PAS-Umno talks not about GE, says Zahid Hamidi

Zahid Hamidi said the timing of the talks was of no consequence. — File pic

BAGAN DATOH, May 18 — PAS openness about holding talks with Umno has nothing to do with the upcoming general election as there is no time limit for the practice of holding discussions, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also defence minister, said the religious agenda should not be politicised by any party and that both parties must be sincere in wanting to hold talks.

“As for me, it is immaterial whether it is election time or not for such talks to be held,” he told reporters here today.

He was commenting on the statement by PAS spiritual advisor Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat that  the party was always open to talks with anyone, including Umno, in the interest of Muslims in the country and suggested that the “pow-wow” between PAS and Umno be held soon.

In Jelo, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, who is also Kelantan Umno chief, said he welcomed the move by PAS to hold such talks with Umno as it would benefit the Muslim community in the country.

In Machang, Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan, who is also Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said the talks would be good to forge greater Muslim unity but hoped PAS would be sincere about it and not set conditions to hold the discussions. — Bernama