KUALA LUMPUR - Islamic party Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang does not want Muafakat Nasional (MN) formed with Umno almost three years ago to be buried, as it has had a positive impact on both parties.
"Pas's cooperation with others including Umno is based on principles. The basis of our struggle is Islam," he said.
"Our unity is not based on political issues, but current and long-term issues which are based on unifying the ummah," he added.
In an exclusive interview with Sinar Harian, he added due to that he does not want "MN buried".
He said this when asked over the future of MN after Umno had said they will go solo in elections.
Asked if the relationship between Umno and Pas was improving, the Marang MP replied the coalition still exists.
He further said there was cooperation between the two parties previously as seen during the country's independence, including after the May 13 incident.
Pas had joined hands to form a mixed government with Barisan Nasional after the racial riots and said both parties have had various experiences of working together after independence.
Asked if he was hurt by the statements from several Umno leaders to reject PAS, he said it was part of politics
It was reported previously that Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, had said PAS contravened the Muafakat Nasional agreement by joining PN without consultation.
"The political pact between Umno and PAS is based on mutual philosophy... We had agreed that any party in MN shouldn't be too hasty to join any political pact," Zahid was quoted as saying.