He said PAS and Umno did not have to merge but forge cooperation for political stability by setting aside their differences.

“I am optimistic such cooperation can unite the Malays and Malaysians towards a peaceful country. I still believe in this method of cooperation to discuss and plan the political future and see things in the interest of the nation.”

Nasharudin, who is also Global Movement of Moderates Foundation (GMMF) executive chairman, said this to a question from a participant who wanted to know the level of wasatiyyah practised by PAS and Umno, after he had delivered a talk entitled Global Movement of Moderates: Building Bridges and Eliminating Obstacles Through Moderation in Wisma Putra, here, yesterday.

He said the developments today saw PAS under president Abdul Hadi Awang as having a different tone on the issue of PAS-Umno cooperation compared with previous leaders, and was willing to pave the way for discussions with Barisan Nasional.

“PAS does not have to join Umno and vice versa. But what is important is that both parties must cooperate to find the best formula for the good of both sides,” he said.