Unity talks can strengthen us, says Nasharuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: Pas' former deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa remains steadfast that both Umno and Pas can iron out their differences via a 'muzakarah'.

Nasharuddin said the muzakarah would guide both parties towards forging a better understanding, in the best interest of the nation and the Muslims.  

"I believe the muzakarah is important in strengthening our unity, despite the differences in political ideology," Nasharuddin told The Mole.

In 2009 Nasharuddin who is the Pas member of parliament for Bachok expressed his support for the unity government proposal made by Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang.

Nasharuddin had openly stated that talks with Umno could pave way towards a betterment of the society.

The idea was not well received then by Pas' spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat who chided the deputy president and even asked Nasharuddin to leave Pas if he was adamant about the unity government proposal. 

Last week, in a surprising turn of events, Nik Aziz said he would not object a muzakarah with Umno.

Asked if he feels vindicated following Nik Aziz's latest stand, Nasharuddin said "I think it's better to let the world see things as it is now".

Bernama reported on Saturday Nik Aziz had suggested for the muzakarah to be held before the 13th General Elections.

Nik Aziz's latest statement contradicted the call he made in July 2008 when he said that any discussion between Umno and Pas should be stopped as it could cause a split in the Islamic party.

A post in Malaysia Today reported Nik Aziz describing the attempted muzakarah then as merely a gimmick aimed at undermining PAS.

“I want to ask the PAS leaders (reported to have held talks with Umno) whether they are interested in safeguarding PAS and Islam. Trying to be friends with Umno is like "sleeping with the enemy," Nik Aziz was quoted as saying.

However on July 27 the same year Pas’ Syura Council endorsed the proposed muzakarah, and Nik Aziz suggested that both Umno and Pas should be disbanded to pave way for a new party based on Islamic principles.

Source: MOLE