PAS' willingness to talk to BN and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) does not mean they are holding hands.

Newly appointed PAS spiritual leader Hashim Jasin said today that PAS upholds the Islamic principle that regardless of friends or enemies, discussions can be held with anyone.

"For PAS, although they may be enemies, our religion does not stop us from meeting and talking.

"So now they (BN) want to talk to us. We are prepared to hear them out and they should hear what we have to say.

"But don't accuse us of joining BN. We have decided (against it)," Hashim told a press conference at the sidelines of a PAS rally in Petaling Jaya today.

He said this when asked if PAS had met Bersatu to explore possible cooperation in the latter's quest to forge a broad opposition front.