UMNO, PAS should find common ground - Harussani

The two parties, he said, should also set aside their political differences and to focus on the country's interests.

"What was said by PM (Prime Minister and UMNO President Datuk Seri Najib Razak) or PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang (in their speeches) was both more towards uniting the ummah (faithful).

"It is not in terms of the parties uniting, but uniting towards finding unity (of the ummah). Hopefully, this will succeed," he told reporters after presenting a working paper at the regional seminar (Multaqar) of Malaysian Al-Azhar Alumni regional seminar here Thursday.

He said if unity efforts among leaders of both parties succeed, the people would follow their step and work to avoid any rift.

Earlier, when presenting his working paper, 'Unity of the Ummah and Its Importance from the Ulama's Perspective' (Perpaduan Ummah dan Kepentingannya Dari Perspektif Ulama), Harussani hit out at the ulama (Islamic religious scholars) in the country for not playing their role.

He said as ulama, they should be a source of reference in all matters and to provide advice, especially in matters on strengthening Islam and uniting the Muslims.

"Instead, the ulama are at loggerheads. They do not discharge their duty... join politics for personal interests and to maintain position. If they carry out business, it is not for the economic interests of the Muslim community," he added.