Kelantan Umno secretary Hanafi Mamat told FMT that the two parties could only work together on matters of public interest.

“At this time, (we) don’t see the possibility of a political cooperation between PAS and Umno in Kelantan. That is the decision we made at the party level.

“We will form a PAS-Umno alliance only for public interest matters that involve development, religion and welfare.”

Hanafi said it would also be impossible for Umno and PAS to form a joint state government after the 14th general election, as the Islamist party had done with Umno splinter Semangat 46.

PAS and the now-defunct Semangat 46 had worked together during the 1990 general election, which saw Umno removed from the state government. Kelantan has been under PAS rule ever since.

Meanwhile, PAS’ Kelantan information chief Nasaruddin Daud said the party was determined not to cooperate with Umno at the polls.

“We are contesting all seats in Kelantan. How are we going to work (with Umno)?

“There is no need to raise this matter again,” Nasaruddin said to FMT.

He also dismissed rumours that the two parties were working together, claiming they were spread by PAS splinter party Amanah and were meant to scare Kelantan voters.

“Amanah likes to make allegations. This issue has been played up for a long time but until, now we (Umno and PAS) have not come together.”

Speculation of a PAS-Umno political alliance has been rife since the Islamist party severed ties with PKR in April last year.

PAS’ refusal to work with opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan, which would lead to three-cornered election battles, have also contributed to the speculation.

This followed PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s appearances at several events attended by his Umno counterpart, Najib Razak.

They include the 2016 Himpunan Solidariti Ummah Rohingya rally and last year’s Himpunan Solidariti Selamatkan Baitulmaqdis (Solidarity Rally to Save Jerusalem).