I am with Umar: Illyas Ibrahim

Ilyas Ibrahim, brother-in-law to former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has said that Umar Naseer is capable of filling Maldives presidency and that he will be alongside Umar with dedication.

Speaking at a rally held by the Umar Naseer’s campaign team for Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) presidential primary at artificial beach, Illyas said that even though Umar has not held senior positions in the government, he has proven himself to be more than capable for presidency. Illyas encouraged Umar to continue to prove his capability through his words and actions.

“Umar has all the capabilities to come to the country’s presidency. I have to say with my heart and body that I am with Umar. It does not mean that I will not lend other PPM candidates my help or support. Depending on the familiarity they maintain, I will go to all the places and meetings of the person who maintains that familiarity. But the person who is most capable of the presidency is Umar,” said Illyas.

Last night’s rally also heard indications that Illyas might compete in the PPM presidential as a replacement for Umar. Illyas said that he is not yet ready to join Umar in the political arena and that in answer to the rumors that he is “fit” for a certain purpose, Illyas said that he is not yet ready for such an undertaking.

“To all the people who talked here tonight who said I am “fit” in a certain way, I have to say sorry,” Illyas said.

He bid from the Maldivian to people to consider and vote for the person who will bring most benefits for the country and said that he hopes that they will do the same during the PPM primary.

Praising Umar further, Illyas added that the biggest challenged faced by Maumoon after he established PPM was to save the country and its people from the peril they were facing and that Umar was a person who had practically proven to be helpful in that circumstance.