Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has fueled the speculation of Umno and PAS forming a coalition government to rebuild Kelantan.

Though breaking into laughter when the questioned was posed, the Umno deputy president, however, did not discount the possibility.

"Never mind... Even if it happens, okay.

"But even if it has not reached that level, it is still the duty of both the state and federal governments to discharge their responsibilities," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

"Not only in Kelantan but also in other states (affected by floods)," he added.

Muhyiddin was responding to Hussamuddin Yaakob, who owns the Malay newspaper Sinar Harian .

The corporate figure, who hails from Kelantan, had said that traditional foes PAS and Umno must join hands to rebuild the flood-ravaged state.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the federal government would continue to assist the PAS-led state government with regard to remedial works.

However, he said the federal government should not be burdened with everything, but at the same time, it recognised that the state government does not have adequate financial resources.

In view of this, he noted that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced a percentage of the allocation be chanelled to flood victims in Kelantan.

"This is not about politics but they (Kelantan state government) have no financial resources. What is important is that the plight of the people of Kelantan must be addressed.

"So what is the way? The federal government will take the initiative to help alleviate their burden, including constructing temporary and permanent homes, welfare and other matters," he added.

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