Their respective parties are embroiled in a fire-and-brimstone conflict, but it did not prevent the Terengganu menteri besar from inviting the transport minister to breakfast.

Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar and Anthony Loke later shared details of the meeting on their respective Facebook accounts.

Reminiscing about their past relationship, the DAP secretary-general said: “I have known him for more than 10 years when we (PAS and DAP) cooperated in (the defunct) Pakatan Rakyat.

“Although we have political differences now, I still respect him as a leader who is professional and with good character,” he added. 

According to Loke, the discussion centred on the ties between the federal government and the state government.

“All quarters must accept that the reality of the Malaysian political landscape today is starkly different where state governments are controlled by different political coalitions.

“When it comes to administering the country and states, all quarters must be professional and carry out their respective duties with the utmost responsibility,” he added.

Among others, Samsuri and Loke discussed the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

Loke said the Transport Ministry would strive to ensure that ECRL drives economic growth along the route and assist in developing the industrial areas in Terengganu.

Meanwhile, Samsuri, who described their meeting as cordial, said the discussion looked at improving the Kemaman Port as well as transforming the Permaisuri and Jerteh stations as ECRL cargo hubs.

The PAS leader said it would enable Terengganu to create an industrial area which would boost the economy and employment opportunities in the two districts.

“The one-and-a-half hour discussion in a jovial and positive environment is indicative of the need for a positive attitude in federal-state government ties despite political differences,” he added.

PAS controls four states. Apart from Terengganu, the Islamist party is in power in Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis.

KJ slams Kit Siang's one-liner over Zahid's DNAA

KJ slams Kit Siang's one-liner over Zahid's DNAA

MP SPEAKS | Malaysia's crisis with unity

MP SPEAKS | Malaysia's crisis with unity

YOURSAY | Hypocrisy takes precedence  in M’sian politics

YOURSAY | Hypocrisy takes precedence  in M’sian politics

COMMENT | Malaysia cannot move forward with bumiputera agenda

COMMENT | Malaysia cannot move forward with bumiputera agenda

PN rally 'disrespectful' of M'sia Day - S'wak PKR Youth

PN rally 'disrespectful' of M'sia Day - S'wak PKR Youth

Kit Siang: Dr M 'eating own words' over unofficial adviser role

Kit Siang: Dr M 'eating own words' over unofficial adviser role