The Umno leadership warmly welcomes international preacher Dr Zakir Naik's urging for the Malay party to unite with the Islamic party PAS in a unity government.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said that the call was significant as it came from someone without any vested interest.

"Maybe prior to this, PAS may not realise the merit of this unity. Maybe PAS thinks that the call which came from the Umno leadership is made out of self-interest.