Umno president Najib Abdul Razak's willingness to extend a hand of friendship to PAS is seen as a vital unifying 'key' to face the next general election.

Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid said the prime minister's action was for the good of the party, and it was now up to PAS to provide a response.

"He has shown the way for consolidation because for us, unity is the best for the party (Umno), and when facing the general election, it is a priority," he said after handing out school uniform contributions, as well as allowances to the chairman and secretary of the Village Development and Security Committee in Alor Setar yesterday.

Najib, in his policy speech at the recent 2015 Umno general assembly said Umno extended an olive branch to PAS to join in building and developing the country, according to the Islamic law after it (PAS) was 'kicked out' of the opposition pact.

On the issue of textbook shortage in certain northern states, Mahdzir, who is also Padang Terap MP, said the matter did not arise as they (textbooks) were a basic requirement for students.

"There is no problem in the allocation, even now they are being printed and have been distributed to most of the states," he said.

- Bernama