PPM on Tuesday night.

Umar was asked to make a public apology after he held a rally in violation of article 69 (b) of the party’s basic regulation, and made several untrue allegations during the rally against his rival Abdullah Yameen.

PPM President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had repeatedly advised Umar not to hold his own rally after the Primary Election.