Nash: Umno talks on issues that benefit nation

Tags: Abdul Hadi Awang | Husam Musa | muktamar | Nasharuddin Mat Isa | Pas

Written by Sharon Tan

Monday, 08 June 2009 00:04

SHAH ALAM: PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa has reiterated that talks with Umno are on issues that need to be addressed for the benefit of the nation. He stressed that it was never done with the intention to join Barisan Nasional (BN) or share power.

"It is just discussions and talks. We are open to talks with whoever and not confining ourselves to Umno," said Nasharuddin at a press conference at the end of the 55th PAS muktamar yesterday.

He also said that party president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang would explain the unity government issues to its coalition partners at the upcoming presidential meeting.

"When we explain to them, it will be better. We are not joining Umno or BN," he said when asked if the party is risking support from its coalition partners and PAS Supporters' Club by having such talks.

Nasharuddin said that although Umno is its enemy, it does not mean the party (PAS) should shut its door to dialogues on issues.

"It is not about sharing power or government. The issue is about what we can contribute," he explained, adding that the government has extended an invitation to PAS to give its views on economic matters.

On the question that Umno is keen to cooperate with PAS at a time when it (Umno) is weak, Nasharuddin said: "Then we have bargaining power on our side. They cannot limit the issues to be discussed."

Commenting on the vocal opposition against talks with Umno amongst the delegates, he said it is one's basic right.

"The assembly is where they can air their views and we in the leadership will take note. We will manage the differences in opinion," said Nasharuddin.

He also told Umno to mind its own business when asked to comment on Kelantan Umno's call for Nik Aziz to step down.

"It is our party internal matter. Umno should mind its own business," he added. Nasharuddin was also not too concerned about the continued debates on opposing views between the ulamak and liberals.

"There is a long history to this and it will not dominate the party's focus because we must now focus on the by-election in Manik Urai," he added.

He also said that he has no problem in working with Datuk Husam Musa whom he defeated in the deputy president's race.

Asked if he would recommend Husam to fill six vacant posts in the party leadership, Nasharuddin said: "It is not for me to recommend but the central working committee will make the recommendation."

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Last Updated on Monday, 08 June 2009 00:05

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