Persatuan Hindraf Malaysia (PHM) possible role as part of Pakatan Harapan's cause must be predicated by discussions by coalition members, said PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali.

"It needs to be first discussed among Harapan (leaders). We will have a presidential council meeting soon and if it is included in the meeting agenda, it will be the issue we will discuss," Azmin told reporters at Gombak, Selangor today.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad met PHM leader P Waythamoorthy yesterday in what former law minister described was an "introductory" meeting.

After the meeting, Mahathir told FMT that the Indian community was not well represented in Harapan currently and he appreciated that Waythamoorthy's group has the support of lower-income Indians.

In view of this, said Mahathir, it was necessary to persuade the group to support Harapan's cause.

Several top Harapan leaders, such as DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang and PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, appear to have warmed up to the idea.

PHM has roots in the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) movement which emerged in 2006, following the outcry by the Hindu community over the body snatching episode involving Mt Everest climber M Moorthy and the numerous demolition of Hindu temples at the time.

Under the leadership of lawyer P Uthayakumar, Hindraf held the largest ever demonstration by ethnic Indians on Nov 27, 2007 in protest against government discrimination and neglect.

Years after, several groups emerged to claim continuity and leadership over the movement, such as the Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party and the PHM.

PAS talks were by PKR only

Meanwhile, Azmin reiterated that his discussions with PAS leaders were performed in his capacity as PKR deputy president.

"It is a PKR initiative and does not involve Harapan. I did not represent Harapan.

"It is PKR's decision to continue talks with PAS," he explained.

Azmin confirmed on Monday that "very informal discussions" had been ongoing despite the Islamist party announcing in April that it had cut ties with PKR.

Several Harapan leader have since criticised the move and questioned if Azmin was wasting his time.