Kelantan Umno chief sad over opposition to unity talks

(Bernama) – Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Mustapa Mohamed expressed disappointment over the opposition to the proposed unity government from several PAS leaders, including the party's Spiritual Leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

"Now, we are in the first stage of discussing the idea and concept. We are very disappointed by (the action of) some PAS members. What is wrong with sitting around the table and discussing the idea," said Mustapa on Saturday when asked about objections to the proposed unity government.

Mustapa, who is International Trade and Industry Minister, had earlier opened the ministry's interagency sports meet at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) stadium near here.

"At this stage, there has yet to be any official meeting between Umno and PAS," he said, adding that he felt that there was nothing wrong in Umno having talks with PAS in the common interest.

"At this point of time, I don't think we are talking about a unity government. In the future, of course, that will involve everyone," he said.

On Friday, Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged PAS to let bygones be bygones and get down to unity talks for the betterment of the Muslims.

Muhyiddin, who is the deputy prime minister, said Umno wanted the talks on the proposed unity government to be speeded up.