Ex-President returns after 'brief, private' trip to Singapore

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has returned to the Maldives after a short 'private' trip abroad.

The former President traveled to Singapore a week ago, with his wife former First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim, which was revealed via his official twitter account.

Also through the account, Maumoon announced his return from 'a brief private trip to Singapore' on Monday.

However, he did not reveal any further details on the matter.

While the former President, one of the opposition leaders, traveled to Singapore, opposition Jumhooree Party (JP)'s leader Qasim Ibrahim is currently there, receiving treatment for a heart condition. Qasim, who was sentenced to three years, two months and 12 days in prison on bribery in August, traveled to Singapore after receiving approval from the Maldives Correctional Services (MCS).

Maumoon's sudden trip comes not long after Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s leader Mohamed Nasheed called on all opposition parties to unite behind one candidate for the upcoming presidential elections in 2018. Adhaalath Party has backed Nasheed's call, with JP's deputy leader saying they were open for discussions. However, JP and Maumoon's faction are yet to confirm the decision.