Muhyiddin Yassin said Umno should give a positive response to the "muzakarah" urging by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang ( below ).

NONE The Umno deputy president said that PAS could officially write in to explain the purpose of the "muzakarah" (exchanging of views), whether to discuss matters related to Islam only or even more than that.

He said if the matter could be communicated officially, Umno would examine the content of the topics in the interest of the Muslims and the country.

"If the aim is to create cooperation and unity among Muslims which is supported by both Umno and PAS, it will be beneficial to Islam and the country.

"I deem this to be a good move and we should give a positive response," he said when closing the the 2013 National Cyber Crisis Exercise (X-MAYA 5) in Mutiara Damansara, in Kuala Lumpur, today.

Muhyiddin also described Hadi's gesture as sincere.

"If it is a good thing (the muzakarah), the sooner we do it the better," he said.

Hadi had made the proposal in his closing speech at PAS's 59th Muktamar (general assembly) on Sunday.

He had said that PAS was willing to sit down and talk with Umno on Islamic matters in the interest of Muslim unity.

- Bernama