Pakatan Harapan secretariat chief Saifuddin Abdullah welcomed PAS election director Mustafa Ali's statement that the Islamic party will not work with Umno, but was prepared to discuss with PKR and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia.

"I take it as a positive development towards forming a strong opposition and to ensure one-on-one contests against BN in the 14th general election.

"I am confident this is what the people, who have rejected BN, want. The people want the opposition to cooperate as a big and strong group," he said in a statement today.

Mustafa, when contacted, said his statement was a proposal and more discussion would be required.

He said PAS was prepared to negotiate direct fights with PKR and Bersatu but not with DAP and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).

"It is not with all opposition, PAS is not ready to talk to DAP and Amanah. The discussions is only with Bersatu and PKR.

"The issue does not arise as Amanah is not in the discussion nor are they in the picture," he said.

Mustafa said PAS is necessary if the opposition wants to defeat Umno.

"Without PAS, Umno cannot be defeated. You have to work with PAS, and this is being discussed," he said.

"Three cornered fights will only strengthen Umno so the matter has to be discussed.

"Traditionally, it is PAS and PKR that contest in Umno areas, but the 14th general election will also have Bersatu," he said.