A recent visit by Umno Young Ulama (Ilmu) working committee secretariat chairperson Fathul Bari Mat Jahaya to the house of former PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa has raised eyebrows.

NONE Fathul (right in photo) , however, has denied that the visit was to lobby Nasharuddin, who is under pressure from the Islamic party, to join Umno.

Instead, he said the meeting was held in the name of Islam and his responsibility as a Muslim.

He told Malay daily Sinar Harian that among others, they discussed Nasharuddin's status in PAS that will be decided by the powerful syura council on Sept 9.

“The meeting also discussed about collaboration between Ilmu and Nasharuddin in the future.

“Ilmu will organise various programmes including Jelajah Ilmu which will give explanation on hudud to Muslims and non-Muslims,” he was quoted as saying.

NONE Fathul said they also talked about the importance of unity within Islamic communities.

The meeting, he stressed, was not to intimidate PAS or to “buy over” Nasharuddin.

Nasharuddin, who is also Bachok MP, had come under fire for questioning PAS' stance on hudud and demanding that the party quit Pakatan Rakyat.

The PAS central committee has left it to the syura council to determine Nasharuddin's fate, since he is no longer in the central committee.

The council will meet this Sunday.