The progressives who were purged from the PAS leadership by conservative hardliners have engaged in exploratory discussions with representatives of Nazir Abdul Razak, the prime minister's brother.

This was over possible cooperation between the PAS progressives dubbed Gerakan Harapan Baru (GHB) and a new NGO that Nazir is planning to set up to address growing disillusionment over the country's leadership, according to Singapore's The Straits Times .

PAS' Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusof Rawa ( photo ), who is part of GHB, confirmed the exploratory talks held last month with Umno's former deputy minister Saifuddin Abdullah who is expected to be the public face of the new NGO.

"I need to discuss the proposals with the rest of the group before deciding," Mujahid was quoted as saying.

Saifuddin also confirmed the engagement, stating that they exchanged notes on their plans as they have in the past already conducted bipartisan work together.

"We broadly agreed to continue cooperation in future.

"If for example, one of us starts an NGO, the other a new party, we will work closely and consult each other," he was quoted as saying.

Vocal about state of the country

GHB is mulling to set up a new political party to replace PAS in the new opposition coalition.

Nazir, who is CIMB chairperson, was last month also speculated to be setting up a new political party but he later clarified that this would be a NGO.

He had grown increasingly vocal about the state of the country, including, the controversy plagued 1MDB owned by the Finance Minister and headed by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Najib is also facing allegation that US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) in public funds were deposited into his personal bank accounts.

Malaysiakini had last month raised the possibility that the PAS progressives may be involved in Nazir's new movement.

The Straits Times , quoting sources, said while Nazir had downplayed speculations by stating he only wanted to set up an NGO, the real intention is to set up a political platform geared at influencing the next general elections.