Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the meeting was co-chaired by Umno’s deputy president Mohamad Hasan and PAS’ deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.

Twelve top leaders from both parties were also present.

“Several matters were discussed on MN empowerment because we have never made any statement that are contrary. Both Umno and PAS are serious about empowering MN,” he said when met by reporters here today.

Ahmad also said PAS has the right to choose to work with PPBM under the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.

“PAS-Umno ties had been established way before PAS and PPBM started working together under PN, so there is no reason for us to give PAS any ultimatum to decide between us and PPBM,” he said.

On seat allocations, Ahmad said he sees no rife over seat allocation between the two parties for the next general election (GE15).

“Between Umno and PAS, we hope there will be no clashes. However, between Umno and PPBM, that we shall keep in view for now,” he said.

Earlier in the evening, Umno and PAS held an MN Technical Committee Meeting, co-chaired by Umno vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin and PAS vice-president Idris Ahmad.

Khaled said through the regular meetings, the two parties built stronger ties and have been working together to strengthen MN.

“Although a lot has been said out there, we (Umno-PAS) are still together and we still continue with our meetings,” he said.

Umno said recently that it will cease cooperating with PPBM for GE15, but remained with its stand to cooperate with PAS in strengthening MN.

PAS, on the other hand, wants to empower MN and continue with its agenda of strengthening unity among the Muslim community, which is the basis of PN’s cooperation.