UMNO respects PAS delegates' choice - Najib

UMNO respects the decision made by the PAS delegates at the party's annual general assembly recently to elect the ulama group to lead the party, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"As far as UMNO is concerned, we respect their choice, They decided they that they want the ulama to lead the party," he told Malaysian journalists here on Sunday.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman and UMNO president, was asked to comment on developments in the party which saw many pro-ulama leaders elected, including PAS central committee member Nik Abduh Nik Aziz as its Youth head.

Nik Abduh is also also the son of the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, who was PAS spiritual leader and a former menteri besar of Kelantan.

PAS Deputy President Mohamad Sabu was also defeated by his challenger Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, who is seen as pro-ulama.

Najib added: "That is the wish of the delegates, they have considered all aspects and decided (Datuk Seri Abdul) Hadi (Awang) to be their leader (president) and to be strengthened with ulama, we must respect the delegates' choice".

Asked about the possibility of a unity government with the new leadership, Najib said it was better to give them time to "settle down".