PAS spiritual leader Abdul Aziz Nik Mat has suggested that its proposed 'muzakarah' (talks) with Umno be held before the upcoming 13th general election.

However, Nik Aziz, who is also Kelantan menteri besar, stressed that Umno would have to meet several conditions that would be determined by PAS if the two parties wanted to engage in consensus building towards achieving unity.

"If Umno wants to unite with PAS, it must change its policies whereby Islam must come first. It must not be the decision of one person but an official decision of the party.

"Umno must accept PAS together with its Pakatan (opposition) partners. When Umno has changed its stand (policy), it must join Pakatan," he told reporters after opening Kuala Terengganu PAS' annual general meeting in Kuala Ibai near Kuala Terengganu today.

He said this when asked about PAS' willingness to hold talks with Umno to start the unification process, particularly uniting the Muslims in the country.

On Wednesday, Nik Aziz had said that PAS was willing hold talks with any party including Umno or non-governmental organisations in futherance of uniting Muslims in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in Kuala Lumpur two days ago that Umno did not have any qualms about having the dialogue with PAS in the interest of the Muslims, the Malays and the country.

- Bernama