SLMC members will not cross without leader's consent

Colombo (News1st) - Leader of the Muslim Congress Rauf Hakeem and Leader of the All Ceylon People's Congress Rishad Baithudeen and the members of their respective parties left to Meccah last evening to perform Umrah in the holy city. Members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Faizal Cassim, Ali Saheer Maulana, M.I.M Mansoor, H.M.M Haris, A.L.M Nazeer. and M.S Thawfeek were among the group members who traveled to Mecca. Speaking to reporters prior to his departure Hakeem noted that they could not approve the current political situation in the country and that they continue to see the current government as an illegal one.  When questioned if any members of the SLMC would cross over, Hakeem responded by stating that none of his party members would make such a decision, disobeying the party leadership. MP Faizal Cassim, however, stated that they will deliver their verdict on the current political situation after they return from Umrah. The SLMC members are expected to return to the country on Sunday the 11th of November, 3 days before Parliament is reconvened. An SLMC media spokesman stated that their visit to the holy land will be via Dubai.