Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin welcomed news of improved relations between PAS and Umno, but cautioned that the fight against "evil" should continue.

"If the cooperation is sincere, that is something good.

"However, at the same time, we should not remain silent if there is wrongdoing in political affairs and administration of the people," Asri said on his Facebook today.

"Relations between Muslims (should be) strengthened, but the duty of Muslims, that is to call for good and to eradicate wrongdoings, must continue.

Asri was referring to a news report by Bernama yesterday lauding improved ties between the ruling party and the Islamist party.

The report quoted Kelantan Umno committee chairperson Mustapa Mohamed as saying unity among the Malays is now stronger with the informal cooperation that has been forged between Umno and PAS.

Mustapa, an Umno supreme council member, said the cooperation had also made PAS members more affable towards Umno as they no longer played up on issues like calling Umno members "kafir" (infidels) and boycotting them.

"I believe Muslims are beginning to realise the need for them to unite, and with signs showing of the cooperation between PAS and Umno, it is getting stronger," he told reporters after opening the fourth convocation ceremony of Jeli Polytechnic yesterday.

Asri said improved PAS-Umno relations was most welcomed, but reminded Muslims of their true duty.

"Let's hope we can be a Muslim community that is united towards faith in only Allah," he said.