PAS not only aspires to, but is determined to unite with Umno to further the cause of Islam, reported Sinar Harian today on its front page citing PAS Youth chief Nik Abduh Nik Aziz.

In an exclusive interview with the Malay daily published today, he said unity based on religion is what drives PAS more than unity based on politics.

Therefore the union of Umno and PAS is false, unless it is a union based on the understanding and the name of religion, Sinar reported him saying.

"PAS tries to properly understand Umno, NGOs, and if they focus on this path (religion), there would come a time when we can all unite," he said.

"We have discussed this, we admit we have gotten close to Umno, to understand them, not only (to do something because of) the rakyat, because there is something we want to fight against (such as) political issues and the desire to change the leadership.

"There are things that we have to share together, that is religion.

"The extent to which Umno can understand religion (is what) we can convince them, if they accept it God willing, that is good," Nik Abduh was reported saying.

"Indeed PAS was set up to unite the ummah (Muslim community), not only just the intention, but determination (to do so).

"Therefore there is no reason (to say) we want to split with PKR, seek vengeance with DAP," he said.

Nik Abduh added he hopes the close relationship with Umno will help to push the amendments to syariah law that their president Abdul Hadi Awang's Private Member's Bill seeks.

Political cooperation shortlived

He added Islam requires not just for Muslims to unite, but all of humanity, and he spoke against uniting on a purely political platform.

Nik Abduh said political unions do not last, citing PAS' cooperation with PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim in the early days.

He said PAS cooperated with Anwar when the latter was with the NGO Abim, then broke with him when he joined Umno, and then they reconciled and so on.

Commenting on Parti Amanah Negara leaders, he hoped time would "cool" the latter's discontent and they may return to PAS.

"Just like (former premier) Dr Mahathir Mohamad, at one time he left Umno, then he returned," he quipped.

Meanwhile, asked to respond to Nik Abduh’s remarks, Perak Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) chief Asmuni Awi said they have always been aware of PAS’ intention to merge with Umno

“We were aware of it from the start - that's why we left and formed Amanah. We were the hardcore group that was against an Umno-PAS merger.”

Efforts to merge Umno and PAS, he added, had started after the 2008 general election.

“But they (PAS leadership) tried to cover this up. If they really want to merge, then just tell party members so that they are not in a state of confusion forever,” said Asmuni in a press conference held at Amanah’s Kuala Kangsar headquarters today.