Lembah Pantai Umno has hailed enthusiasm by PAS’ top leadership with Prime Minister Najib Razak as a welcome sign of cooperation between Umno and the Islamic party.

 

“Two days ago our president said although there were Umno members who call on him to step down, however PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and its spiritual leader Haron Din said they wanted the Umno president to continue ruling the country.

 

“This shows that PAS is open to cooperation (with Umno),” said Lembah Pantai Umno chief Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin at their annual general meeting (AGM) in Kuala Lumpur today.

 

“What is happening in PAS today signals a new beginning for us to work together,” he added.

He added PAS could start working with Umno on the redelineation process.

 

However, he admitted the idea of PAS cooperation would not sit well with BN component parties such as MCA and MIC.

 

“Our partners should not fear. To me, if the Malay-Muslims unite our country will be stronger, and you folk wouldn’t need to have a headache,” he said.

 

Raja Nong Chik also urged his party to give room for PAS “friends” to join hands.

 

“In my view … perhaps we Umno need to change a little to give room for our friends from PAS who may want (to cooperate with Umno) to move forward,” he said.