Opportunity for UMNO to find common ground with PAS - Mukhriz

The establishment of Parti Amanah Rakyat (PAN) formed by former PAS leaders has indirectly created an opportunity for UMNO to find a common understanding with PAS, said Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

The Kedah Menteri Besar and state UMNO liaison chief said the actions of PAS leaders in 'crossing over' to PAN was an opportunity for UMNO to revive efforts to find common ground with PAS.

"I always said that between UMNO and PAS, there are many more similarities than differences, (but) unfortunately, it's common for people to bring up the differences, and leave the many similarities without mention," he told reporters after visiting the Yan district, Saturday.

The opportunity to see cooperation between the two Malay parties, he said, was created after 'elements' of disagreement with the consensus between UMNO-PAS had joined PAN.

He said this when commenting on the statement by Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa Malaysia (Perkasa) president Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who proposed the establishment of the National Council of Islamic brotherhood (MUIN).

Ibrahim Ali had suggested that UMNO and PAS join MUIN, along with other non-governmental organisations that fight for the rights of Malays and Islam.

Mukhriz said that efforts to establish cooperation between UMNO and PAS had been taking place for a long time, but was delayed due to certain reasons.

"So from our end, we are open (to Ibrahim Ali's proposal)," he said.

When asked about UMNO Secretary General Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor's statement recently that seven party leaders were being investigated, he said UMNO was a party that was open to criticism.

All parties, he said, need to understand that criticisms made against the party are aimed to strengthen it, and it does not constitute as an act of treason against the party.

"It is not a betrayal of the party, so it is very important for us to understand. Sometimes we criticise with the intention to strengthen, to reinforce the party," he said.