He said it is crucial for the leaders of the major Malay-Muslim parties in Muafakat Nasional (MN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) to foster cooperation and exercise openness with each other.

“The leaders have to be open and be forgiving to each other, as well as avoid using the media – including the social media – to resolve crises and arguments among themselves,” said Hashim in a statement today.

He added that the PAS Syura Council – the party’s highest decision-making body – had decided yesterday that the party would focus on strengthening MN and PN as part of efforts to unify the political powers of the Muslims for the benefit of the religion and the country.

Last week, FMT reported that the Syura Council would be discussing ways to strengthen political cooperation under its two political pacts. Secretary of the council, Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said the main agenda was to set its mission for GE15.

Ties between PAS and Umno have been strained following the Islamic party’s decision to contest under the PN banner in the Melaka state elections last month.