PAS' adoption of traditional Malay attire and customs at their recently concluded muktamar in Kelantan shows the Islamist party is following Umno's footsteps, said a minister.

"If they want to do this, then they endorse what Umno has been doing all this while, that is fighting for our race, but at the same time fighting for all Malaysians," Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz said.

Speaking at a press conference in Sungai Besar today, Nazri said Umno and BN's formula had proven successful for almost 60 years, which is why PAS and the opposition are now mimicking them.

PAS had set tongues wagging when party leaders showed up at their Youth muktamar in full Malay warrior dress instead of their customary white jubah.

Going further, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang brandished a huge mock keris during the muktamar's cake cutting ceremony.

This comes as ties between PAS and Umno have been improving, with both saying they would cooperate on areas of mutual interest, namely strengthening Islam.

Nazri said there was nothing wrong with PAS leaders displaying their Malay heritage as they are Malays too.

He added, Umno in fighting for Malays, had never disregard other races.

"It's like if you have a kid, you would help them. But at the same time you help the neighbour's kid too," he said.

The Umno supreme council member was speaking after a meet and greet with BN's candidate for Sungai Besar Budiman Mohd Zohdi.