Umno should consider working with PAS, says Nong Chik

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno should consider working with PAS as it could be a way forward for the party, said Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

The Lembah Pantai division chief said that recent statements by PAS members indicated that the party is open to working together.

He said that while some Umno members had demanded that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak step down as prime minister, PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and PAS spiritual adviser Haron Din had said otherwise. 

"This shows they are open to working with us," he said at the Lembah Pantai Umno delegates meeting.

Nong Chik said that the party can start by working together on the redelineation process which is supposed to be done every 10 years or so, and maybe move toward national leadership from there.

"There was a time when I was not even allowed to speak in PAS's surau, not even when I was a minister. But now I can. This may be an opening for us," said Nong Chik, who was the former Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being Minister.

He added that the country would be stronger if the Malays and Muslims are united.

Nong Chik also stated his support towards Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

"It is his right to drop the Deputy Prime Minister. I believe in the principle of collective responsibility - we are collectively responsible no matter what happens in cabinet decisions.

"We can disagree in cabinet but if still unhappy after, then quit," he said.